living inside a dream...

Miguel. I shall always have a place in my heart for this character as it was the “the third man I e'er saw, the first that e'er I sighed for” and the first I made a conscious decision to follow. His grace, his movement and presence although unassuming were engaging. And as he lifted the somber tone after Andy’s departure (which I knew little of having never seen Andy before) with his re appearance emerging from the sand in the desert to be met by Lila I took to him even more. His playfulness. While still managing to depict the torture he goes through as the story unfolds. His character I think had the most potential to be played a number of different ways and I am glad that I saw Nico play him first. To me, he was Miguel. Not Andy, not Dwayne, not the gatekeeper, not the barman. All of these parts he played well…. But I could sense that Miguel was where his heart lay. This guy wants to dance. To be athletic and to enjoy the interaction with as many characters on as many levels (both metaphorically and physically) as would be allowed. Nor was he a Jack. And as I followed him on his journey back towards the town and his interaction with Mr Badlands himself, this was cemented further. The altercation which results in Romola’s eviction. Beautiful Romola. Played that day by Miranda Mac Letten. Who anyone would be hard pushed not to feel sorry for. And it was my pity that led to my first one on one…

Back. Back up the stairs. Likened to a change of subjects at school. Some positively sprinting either up or down. Eager to get to a certain point at a certain time. Once again the soundscape comes into play at Temple Studios. Where those familiar with the playlist know particular pieces of music signifies that something of equal importance (and the possibility of that all elusive one on one) will be taking place elsewhere in the 200,000sq ft space. It seems that most people around me have privileged information and those that don't, haven't yet invested enough to care. I decide to care. I have Miguel in my sights so I am determined not to lose him this time. I follow him along with about seven others into a room on the outskirts of the desert. Dark, dingy, fitting to the growing sense of uneasiness. There is a desk and behind sits a motionless scarecrow. Feathers for a head, peacock feathers for eyes. Beautiful, yet disturbing all together. Those in the room are focused. On Miguel. Only Miguel. And he looks around. The air changes and it's almost as though a spell has been broken. Miguel is "in the room". Aware. Aware of those around him. Searching the expressionless faces of the white masks to find that one face who's eyes betray the ambivalence of their body. He finds that pair of eyes. A girl who has given him little to no space that I have seen earlier on in my first trip to the desert. She has earned this moment. She is the chosen one. And with a sudden cry of "GET OUT!! GO!!" We are expelled from his room. All except her. Those left outside with me are divided. Between those who run away (to their next pray) and those who have decided to stick it out. I use this time to finally explore my surroundings. Stunned to encounter the silent motionless "black mask" a crew member who is positioned a few moments away from the site of each one on one. This eases my mind somewhat. "It's only a game show" I am safe. So now? I wait. And while I wait I explore the beauty of what I am later to discover is the Dust Witch's chapel. The thought and detail that has gone into this production is staggering. The books, the paints, the charms, all of it finished off to every finest detail. A tiny tent with charms outside next to where Faye enticed Miguel and Dwayne stands with a bowl of dirty water and a bottle - presumably water under some blankets. I am just about to investigate when some movement behind me makes me turn. Miguel and his white mask have reappeared and are moving towards the altar in front of the chairs. I head towards them. He makes an offering and then moves away, slower and with purpose towards one of the chairs. His jacket is different and he has something in his hand. I suddenly realise he is to take his place as one of the scarecrows and my heart starts pounding. How many more are real????!!!!!!!!