Started off the evening with our production meeting, which got a few things sorted out. Then over to Autry House to rehearse yet another heavy scene: Paulina presenting the child to Leontes.
It went well. The interactions between Paulina and Antigonus are very good. We decided that they probably had a huge argument before her entrance, and her reaction when she realises that he isn't going to take her side is quite poignant. Meanwhile, Nick's politic, cautious, and meticulous Lord is developing into quite a character on his own. This is one of the few scenes where he stops playing the court games and actually stands up to Leontes.
After that, we lightened things up a bit with theinfamous "Exit pursued by a bear" scene. Amit, playing Antigonus, is of course somewhat dismayed by the Monologue from Hell in this scene, but he's determined to get it right. We managed to block it so that he doesn't just stand there the whole time. We've also decided that while the Clown is telling the Shepherd about finding the bear devouring Antigonus, we'll have a few snarls and anguished cries from offstage.
The Clown's relation of the bear and the shipwreck is hilarious -- Vijay is all over the stage as he tells the Shepherd about these amazing incidents. Some funny stuff with the Shepherd trying to get him to calm down, and with them going off in separate directions with their findings at the end of the scene. Should end the first half on a high note when performed.
Zane, who as two different servants, the Gaoler, and the Mariner, is rapidly becoming the show's quick-change artist, and will in my opinion be deserving of an ovation. He's come up with an idea for the Mariner and the country servant: the Mariner probably doesn't have time to get back to the ship before it sinks in the storm, and the bear gets Antigonus instead of him -- so he stays in Bohemia and becomes a servant to the Shepherd! Maybe? It would be a fun idea to play with.