blogging effort Larni (Learna Peelgrane)

Thank you Rick for drawing my attention to some wonderful memories.
I am Directing our local amateur production of "Oliver" with our
Muswellbrook Amateur Theatrical Society and our Shire Concert Band in
the Hunter Valley. 42 cast members, 16 in orchestra and living out
my fantasy of being a musical director.

You know you are easily satisfied and surprised by life's little
lucks when this happens to you........ 2 of the children I cast, un
beknown to me, (cute kids, good voices was what I saw) were children
our local scaffolding company in Muswellbrook. Score!!! We usually
hire the scaffolding when we make our stage in the local "Workers
Club" (a venue which could never be described as "flash' by anyone's
standards) but this time I winged it perfectly, and the labour and
the scaffolding will be put up and errected for Nothing!!!! I know I
am an amateur theatre junkie, when this surprise puts a lighter step
in my stride.

On a more serious note, the foundation of the time with other
teenagers during "Bottom" left a lasting impression on me and sits
with me in my work everyday. I teach drama for the Upper Hunter
Conservatorium here and 3 days as a Primary Drama teacher in a local
public school. My children Jasmine (23) and Lyndon (18) followed
my love of theatre. Jasmine graduated from NIDA 2 years ago for Set
and Costume Design, and Lyndon 18 is living in Melbourne and studying
music at VCA. Jasmine has just got work on Baz Luhrmanns "Great
Gatsby" helping out in the Art department for a months work, and then
about to do her first STC show "Fools Island" after that. Obviously
I am proud of her, but proud of myself for making a little
enthusiasm go along way in my life and others.
To think they are living an artistic life with friends and colleagues
is my greatest wish. How dreadful to be surrounded by people in your
life you have nothing in common with.....
so, thankyou to everyone for being part of my childhood.

35 years on, I have now done alot of Shakespearian texts, and
recently tackled "Midsummer Nights Dream" with some students.
Wow- things that I never ever understood at 14 were revealed to me in
the lessons I gave to others. That felt good and I felt clever,
which I never ever felt when I was younger.
Tidings to all who read this...

Larni (Snout- The Wall)
22nd June 2012