Good Day and Great Days

An explosion blinded us and people fell to the ground. More gun shots went off. I tried to keep from letting tears rush down my cheeks.  We were in the middle of World War I in the New London Theatre, sitting on the edge of our seats.

Last night, we had the option to attend a performance of War Horse provided by AIFS as a cultural event at very discounted price. Originally £60, we were able to get our tickets at £15, and so I took advantage and I am so happy I did.

That morning though, I didn't have quite the same feeling. After finishing up a research paper in the wee dawn hours, I did not feel very keen about any other activity other than sleeping. (I honestly had spend the previous three days working on the paper, I am just very slow thorough. I didn't procrastinate!)Good news is, I was able to fit a small nap in. So I was ready for the show! 

Coffee was a necessity in class that day.

How we felt about our inadequate amount of sleep.

This is where I debate adding this part in the blog: but I am devoted to providing a true portrayal of my journeys, however embarrassing the events they may be.

We were twenty minutes late to the show. It is the worst theater etiquette and as an actress myself, I, least to say, was embarrassed. Heading out at 6pm for a show at 7pm proved to be not enough time. The tube ride was estimated to take 24 minutes on the Tube Map App I downloaded on my newly acquired IPhone 4. (Which I'm loving, thank you family!) Including walking, I estimated it would take 40 minutes from beginning traveling time to end to the theatre, but that is something I am still getting down: estimating traveling time in the city.

And so are other students! I was relieved to run into a group of friends at one of the changing stations. Next time, I will give myself an hour and a half to travel and arrive early. We live and we learn!

And "the show MUST go on!"

The staff of the New London Theatre were kind; they updated us late-comers on what we had missed, led us up the five stair cases (you are expected to be very athletic here)and pointed us to our seats.

After hearing how phenomenal reviews on the theatrics of the animals in the production, I had some high expectations. And they were met! Two men under a hollow shaped horse worked unbelievably well together to enact the movements of the legs, chest, and tail. A third actor led the movements of the horse's head and ears. The teamwork it must of taken to succeed at creating a breathing, running, nay-ing horse baffles my mind.

(Yes, I took this picture off the internet..it shows you the great theatrics!)

As an actress, I am always thinking of what it would be like to be the actors in the production I am watching. And I can say that I am impressed with the number of languages and accents that the actors had to master. Some spoke a generous amount of German, others had an Irish accent for the whole show. I wonder if some of them already spoke the language, since most Europeans know multiple languages. Also, I wonder if it makes it any easier for the actors to learn the language since they live so close to these other countries and whether or not it makes a difference they've been exposed to the language or accents for some time in their life. Anyway, back to the show.

We were nearing the end of the show and the scenes were tearing our hearts apart. All we wanted was for Albert to be reunited with his horse, Joey. Unbeknown to the tear-gassed Albert, Joey was about to be put down right in front of him. I debated holding back my tears (as if I had any control over it anyway). But after noticing the girls next to me "scratch their nose" of "rub their eyes", I let it all free. Even let my nose run a little.

 One verse alone brought me to tears (no shame):

We will love

we will lose

but winter turns into spring.

I don't normally like spending too much time watching dark shows, nonetheless, two hours and forty minutes later, I walked away from the theatre with some refreshing thoughts: love can pull us through the toughest situations and how lucky we are to live in these days.

Joining up with friends after, I revisited the thought of how fortunate we are and how grateful I am for all that I have...which is everything I need to be happy. Safety, family, friends, the opportunity for education, freedom, the joy of immersing myself in arts...all of these things which couldn't be guaranteed in other decades. I fell asleep thinking of all the things I am grateful for, having a longer list than ever before. 

Skyping with my parents and dog :)

We only have good days, and great days.

Casually having ten friends over in our studio room!