As You Like It in Rehearsal
I was privileged to attend a rehearsal of As You Like It produced and directed by Roman Paska, the talented American puppeteer who headed the school. Paska is clearly someone with a sense of order, precision and control. In a discussion about decorative elements with his set designer, it was clear that he knew exactly what he wanted. The rehearsal mockups were impeccably constructed pyramid-shaped pedestals that would eventually become metal structures containing terrariums. There were questions about functionality and he wasted no time communicating it to the designer. He behaved similarly with the actors. He obviously enjoys his authority! There was no detail that escaped his eye. He asked actors to repeat a sequence until every detail was minutely perfect and wasted no time laying it all out in broad strokes. There was stage lighting, no cueing yet, but a sound engineer was clearly as necessary a participant as a rehearsal pianist is to a ballet. The three actors are clearly gifted and capable of articulating their concerns as well as offering ideas, some of which were welcomed. Paska knows what he wants. There was never any sign that he wasn’t totally aware of what was needed and was clear as well as demanding.
