Brent Vickar: A Father Speaks

Brent holidaying in Europe

 When I counted among my group of former actor-friends, nothing made them crazier than civilians saying “you have all those lines to memorize….how do you do it?” Now I know why this made them crazy. Learning the lines is the easy bit. Once the lines are there, one has to learn to walk and talk at the same time. Next, we’re directed to incorporate something from our own experience in creating a character. So, for Egeus…..what can I draw upon that’s frustrating; whom can I conjure who has defied me the way Lysander and Hermia have? I think and I hope I can get there. Engaging with my colleagues onstage is easy in theory; doing it is not. But that’s what makes this journey exciting. And scary. 

 I auditioned with the perspective that theatre people have given me some magic moments, and are deserving of the utmost respect. Times ten now. Kelly and her team are all business. This is a good thing.  Although I wondered at the outset whether a group of amateurs such as we are could make this production one I’d want friends and co-workers to see, I no longer wonder. Having seen what my fellow actors are capable of with careful guidance, I’m now of the view that this is going to be pretty amazing. We’re all pushing the limits of what we can do. 

So, back to the magic of the theatre. I’m  grateful for the opportunity to speak some lines and do some business on the same stage where I’ve watched Seana McKenna, Daniel MacIvor, Fiona Reid and a host of others do what they do. Art is about making connections, isn’t it? I discovered recently that the mid-century novelist Djuna Barnes wrote a novel called “Nightwood”…..sound familiar? Kelly confirmed that the name of this company originated with that book. And that the production of “The Danish Play” that wowed many of us a few years ago was indeed a Nightwood play. Wouldn’t have known any of this if I hadn’t showed up to audition.  Now we’re all a part of it. 

And finally…..having some difficulty rehearsing on my own during our hiatus week, as the cats who share a home with my partner Don and I don’t particularly care for Shakespeare. So, out to the back yard.  Maybe the neigbours will be interested? Now, do what you do, courtiers and lovers and beat-fairies. And let’s have real martinis in Act 5, shall we? 

Egeus suited up