"Be ruthless in a nice way"

Seeing into the future: some of the cast of Feeble Minds (photo: Patrick Baldwin)

Director Arti Prashar's latest production, Feeble Minds, is a topical journey through the wisdom and madness of risk-taking. But with a cast made up of over-60s and people with learning disabilities, she's found herself on her own journey, treading a fine line between euphoria and dejection. Here, she gives a glimpse of backstage life as the show approaches its opening night in the theatre.

Monday

It's day one of production week and having woken up bright and early, I just want to click my shoes and be there at the theatre. The plastic is going up and I want to see it, see the visuals projected onto it.

Arti Prashar's previous credits include working for Tara Arts, Theatre Foundry and Half Moon Theatre

Sorely disappointed to find all is on delay. But the cast and support teams are coming in today so I have to be in control. No sign of disappointment shown. Great to see Patrick taking pics - even more delighted that he can make the open dress. Matt's happy, Phil's happy - nobody seems to need me. What a fantastic team. The banter is great - we're talking bikes and cars and mac accessories!

Back to the show… the cast were struggling last week with the emotional journey. Motivation, darling, what is my motivation? Anyway, the plan was to sit them in the space, orientate them and take them through sound triggers that would help with the emotional journey. It worked pretty well. The first half was rocking, the second half was not!

In the meantime the set had arrived. Matt was bouncing around in the grid, focussing, cabling, getting ready for the projection. Stage management thought the run went quite well - no bust-ups backstage. But oh dear, I sensed tension around the set. The production manager asked me to leave the space. I was disturbing them! Went home to write notes for Wednesday's rehearsal.

Tuesday

Woke up early again. Just can't sleep. Notes running through my brain. I'm not needed 'til 5pm today. It's frustrating not being in the space.

At 10am, the designer calls, do we cut plastic? No. Great. At 10.30am, the production manager calls, we need another laptop to run sound. Can we use yours? Yes, fine. Great. See you later. This means I have no laptop for three weeks. Fine, it might help slow me down a bit. And pigs might fly.

Wednesday

Walked into the theatre last night to see the set up, lit by projections and lights. It looked amazing. Everyone was beavering away. It's nice to be working with a happy, funny, friendly team.

Today was a big day. The cast were introduced to the set, props, costumes, make-up, and then taken through a light and sound show. It all started well with lots of oohs and aahs. But then disaster! I gave up writing notes. Asked the cast to give notes to themselves!

The biggest thing that needs sorting is the costumes, and how to make the best of each performer. Not much then... Arti Prashar

The biggest thing that needs sorting is the costumes, and how to make the best of each performer. Not much then. Why am I working with older people and people with learning disabilities? It's very demanding, full of all sorts of needs that have to be taken into consideration. But somehow it all seems worthwhile in the end.

It's been a long day, feeling very tired. And tomorrow is another long day. I'm going to bed wondering will it really be alright on the night?

Thursday

Exhausted this morning from yesterday. So how do I play it today? Get angry or cry? Tayo said something interesting that triggered a train of thought: time to be ruthless in a nice way. Have to make some serious cuts. The cast are going to be upset but it has to be done.

Walked into the theatre screaming out lines from the script: "I RENOUNCE THIS INCOMPETENT WORLD..." The scenic painter was bemused, the general manager and administrator just looked at me. She off her head? Well yes, either that or I will cry.

Cast members contemplate the cuts and changes before opening night

The cast are waiting in the green room. Ok, avoiding the issue is futile. To my pleasant surprise they're all really up-beat. Change of plan, I can't be angry. Can't use good cop/ bad cop routine as discussed with assistant director Isaac. Appeal to their desire to want to do better. With the ever vigilant DSM by my side, we begin deconstructing scenes, simplifying them, giving some more responsibility and others less.

The second half is still a mess but we are out of time. They need a break, then costumes and make-up, followed by a warm-up and hey presto, we're running late for the open dress at 2pm.

OMG, the first half is working. Oh no, the second half has fallen apart. Wonder how they're all surviving backstage? Did cast notes: second half, second half, second… OMG, we open tomorrow… when do I sort out the second half?

Friday

It's the first show and press night! The cast are really tired this morning - there could be trouble ahead. We also look to be on course for two-shows-in-one-day syndrome: the audience is looking very low for later this evening. It's not a good start.

Forget everything else - well not cues, obviously - and just go out there and enjoy yourself... Arti's final note to the cast

Walked around merrily giving individual notes to all. The assistant director is handling actor Y and we decide he should stay backstage as I've been banned from being there during show. But I'm the director! Yes. Watch it from the front.

The first show was a right royal mess. I can see it written across all their faces, what more can we do? Mild panic is setting in. Being the happy, funny team we crack a few jokes and tweak for every eventuality. We all know this cast of non-professionals are on overload and are close to the limit.

Go for a walk, needing protein. Find channa masala. Here we go again. Will we have an audience? Need to talk to backstage staff and see if there's anything we need to troubleshoot. They are such a fantastic bunch, willing this production to work. Told them to join in on songs and claps from the back.

Young people with physical disabilities are also given a voice in the production

Then the cast. I say, forget everything else - well not cues, obviously - and just go out there and enjoy yourself.

The second show is held back, waiting for an audience. It's always nerve-wracking waiting for an audience. Where are they? People really need to see this challenging, awesome piece of drama. It ain't done by famous people, but by ordinary people whose voices we usually don't hear or want to hear.

Come on, London! Come and experience something quite rare and extraordinary. And that second show? The cast did it. They turned it around. Their performance tonight moved most of the audience and brought tears to my eyes.

Feeble Minds, directed by Arti Prashar, is a Spare Tyre production and runs to 25 July. It's at The Albany, Deptford SE8 on 14, 16 & 17 July and then at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green E1 on 23, 24 & 25 July.

The Albany, Deptford

Rich Mix: Arts and Culture