There is no project without its unique challenges, for us, there were several. The first challenge we faced was that our tickets were oversubscribed (which was a great problem to have). So we proceeded to book 2 nights at the Esplanade instead of 1. However, this was when things got messier with the implementation of Phase 2.
Wearing Mask and Performing
We were quite lucky to still be able to do the show but we had to wear our masks throughout. This was at best a minor inconvenience which did not affect the show very much. I had to reiterate to the team that now that their smiles and frowns cannot be seen, they had to communicate more engagingly with their bodies and their eyes.
It was a good lesson and training in non facial communication.
AB Shift
With the Phase 2 HA1, we were informed by Esplanade that they had an A/B shift falling both on Thursday and Friday. Hence we can only do 1 of the nights instead of 2. One of the solutions was to cancel the Friday show.
Ideally, we would want to proceed with 2 nights since the tickets for both nights were sold out already and the refund process was cumbersome. I then made the decision to wait and if need be, cancel one of the nights. After a week of frazzling over this, Esplanade came back to us with good news a change in their shift days and we will be able to do both shows. (Phew!)
Audience Participation
Prior to Phase 2 HA2, the guideline stated that there can be no audiences invited on stage to participate. And this was something that I was very clear on from the beginning. We were restricted in that we cannot get a participant to give a response into a microphone. But that was okay because my team and I developed web-applications to circumvent this problem. We had a QR code system where the audience would scan and input their answers. All was hunky dory and we were all set!
However, with Phase 2HA2, the definition was restricted to No Participation of any form. The apps we created were no allowed to be used even though there was no physical contact between us and the audiences. This was very frustrating as it was 2 weeks to the performance and about 25% of the acts had to be changed. Esplanade was also very strict (and rightfully so) on this, and we had to abide to the rules.
The good thing was that the affected performers rose to the task and changed their act. My act was affected as well.
While the original intended ending of the show was supposed to based on a premise of fate and destiny and choices made by an audience member, I had to take on a performative route instead. Scripts were rewritten and we all in line with the thesis of the show.
And a confession, it turned out better than I expected :D
Post Performance Thoughts
Going through the hurdles of COVID-19 to get back to the norm was certainly not an easy task for the performing arts.
I have the privilege of a great team and supportive audiences. It was truly a pleasure to be directing and leading this show. I had great support from Meta Illusions and its Alumnus who volunteered their time to help in the production of the show.
