‘The Visit’: A performer’s reflection – Amelia Potter
Anyone who has been in the play, performed in a lunchtime performance, or has helped with the costumes and make up, will be able to explain the sheer amount of teamwork, character building and friendships that are evident in the development of theatre.
‘The Visit’ by Friedrich Dürrenmatt, is originally a Swiss production that was later translated into a version we could understand. How convenient for the cast. It involves a trial for justice, that consists of an endowment if a certain man is killed. With a few additional lines, manipulated phrases and reworded sentences, the RHS version hoped to be relevant and relatable for the audience, with recognisable references to parts of society (east anglia) and school around us, notably in phrases such as ‘the chapel’ and the romantic, ‘walks’. This aimed to make the play accessible and current, interpreting a modern twist that suited our circumstances.
Intensity began to increase on the Sunday of exiat. We rehearsed from 13:00 till 19:00, breaking at 17:00 for mess. The staging was half up and the lights sometimes on but despite that we accomplished much that needed to be done and were ready to continue the intensity from Monday and throughout the performances on Thursday through to Saturday.
Our costumes were fitted on Sunday as well, a most exciting experience. Interestingly, there was supposed to be a red wig for Claire.
As many of you, (who watched it) may have noticed, the red wig, after trial, was rejected. It was more than luminous.
Performance 1, the premier, was on Thursday, and it went well, as well as it could. What was most interesting to the cast however, may have been the amount of sweets left behind. News came in over the week that a packet of strawberry pencils, popcorn and a packet of strawbs were successfully scavenged. To retain their publicly known hygiene levels and respect, their names shall remain anonymous… So much was left that the next day, extra bins had been placed in the assembly hall, this made the aftermath somewhat cleaner following our second performance.
Performance 2 was much better! We loved it. Everyone finished on such a high and we were so grateful for the audience and the atmosphere created.
Lastly, on Saturday, despite matches and delays, the whole cast came together finally at about 18:45 to perform at 19:00. With Amadi in need of makeup, a matron or a doctor, following a rugby injury, we soon managed to turn him into the schoolmaster, the schoolmaster that yes, was MEANT to have a swollen hand.
The last night puts into perspective all the time and effort gone into such a production. Mr Kerr and Mrs Archard were amazing as ever in bringing everything together, forming amazing structures on stage and ultimately allowing us to fulfil our love for drama and to put on a show that we are proud of. The backstage crew made props accessible and costumes ready. Additionally, the blood that was used on stage required a substantial amount of removing, the school otherwise appeared as a murder scene. A murder scene that tasted of mint… Mr Kerr and Mrs Archard were so encouraging and helpful that we hope we made you both proud!
Last of all, on behalf of the yr 13s in the play, I’d like to thank the whole cast and production team for making the school play, yet again, such an enjoyable experience to be part of. I think we were excellent and I hope you all do too.
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