We officially moved into the Roundhouse Theatre on Monday, January 12th, 2004, and there was much to do. We hadn’t been allowed access to the theatre itself until that morning. I arrived to the alarming sight of the technical crew hacking a sizeable hole in the ceiling of the bio box so that extra lighting cables could be laid across the grid. The rehearsal room was less chaotic, but not by much.
Jean-Marc Russ, the director of the first production, Zig Zag Street, and the cast were about to start a company read of the script. There was an enormous sense of occasion in the room. Nick Earls and the playwright, Philip Dean, had worked together on two previous adaptations. But we all were aware that this day was truly important… and a little intimidating as well.
The excitement and sense of history were palpable on the opening night, 18 February. Athol Young, the chair of the Board, our general manager Craig Whitehead, and the truly extraordinary staff of the Company had committed to ensuring the future of the Company and had done what theatre people do, made it happen.
Halfway through the first act, we lost a third of the lighting dimmer control. The stage management responded by unplugging and rerouting lights manually to the dimmers that were working. And the show continued.
Theatre is always on some kind of precipice.
And yet, we find a way.
It is its greatest strength.
Sean Mee, Director
La Boite Artistic Director 2000 - 2008
La Boite Encores | Zigzag Street
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF OPENING NIGHTS AND OPENING MINDS
