by coracle » Feb 13, 2015 4:15 pm
I'm rehearsing in Richard III (Shakespeare) at the moment, due to open on 13 March.
I have a few small speaking parts, and had better get my lines down!
Christchurch has several amateur theatre groups, all of which have struggled a bit but have survived since the earthquakes four years ago.
I belong to three of them which have their own buildings.
One society's 1920s theatre had to be demolished and is still working toward rebuilding it. The land can be reused, but everything costs time and money. A temporary arrangement got delayed...
Another group has a 1891 building which we thought had to be demolished, but is now going to be repaired and strengthened - when it can afford it.
The third had quake strengthening two years pre-quake on its 1860s stone building, but is currently having 'cosmetic' repairs to one side of the building, including rebuilding a section added on in 1968. It houses a costume hire business, all the theatre costumes, props and sets, and a performance/rehearsal area.
Live theatre has had to use school halls, churches (those not damaged), and other spaces.
“Not all of us can choose what we give up. The things we love are taken or are never ours at all. If we’re lucky, life is defined not by what we let go, but what we let in: friendship and kind words, frailty and hope.”
From 'Call The Midwife', S9 Ep2