Two Brigellas

originally posted August 14, 2006

I slapped the black girl, first on the coffle, about her backside as the caravan continued south along the Olni today to get her attention. For the perfomance of the 'Magic Veil', two sets of robes of concealment are needed. It just so happens that there are three such sets suddenly available within our very luggage. Two are of fine brocade. One set is of teal with contrasting red embroidery. The other set is a beautiful red, with contrasting teal embroidery. Of the three available sets, I think these will work the best. I have instructed her to fetch them from the luggage, informing her that Naked Slave might be able to assist her in locating them quickly. As the play is a farce, I would not want to truly offend anyone by the portrayal of slave girls in the garb of free women. Men, of course, understanding such convention of street theater would not be, presumedly, offended. Should a free woman be in attendance, however, the sight of such combined with the jist of the dialogue might be taken as severely offensive. Therefore, I will have Portia cut a slit on both garments from the hem to the waist. In that manner, with the slightest movement from side to side, the audience may discern without fail that both 'actresses', she who might be playing either Brigella or Bina, are slaves. No free woman would dare to reveal her leg so.
Last night, I assumed the role of the Pompous Merchant as both Joy and Elise alternated every few pages of the script in the role of Brigella. As expected, both brought a rather humorous, and wholly individual brilliance to the character. Joy, of course, with her intelligence and unmistakable wit delivered her lines with an enviable flair. Elise, of course, being a native of this world and once counted amongst her free women, played the role of the duped Brigella with a sublimely ironic mien. As we delved deeper into the script, getting further along than I thought we might on the first evening, Elise also assumed the role of Bina, Brigella's rival in 'The Magic Veil', with equal ability. It is my intention to have each women learn more than one role. In addition to the Merchant, whom I will play, and Bina and Brigella, there are the parts of Chino and Lecchio and two random Initiates. The costuming for Bina and Brigella, of course, has already been decided. I will need to work on the details for the remainder of the characters.