This year has been the longest decade in recent history.
I hope you’re well. I hope you’re safe and keeping hopeful amidst so much change and so much loss.
Since April - when I last published a blog piece here on this site - I lost quite a few theatre jobs and opportunities due to the ongoing pandemic. My case is not rare. In fact, EVERYONE in my theatrical trade has lost everything. At this point, nobody can say for sure when Theatre will be back; or when things will feel “normal” again…
I suspect it will take about 2-3 years for theatres - particularly the big houses - to fill up again safely. It will be a gradual process. It will be marked by uncertainty and discomfort. But it will happen, and eventually we will start to see the light a bit more clearly…
But, for now, we…PIVOT!
To my surprise, I have found myself making MOVIES this year - and quite a few of them: I acted in a Hallmark Christmas film (“Christmas by Starlight”), coming out this Thanksgiving in the States; I also played a doctor in a big horror movie called “Jessie’s Boy”; and I got cast in a Latin American film called “Intersection”, shooting in Winnipeg next Spring. I’ll be playing a Chilean consulate official called Diego - I’m very excited to be reunited with two Stratford friends for that film, Juan Chioran and Carmen Aguirre. Love my Latinx buds!
BUT, even more special, was what we did with my company Shakespeare in the Ruins recently: we made a big feature length film version of MACBETH!
That was our pivoting plan for this 2020 Fall, since we had to cancel our school tour of “The Tempest” - because Covid.
“Macbeth”, the film, was conceived by two SIR associate artists: Michelle Boulet and Sarah Constible. We wrapped shooting last week, after spending a whole month on the job. The movie features 30 actors, and a boatload of talent behind the screen too. We haven’t officially announced, so if you’re reading this here, you’re getting a sweet little scoop.
We will formally announce soon. We will probably release the film early in 2021. The editing process is just starting, and it will take a while. I cannot wait to share the details with you. It looks gorgeous, and the design concept is incredibly elegant and haunting. The cast is ridiculous, really. So talented.
But what I REALLY wanted to tell you is this: I got to act in “Macbeth” alongside my boy, Zeke. We played the Macduffs, and the experience is one I will never, ever forget. He was absolutely brilliant; so alive and full of heart. It was the easiest time I have ever, ever had acting with a partner. The whole process was informed by Love, and the sheer pleasure of telling a good story. I can’t stop thinking about his little eyes, looking at me attentively during our scene…
My baby girl, Indira, was also in the film, “playing” another Macduff kid.
What a special record of my family doing Shakespeare on screen together, preserved forever. I shall cherish this moment in Time for my entire life.
And it wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for Covid…
Sometimes, particularly in this profession, you just have to look at the bright side of life. Anything else is just madness and loss…
Pivot, darling. That’s what they say.
I am in awe of my community. Theatre artists are astonishingly resilient, and this moment in Time has yet again shown the world how creative and resourceful we are in this profession.
We are still storytellers, and nothing can stop us. We will keep finding ways to reach out, and to connect with YOU, worry not.
I miss you, xo
RB.