Renaissance Theaterworks Blog

Actress Marti Gobel's NEAT Journey...

January 31, 2012

I always find it helpful to begin such writing with a definition.  The seeds of discussion that any given topic can often be made much clearer when not only the writer, but, the reader is operating from the same understanding of any given topic.

That said, Webster’s Dictionary defines the word neat in this way- Unmixed with anything; undiluted; straight...

Though the play NEAT by Charlayne Woodard is about the playwright’s Aunt Neat, which is short for Beneatha, I can not better express what this particular production is than to simply refer to the previously given definition.  The play is storytelling at it’s finest.  One woman’s story supported primarily with an actor body and voice.  Uncluttered and true with simple, powerful offerings for the audience without the need of a grand set, lights and sound, the play is a lyrical tale of growth, family and love.  Any performers dream.

It has always been my firm belief that “actor” is nothing but a fancy word for storyteller.  After all, it is what the majority of actors strive to do.  Tell the story.  In keeping with that school of thought, this storyteller is extremely fortunate to be given the opportunity to tackle this beautiful play under the umbrella of the phenomenal organization that is Renaissance Theaterworks.  To have such trust put in my talents is humbling.  To have my instincts trusted so fully has strengthened my belief that I have chosen the correct profession for my life work.  This too, is humbling.

When the script was first brought to my attention, I was immediately attracted to it.  The particular challenge of it was something I had only experienced one other time in my career.  As people with such rich imagination as me often do, I could see where I wanted this play to be when it came time to perform it for an audience.  This gift of mine can often give me the ability to ignore the actual work that must be done in the realization of the end dream.  I do not lie when I tell you I have never worked so hard to navigate a play in my entire journey through the land of theatre.  The rehearsal process was difficult in so many ways.  A bit about that…

The first week of rehearsal I truly believed I was the greatest actor in all the world.  (Hahahahaha.  Those of you that know me can hear me saying this.  I know you can.)  The basic choices I made for the play were do-able, correct and easily accomplished in the three and a half weeks I had to prepare. 

By week two I was unsure I had the right to call myself an actor at all.  Why did I feel this character should sound like this?  What led me to believe I could ever accomplish the physical movement I had chosen or been given for another character?  Who was to blame for me ever thinking I could memorize all of this?  Insomnia plagued me during this week as I turned all of this over and over and over. 

Week three gave me some of my confidence back.  As I began relying on the script less and less, I began to think that maybe, just maybe, I could do this.   But, also the end of week three came with the crippling realization that people were going to come and watch what I had been laboring over.  This fact caused me to literally shake at any given moment.

As we got closer to opening and the Director, Suzan Fete did not seem to worry, I chose to follow her attitude and simply believe that it would be okay.  In truth, it is her friendship, direction and love that greatly allowed me to walk out in front of that first audience. 

That audience, my missing cast member, had me leaving that stage with a feeling that is indescribable.  That particular wall of emotion and acceptance that an audience gives is what allows actors to put ourselves through the whole process again and again.  Each audience following gave me the same great gift of their attention.  Once more, I am humbled by this fact.  I hope those of you who honor me with your eyes as I perform the play understand that I hear you, I see you and I can feel you.  We are on the ride together.  And, I have felt nothing but love from each audience from the moment I open my mouth.  To be wished well by so many lovely individuals makes the experience better for all of us, I think

NEAT will close in just a week.  Charlayne Woodard’s family (whom I have grown to love as much as my own) will be greatly missed.  But mostly, I will miss the gentle gift of a creature that is “Neat”.  You see, she has taught me that on stage, I can fly…

Marti