Not to natter on & on & on about THAT play, but I found something interesting last night

[WolverineDG]

I was doing some google research on my part (Hecate) & found some interesting things about her, including that she & the Celtic goddess Brigid share attributes. Now Brigid's special day is Imbolc, which is February 2. Guess what day THAT play opens? :wow:

Anyway, I found out some interesting things about Hecate: she was the goddess of the crossroads, her presence/arrival is often marked by barking dogs; symbols include the owl, the torch, rope, and the knife (Is that a dagger I see before me?).

I have a very short amount of time to establish my character, which is already constrained by being portrayed as "evil." While I can't get around that, what I would like to do is come up with as respectful a portrayal as possible within the limits I've been given, without attracting any negative vibes that seem to follow this play around.

Any insights/suggestions are welcome. :)

dg

[kentauros]

1. One really good source of information immediately comes to mind,

the book "Encyclopedia of Spirits" by Judika Illes. If your library has it, go read the three full pages on Hekate (that's at least two pages more than most entries get.)

Next, is the site "Theoi Greek Mythology" and their entry for Hekate:

http://www.theoi.com/Khthonios/Hekate.html

You should find out everything you need to know either there or in the book. I'm going to go look up Artemis/Diana now :D

[WolverineDG]

3. And off to the library I go!

Thanks, kentauros! :D

dg

[BlueIris]

2. Suggestion from a non-actor: you could go serious and dignified.

I think the witches of M------ are best played with an angle toward the serious. You know, as the the wise older women who carry folk wisdom. Also the characters who knew what deep poo poo the main character is about to get himself into.

As for negative energy...the play does have that history. I even have a couple of spooky stories about my own experiences with it. One time I was rereading it, I managed to slice the tip of my finger on the pointy edge of my wallet of all things. Didn't even notice it was bleeding until I got all the way to the grocery store, at which point I had covered the steering wheel.

The other creepy M------ story I have comes from the time I saw it in 2002 when I was in the middle of a bad, bad relationship. It just felt like everything about my viewings of it was telling me, "Hello, you live in Inverness!"

So I understand your concern.

[WolverineDG]

4. The witches are supposed to be "scary"

I've heard them discuss the make-up & it sounds more like they're going with "ugly." :sigh: Why does "scary" usually equal "ugly?" In their discussions about the witches, it's clear to me that Hecate is not included, but no one's come to talk to me about costuming, make-up, etc. I'm just guessing that as go the witches, so goes Hecate.

Well, we're early in the game yet, so I'll see what more develops. :) Thanks for the suggestions.

dg

[BanzaiBonnie]

12. We saw the play with Patrick Stewart in New York

The witches were dressed as nurses who were "working" on patients. Dress as professionals.

[WolverineDG]

13. Interesting!

Our version is set in the 1000s, so that won't be an option.

dg

[Howler]

5. I don't have any advice considering that the advice

Already given on this thread is all EXCELLENT.
I just wanted to say That I love hearing about the plays that you star in WolverineDG.
And if thats Nattering Please natter away.

[WolverineDG]

8. Oh, I'm definitely not "starring" in this one

Hecate only appears in 2 scenes & if you've seen the stuff on YouTube, on stage at most for 2-3 minutes tops. I'm hoping the director keeps me onstage for the rest of the scene in Act IV, though, because I think Hecate needs to be there for the apparition scene.

dg

[Howler]

10. Hey WDG

Just getting up on stage in the play portraying a venerable character such as Hecate is "Starring" to me.

I agree Hecate should be in the apparition scene.

[MorningGlow]

6. Hecate gets such a bad rap

It seems her trajectory from goddess to evil witch is a mini-example of the same one, in a larger sense, of all spiritual women--from revered and respected to denigrated. I'm assuming that this occurred when people lost respect for, and began to fear, facing the Dark Side instead of acknowledging and accepting that the Dark Side is a natural part of life, and necessary to define the Light Side. When I was with my coven, we did a ritual to Hecate, in order to face our personal dark sides. It was difficult, but it was really powerful--one of the best rites i ever did.

Anyway, as a (former) actor, I understand your challenge, dg--you have to play it as the script dictates (and as tradition dictates, especially with Shakespeare), not to mention how the director wants you to play it (which, I'm assuming, is going to be traditionally--evil, ugly, malevolent witch). So what I'd suggest is to meditate on your character, talk to Hecate, and establish what She wants you to do. (You found the true glimmers of her in there already--just keep going!) Then, no matter what you're doing externally, you'll naturally exude the true Hecate from your inner core. It should make for a wonderfully nuanced portrayal, and one that will strike a subliminal chord in the audience, so even if they don't realize they're recognizing the nobility that is Hecate, it will get to them subconsciously.

Keep us posted during your rehearsal process, dg! Can't wait to hear all about it! :hi:

Oh--and cool about your opening night! You've reminded me that it's almost time to commune with Brigid--yay, my favorite time of year! I get such wild dreams in February!
:rofl:

[WolverineDG]

7. Thanks MG

I don't view Hecate as being "evil," just a major force that you shouldn't toy with (much like the Thunderbirds in Native American lore---capable of doing great good, but if you are sloppy, or don't know how to handle THAT much energy, bad things can happen). Hence my wish to be respectful, within the constraints I've been given. :)

dg

[teenagebambam]

9. I have to thank you for your dedication to the craft

As a teacher of (music) theatre I see so many students go through the motions, and shamefully I sometimes let their apathy suck me in too. I am always inspired by those, like you, who put the work in, whether onstage for two minutes or two hours. The audience can tell the difference

[WolverineDG]

11. Aw, shucks. Thanks! nt