Changing The Script

[poliphilo]

I have this dream a lot: I'm on stage or leading a church service and I don't what the hell I'm about. I haven't learned the lines, I can't find the place in the book. Mercifully the dream ends before the audience or congregation starts throwing things or walking out.

Last night there was a significant variation or development. I had been cast as Torwald in a production of A Doll's House. I'd learned my lines, but none of them had stuck. My part was a huge blank to me. Normally I'd have gone on stage and improvised desperately, but this time I did the sensible thing. I went up to the director (who happened to be Peter Hall) and told him frankly, "Look, I don't know my lines. And I'm never going to. I think you need to get somone else."

Maybe I'm learning to live with my limitations. 

Comments

Oh!

[jubal51394.livejournal.com]

I so hope not!

[baritonejeff.livejournal.com]

I've had a similar dream for years. Usually, I've simply put off learning my part and, as the dream unfolds, the day of reckoning gets closer and closer. What to do? The first thought is run away - escape! But, as I've had this dream repeatedly, there is some recognition that I've done this before, that I'm "known for this."

The only thing that has changed over the years is that now, at some point in the dream, I realize I can simply wake up, and this will all go away. The relief is tremendous!

Re: Oh!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I don't know.

It's better than being tormented by them, isn't it?

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

This is the first time I've short-circuited the process myself- other than by waking up.

I sometimes wish I'd gone on the stage, but then I think about having to learn all those lines and I'm glad I didn't.