Something quite beautiful

Yesterday Ben and I got together for the first time with our acting coach for a chat and a read through of Ruby Red Lipstick. The “chat” part (breaking down what was happening moment by moment) was really very stimulating. 

When, towards the end of our session, we read the play out loud from start to finish (which didn’t take long, as it’s less than ten minutes from start to finish), I found myself tearing up more than once. So did Ben. Of course, said our coach. It’s moving stuff. I guess it is (agrees the writer).

I think we’re going to come up with something quite beautiful.

We’re planning to go every week for the next few weeks and I suspect these sessions are going to turn into a highlight for me.

Now I just have to figure out what to put in the programme. The original idea was that I would cast and direct it. When neither of the women I would have liked to play Violet were able or willing to do it, I was ready to put the play back in the drawer – until my friend Donna suggested I should play Violet. Fine, but could I manage to wear the director’s hat, too? I wasn’t sure. I was going to have a hard enough time figuring out how to convincingly play a woman in her late seventies, without trying to direct myself doing it. Which was why I asked this professional to help us workshop the piece. She was very happy to do so, but now I’m left wondering. I don’t see how I can take credit for directing when there won’t be much left to do by the time our sessions are finished. 

She doesn’t want a director’s credit in the programme. I don’t feel as if I can take one. What to do?