Because I simply do not have enough to do in my life (I know, I'm laughing, too!) I continue to do theater. Is it hard to do with two children. Unquestionably. Could I use the time to do other important things, like clean my house and sleep. Certainly. Is it worth doing despite these things? Absolutely!

I've been in rehearsals for the Bard's Antony and Cleopatra produced by Shakespeare Carolina. I am taking on the role of the magnificent Cleopatra. This is a play that isn't done as often as the others (the level of pageantry scares companies off, I think, not to mention the numerous location changes between Rome to Egypt) but I believe it has some of the most beautiful and moving words that Shakespeare ever put to paper. I consider this one of the most challenging and fulfilling roles I've ever done.

The cast is beyond amazing. We have actors with all levels of experience on this production, from professionals to academics to returning from over decade hiatus to never set foot on a stage. And it just works! It isn't quite like a machine because we don;t move in forced rigid formation. We subtlety work off of each other every rehearsal in a lovely dance of words, motion, and feelings. And lots and lots of laughter.

Yes, I get mother's guilt that I am not tucking my kids in bed every night or that I need to hire a babysitter to cover those few hours when Tadd has a gig and I have rehearsal. At the same time, it feels good to have a break once in a while and to work with adults. I know after coming home from rehearsal, I feel a little more able to deal with what comes my way.

If anyone is interested, tickets for the show are now available online.  http://www.carolinatix.org/default.asp?tix=59&objId=1385