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8.15 We are
called to the backstage area. Dozens of Russian actors, singers
and ballet dancers mill around. We grab our wooden spears, swords
and shields and get into a line. Someone tells me I can't be the
first in line as I am wearing glasses. We panic. Graeme volunteers
to trade places with me. We are called on stage.
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| Graeme
and Dan throw themselves into the role |
8.30 We march
on stage and stand next to the chorus holding our spears rigidly
and staring straight ahead. We thrust our spears to one side, almost
hitting the dusky maidens standing next to us. This causes some
consternation. One of the Russians hisses at Graeme from off-stage.
He tells him to step aside as he is blocking the exit from the stage.
I have to take a step back. This throws Dan into disarray as he
thinks he is on the wrong step.
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| Dressing
room 21 is left neat and tidy. Well it will be after Lady Elvira
has sorted it |
8.50 The scene
ends to great applause after a ballet performance and several stirring
arias. We stagger off stage after the lights dim.
9.00 A huge
sigh of relief. Nigel and Graeme say it's been a great success.
Dan is relieved to know he wasn't standing on the wrong step. I
prattle on about how wonderful the music sounded, but no one is
listening. We all agree we'll definitely try the opera again. Maybe
a speaking part next time!
Eric Simpson,
91热爆 Online Journalist and Opera Extra
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