Oh, I would like to be beside the seaside

You think you're tired?

July was such a busy month, what with workshops and spoken word events and book launches, not to mention day-to-day work stuff. I had hoped August was going to be a bit gentler, but here we are on the 11th already, and I feel I'm still playing catch-up. Not that I'm complaining; I hate it when I haven't got a deadline looming or a target in my sights.

Even so, I could do with a holiday. I've got one coming up soon, so don't feel too sorry for me. I'm trying to get four weeks' work done in three (because freelances never just disappear into the sunset), but at least it's quiet at home at the moment, because Mr Thorley has gone off on his golfing jolly with his chums. This has left me with the dubious honour of caring for the tropical fish and keeping on top of the allotment picking.

All of which means, I have little to report of any interest, except that on Wednesday I distinguished myself at dancetheatre rehearsal by ripping my trousers through over-enthusiasm in the warm-up routine. I tried to keep my back to the wall as much as possible, but in the end I gave up all attempts at modesty. Good job we're close friends.

Did I mention I need a holiday?

Strutting and fretting again

Image copyright Pamula Furness

I mentioned briefly on Monday that this evening I shall be involved in a performance. We're calling it a 'sharing', because that's what it is. We (that is, Deep Roots Tall Trees Dancetheatre) have been working on a piece we have devised ourselves under the guidance of our choreographer Neil Paris and we have invited friends and family to come and see what we've been up to all this time.

The project began in September when we visited a local redundant church. We explored the space (as we say in showbusiness), and devised movements and storylines based on the architecture and the history of the building. We also created some fictional characters. I was intrigued by the harmonium in the corner of the church and wondered if the person who played it realised that the church was going to close. One thing led to another and some of this woman's tale has been incorporated into the performance.

'Harmonium' will be performed at the Rooftop Arts Centre in Corby for one night only. I have written a little about the background to the project and an extended version of Catherine's story and popped it up as an e-booklet in the Amazon store here.

Tomorrow I shall be mostly lying in a darkened room.