We just finished the second (and presumably final) private reading of Countess Bathory. Some useful advice was given regarding drive and clarity, but I think what I was happiest to hear was that Bathory needs a closer relationship with her servants.
You see, once upon a time, there was another character in this play: a hunch-backed foundling boy over whom Bathory would fawn and make much: essentially a mixture of Feste and Richard III. But, time constraints being what they are, I had to cut him and divvy some of the more bon of his mots to other characters. What was completely lost though, was the Countess’ affection for this twisted creature, and the honesty he represented in the back-stabby world of courtly politics.
Fortunately, Bathory has other servants on whom she can fawn, with whom she can develop stronger relationships. This may mean trimming some of her soliloquies, and definitely trimming down the phallocentric Court scenes, but those are easy prices to pay.
And it looks like I might be able to put more of the Foundlings rockin’ quips into the hands of Kate and Helena Jo.
Thanks bunches to everyone for helping me write stuff!