Melancholy Play

My presence in the rehearsal space was well respected as I lead many of the table work sessions and character building exercises. One of my more notable contributions was creating Tilly's 'playing space', inspired by the set design, where her out-of-world scenes or dialogue would take place. 

"Bell joined our production of Melancholy Play with the role of Assistant Director. We worked together so closely, however, that I experienced our collaboration as more akin to a co-directorship. Bell was so attuned to the nuances of the play, as well as to my directorial vision, and therefore they helped me shape the overall arc of the production. Because of their strong ability to work with all sorts of artists, I often divided our cast between us so that Bell could offer acting coaching and support to specific actors, who always emerged with not only a clearer sense of objective and narrative, but a sense of joy and play.. I often asked Bell which scenes inspired them and would then ask if they would like to stage those scenes. We would speak about our mutual approach to pool our ideas and insights, but ultimately I felt completely comfortable turning over scenes to Bell as they stated each with such insightful theatricality, wit and sensitivity." 

-Rosalie Purvis