Musings on "type"

[madbaker]

I am trying to stretch myself a bit for this year's GSP commedia production -- having played the role multiple times, Leandro would be pretty easy for me, and I wouldn't need too much more effort to get into Arlecchino.

So I'm auditioning for Capitano. (As well as Dottore.) I'd like to play Brighella eventually, but not this year. Pantalone doesn't interest me as yet.
I hadn't thought about it much beyond "wanting to stretch". Talking Wednesday with goldenstag and aastg, they made the point that it's against type for me. That Brighella and Dottore are closer to my personality than Capitano.

I could be offended by that if I really wanted to, but it's true to the extent that they meant it. I enjoy pompously explicating (a la Dottore) and I've been known to prevaricate. Once or twice. Not to the extent of Brighella, and I'm not the schemer that he is - but yeah, I can see getting into that headspace.

Capitano, on the other hand, is a lot of things I'm not: boastful and extroverted. Cowardly. Quick to anger and just as quick to recoil in fear when challenged. Etc.

That's probably the appeal, and I guess that's why I'm interested in playing him this year. It's a challenge and I'll have to work if I get the part.

Comments

[madbaker.livejournal.com]

Right now I know the scenario better than anyone, but once everyone gets a few rehearsals under their belts I don't think the mechanics will be an issue.

[goldenstag.livejournal.com]

Gosh, I wonder why that is? (knowing the scenario better ...)

FWIW, the area I think you need to work the most for Capitano is the physicality. It's radically different from what you've done before ... That said, obviously no final decisions have been made yet.