Eight years ago, I was asked to audition for a British Farce that was being produced at a local community theater. I used to do a good British accent. I read for the girl parts, but was asked if I would cut my hair and mind dressing like a man to play the male lead. Being Aquarian, that was right up my alley. It was my favorite part ever, playing Philip Markham in "Move Over Mrs. Markham."
Michael hated my looking like this.
I am a girlie girl. I like jewelry, makeup, perfume, wearing dresses and skirts. Man, oh man, though, it was a lot of fun entering a masculine persona, or the other way around. From the feedback of some of the theater's boardmembers, and by the packed house everynight, it was very fulfilling to be The Man. THAT was acting. (or, I am a cross-dresser)
My Dad wouldn't or couldn't come to the play, but my Mom did. She did not like anything at all about it. She disliked that I was cast in this role, and probably was most appalled by my fake-kissing a woman on-stage. We have a history of my shocking and appalling her. I know we c/wouldn't have our relationship any other way. It doesn't take away from my Being in my flow. My approval comes from within. She and I mutually respect one another and can disagree about things now. I have grown up in my esteem of what I am, this actor identity. I love to Play.
4 comments:
This is good stuff. Let's talk about the book . . .
What would I write a book about? Astrology? Anecdotal?
I protest the idea, but am willing to sit at the table and discuss it like grown-ups.
I think I'd have problems if Maggie dressed like a man. Not that I'd want to restrict her personal growth, but I definitely refer my women to be female...
Good for you though for stretching yourself :)
Oh yeah, I understood where he was coming from. I really played up the feminine in me when not at rehearsal, or during, and since, the three weeks it ran. I no longer look adrogynous either thanks to putting some weight on. Mixed blessings.
The director also cross-dressed a man as the wealthy dowager in the play. David Buzan did a bang up job in that role. It was a hoot onstage to play with these guys. The man who acted opposite me as my business partner, would get a dumb-founded look on his face in one act that threatened to have me break character almost every performance.
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