Aiyanna Wade is a new addition to the Unrehearsed Powerhouse, having appeared last year in Double Falsehood (Gerald et al) and most recently in Henry V (Sir Jamy). She performs tonight as the lovestruck (and shipwrecked) Viola.
Q: What was your first Unrehearsed experience like?
AIYANNA: I went to an Unrehearsed workshop before ever having seen the technique. I’m someone who worries about having their lines feel stale by the end of a show’s run, so the idea of going without rehearsals and minimal performances was just too tempting to pass up. Plus I just nerd-ed out at the idea of performing Shakepeare’s works how they were meant to be. In school, Shakespeare was taught as sort of stuffy and over-worked, but I wanted to debunk that image for myself. At the workshop, after doing a scene from the-play-that-shall-not-be-named, I was strangely exhilarated. Without any “moment before”, or character development, or even blocking- a scene was still able to happen. A really interesting one, at that! I was amazed how much was packed into the words themselves. And I was hooked.
Q: How does Unrehearsed differ from your other work with Shakespeare? What about other conventional shows?
AIYANNA: One of my favorite things I learned through this technique is to actively listen to my teammates on stage. It’s not something I run into a lot through conventional shows, but it can apply to any acting. Some of the coolest moments can happen when you stop introverting, look at your scene partner, and just listen. In Unrehearsed you don’t have a choice, since your next stage direction or cue will come from someone else!
Q: What (if anything) is your biggest challenge so far with this technique?
AIYANNA: First Folio spelling. I said it when I learned the technique, and I’ll say it again – I hate sight reading First Folio. Each time I get a little better, though each show I seem to have new curve balls thrown at me (Comme les Français dans Henry V). You’re killin’ me Shakes… But it’s a challenge I really enjoy, since I can consistently see progress.
Q: One of the defining traits of Unrehearsed is the lack of a 4th Wall. How does that affect you? Is it a challenge, or is it more liberating?
AIYANNA: At first, I was intimidated by the audience. After years of being trained to ignore the fact you’re being watched by a group of people, I thought it would be very difficult to abandon. However, the great thing about the Unrehearsed audience is that you can feel their energy immediately – it’s incredibly encouraging! They’re right there with you cheering you on (sometimes literally!). That makes it so much easier to direct a line towards them.
Q: What’s the most exciting thing about Twelfth Night?
AIYANNA: Viola has legit been a dream role of mine. Plus I’ve got some sweet wrist muscles building from that big scroll… I’d say I’m equally excited for both.
Come check out Aiyanna’s crazy wrist muscles tonight and next Monday (the 12th)
TWELFTH NIGHT ON TWELFTH NIGHT
Jan 5th & 12th
Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
3905 N Lincoln Ave
Doors open at 7:00, show starts at 7:30
$5 At the Door
COME BE SOMETHING GREAT: THE AUDIENCE!
