I am, however, having a challenging time getting back to "normal" life after this production.
In the 10 years I have been working in theatre, I have to say that this particular project has stood out from all of the rest in a very good way. Not to say that other productions I have worked on have not been great, because there have been some real gems.
I don't know what or who you believe in, however, I believe God or the universe had a truly instrumental hand in this production. I say all of this because as I've told a few close friends, this process and the production of this play is the closest thing I've come to church or a spiritual experience working in theatre. I say this because every time I stepped in on a reading, a rehearsal, a tech day, whether it be to watch or do a fitting, I felt an energy that something bigger was at work in the room then what we were doing, that there was a bigger reason for this production, then just putting on a play. I found myself looking forward to going to work on this project and I had a hard time leaving after my job was done. I still find myself popping in to check on costumes, but also to see the show again, even though I've seen it more times than I can count. I can't get it enough and some of the lines are even stuck in my head and in my heart. "The River" is a powerful, crazy, ride of play, that touches on so many topics and themes, its jam packed with everything!
I do truly believe the cast and crew as well as the script were all meant to be joined together with everyone involved. I also feel like it shows in each performance that occurs each time that cast gets on the stage and performs. I feel this is a production made out of love by everyone involved. It's made from love from people we have lost and from places we have lost along the way, just like some of the themes touched upon in the play itself.
So, coming down off of this natural high of working on an awesome production is a little disorienting. It took me a week, but I think I'm finally getting things together, clearing the mess off my desk left in the wake of this production. I am hitting the mediation even more to center and focus myself. I also am mentally preparing myself for another Richard Montoya production, as I find myself in the position of Wardrobe Lead for "American Night" at California Shakespeare Theatre in a few months time. I'm getting back on the thesis train and also anticipating the new Luis Alfaro play I will be working on, "Alleluia, The Road", with Triangle Lab in the Fall. I even have a few smaller projects in the works to keep me busy, so I will surely not be bored this summer.
In other words, things are back in motion!
I highly encourage all of you to go see "The River "playing right now at the A.C.T. Costume Shop until May 4! Tickets are selling out quite fast since their is very limited seating in the space, which makes you feel right in the production itself. Who knows, you might see me there peeking my head out of the curtains one night.
Tickets for "The River": http://theriver2013.eventbrite.com
To get a glimpse of what you're in for, here are some beautiful pictures taken by photographer, Pak Han.
