We’re well into the second week of rehearsals and we have finished blocking the play. One of the central scenes is one where Elizabeth is punished by the stern matron Mrs. Bonner by being straightjacketed and having her head dunked in a tub full of water. “I’ve looked forward to this moment a long time,” says Mrs. Bonner before pushing her under. Inmates in insane asylums were often punished by this method that mirrors the water-boarding technique used today at Guantanamo. The exact mechanics of the dunking was discussed—Emily wants it to look dangerous, while keeping Elizabeth’s hair from getting wet. It is also discussed whether the straightjacket could have some padding added to make leaning against the tub more comfortable for the actress.

Another prominent feature of rehearsals these days are rehearsal skirts for the women. Rehearsal skirts are simple skirts, often made out of muslin, that actresses rehearse in to get used to the type of clothes they will be wearing in a period piece such as this. The rehearsal skirt is pulled on over whatever the actress is wearing, which often is jeans and running shoes. One of the actresses even wears a rehearsal hoop over her rehearsal skirt.

We had our first run through of the second act yesterday, and it went very smoothly. Kathryn Meisle who is playing Mrs. Packard goes through many difficult, emotional scenes in Act Two. It is a huge, demanding role which requires Mrs. Packard never to leave the stage. At the end of the run through, Kathryn said only half-jokingly “You mean there is another act to this play?”

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