Wednesday, 11/8

We began staging today. Wu, the Peking Opera star showed us some basic movements; how a general would walk and bow, how to speak to the emperor - always facing and then backing away three steps before turning. He showed Elizabeth Futral and me some hand positions. It is a bit like making an AOK symbol but with middle finger touching thumb. Then the rest of the fingers need to stay up. By the end of the day my ring fingers on each hand were trembling. Not as easy as it looks. What was amazing was watching Wu demonstrate. Until now we have only heard him sing Peking style. He also moves in an amazing way and with such strength. There is also little turning of the head which is hard to get used to. With Japanese style the head can turn at an angle but in Chinese style the head should stay straight ahead except when bowing. Once you start singing it is hard to not move your head too much. We are used to emoting with our entire body and also with sharp reactions. This is not what we should do in this style.

Michele De Young, who sings the part of the Shaman, was dressed in a rehearsal costume that looked like it could be the real thing. She had little booties on and she had gloves with finger nails that are a foot long and she uses her hand movements to foreshadow events.

Elizabeth, in the role of the daughter, is carried in on a chaise. Her character was thrown from a horse and she lost use of her legs. She needs to sit side-saddle style for a long period. The movements all are very symbolic. I am worried about using the wrong one and having it mean something derogatory, if you get my drift. Compared to these elegant Chinese actors I feel like an elephant. I need to get back into yoga to build up my strength.