Risk

I have been quite astounded by the actors' willingness to explore homoeroticism in Winter's Tale. In previous productions, many of my actors have just not wanted to take the risk. Not only are my actors taking more risks but I think I have been too cautious in the past. Particularly when I directed ShaxxxQueer. I have found that if you ask the actors to do something they will probably do it – there is no need to pussy-foot around gay stagings.

However, I do have to be careful. If they don't feel comfortable doing “something gay” then I need to bide my time and chip away at their blocks, especially in the earlier rehearsals. There may be other reasons for the blocks – such as they don't know their scene partner very well – so, if I wait, they may become more willing as the rehearsals progress.