'Unoriginal Sin' Autumn 2010 - Director's Report

Parts of what I am about to write/ you are about to read, I am sure, have been written many times before in Semi-Circle history. The play started with the play reading committee and was one of a number of proposals at the time. It was my proposal so I was pleased when Unoriginal Sin was chosen for the Autumn 2010 production. This was my first experience of directing a full length play but I found the experience I had had with one act plays invaluable.

The usual round of auditions, casting, and planning got under way in April/May 2010 and the first read through was held in May. Luckily the theatre was found and booked earlier in the year at Dornach so that was one less problem. Another load that had been removed was that of publicity as the S-C Committee had established a publicity group to take care of this. A tight budget was drawn up and I was given strict instructions it was to be adhered to.

Suddenly it was mid August and rehearsals started in earnest, twice a week. I was given permission to rent the Pantomime Group’s cellar which immediately proved to be a large benefit as it is big enough to simulate a full size stage. This meant that we were moving around a ‘stage’ from day 1. The biggest benefit this provided was that the move to the theatre stage was much more seamless. I decided that the set as recommended in the text would be good so this was found in the Baumlihof with most of the props (along with a rather fine looking sofa in the street in Kleinbasel!).

Rehearsals moved along at pace and I found I had a group of actors who were really enjoying getting in to their parts – they quickly became a good team who were always supporting each other and discussing their roles. It also became apparent early on what a well written play ‘Unoriginal Sin’ was. All of this made my role as director considerably easier. Posters and flyers were designed ( Conny Heim) and sent out, a Production manager came forward ( thank you Sue Aeschbach), tickets were put on sale in Bider & Tanner (online and in their shop), A ‘Facebook’ account was opened along with a ‘blog’ on the S-C web site: Semi–Circle was moving into the technological age.

The move into the theatre happened on the Monday before the first performance and within a day and a half the set was erected and painted. I can recommend our President’s skills with a paintbrush! There followed 8 performances of ‘Unoriginal Sin’ which improved with each showing. Penny Rettig (prompter) was not called on once during the whole run – quite a feat on behalf of the actors.

The last night produced an audience of about 115 people which made for a memorable evening that ended the show on a real high. Sue Aeschbach organized the stage crew, bar staff and make up rosta very efficiently and helped to find most of the props too. I took care of the lighting and sounds, and apart from one or two hiccups managed to get through the 8 performances.

After it was all over I had time to reflect and felt rather sad that so few members came forward to offer their help early on. At least three emails were sent along with the audition forms asking for people to get involved. There was a nil response. This is not a criticism, just a statement because in the end a number of us had a lot of fun. The audiences seemed to enjoy themselves and a lot of compliments came our way. Even those for whom the choice of play was not for them left complimenting the actors on their performances.

So – Jake Dixon, Vinka Arrellano, Steve Martin, Alix Austin, David Cox and last but not least, John Hyland…… thank you for your commitment and the quality of your performances. You did Semi-Circle proud and you have certainly enhanced our reputation for quality productions.

Peter Hilton