I'm VERY EXCITED!!! You remember I mentioned some time ago that I'd been approached about a new play by the writer Matthew Westwood? It was originally scheduled to go into production last autumn, but after hearing the play read for the first time, he decided he wanted to make some changes. I received a text from him this week: the new script is ready, and is winging it's way to me as I write! I'm excited by it from many reasons, (a) first, last and foremost, the quality of the writing, (b) the AMAZINGLY talented cast Matthew has put together, and (c) our leading man who is one of the most gifted actors I have EVER MET! He's 25 and also sings and dances brilliantly, is a gifted mimic, makes me howl with laughter and I CANNOT WAIT TO GET ON STAGE WITH HIM! Because... he's going to be so exciting to play opposite, unpredictable yet reliable, will go with the moment whilst never losing sight of the integrity of the play, and I know working with him will be so rewarding and teach me so much, and I doubt very much if we will ever stop laughing! I also ADORE the rest of the company and once I receive the consent of the writer, will not hesitate to reveal their names. So you can see why I'm so excited, I know in my bones, this production is going to be, for all concerned, A Guaranteed Good Time. Of course, this being Africa the postal system isn't the fastest on the Planet - if it arrives in 6 weeks time, it will have been a rush job. I'm also feeling much better in myself - thank the good Lord - and Indy and I are maintaining our good eating habits and both of us are definitely feeling the benefits. So onwards and upwards with that! It's a very beautiful day, I'm sitting on the patio outside the house, protected from the full force of the sun, by seating myself under one of the occasional large trees you come across in the bush. The sun is dappling through the leaves making exquisite shadows that fascinate and thrill me. It's very quiet, the only sounds are of birds, and the leaves on the trees as a hesitant breeze whispers softly through them. And although we don't have an abundance of flowers on the property, we do have them all year round; especially bougainvillea (sp?) - I can never get spell check to work - in vivid colours; I particularly love scarlet; it's so wild and wanton, and I laugh every time I see the huge tree that displays itself on the drive into the bush. A lovely thing has just happened! A cat, and cats are very rare in this part of Africa, has just appeared on the patio. I think she/he belongs to one of the workers, and I couldn't be more thrilled to meet her. She came up to me and very graciously, allowed me to stroke her. She accepted my ministrations with enormous elegance and has now settled herself on a stone bench behind my chair. Wonderful markings in shades of lemon, orange, amber and black. Large eyes, the colour of sea washed emeralds, and whiskers as white as snow complete her feline beauty. She has now moved to sit by my chair, purring contentedly, and I can only hope this is the beginning of a long and harmonious relationship. I shall do whatever it takes to seduce her into my tent, and deny all knowledge of her whereabouts when questioned re her disappearance. As if... I finally got up to Sick Bay yesterday after an absence of two weeks to re-new my acquaintanceship with Expression, Munchkin, Nandini and Mr. Karools. It was wonderful to see them; Karools has really settled in and is assuming the role of big brother to the little ones. However, he gets very pissed off if any of the others receive more attention than him. I had been warned, so made sure I greeted him first, and cuddled him as soon I saw that he thought that Munchkin, Nandini or Expression was getting more attention than him. Really, you have to be such a diplomat with these guys! Went up to Sick Bay again just now, had a great game with Mr. Karools, took my eye off him for a nano second, and have a large bite on my arm for my pains. I've sent a 'photo of Expression with this blog, so you can see for yourself just how alive and expressive she is; an amazing monkey who will be very special when she reaches adulthood, and believe me she is SO special now. Expression ¨We all send monkey hugs xxx |
