Character Research

I thought it would be wise to do some research into my character before we started rehearsals. Luckily there is a lot on Celia as she is an interesting character. By some she is viewed as possibly having a deeper, slightly homosexual feelings towards Rosalind and by others she is perceived as just being really close to her. I think this is something Poppy and I need to explore together when rehearsals start, as Celia and Rosalind's relationship is so well known and important to this play. 

I looked to two sources of media for information about my character: the internet and films/plays. Google describes Celia as being 'beautiful, but with a beauty less sparkling than that of Rosalind. Orlando describes both of them as 'fair and excellent ladies'. Celia is shorter than her cousin and less majestic in appearance. She has a gentle expression combined with a habitual serious appearance. Hence Rosalind addresses her at one time as 'my pretty little coz', and at another as, 'sad brow and true maid'.  I think there this summarizes up Celia pretty well, she is almost like her cousin but just misses it. Poppy is a lot taller than me so we can play with that too. After reading a fact sheet about my character I think I have a better understanding of how to build the grounds of this character and after a few rehearsals I can add to that and make Celia my own interpretation. The internet also says that Celia is 'silent and reserved' As I had already decided for myself, 'her silence is in contrast to Rosalind's talkative nature. However, Celia, by her prudence, exercises command over herself as well as over others. When the two cousins are alone, Celia is full of life and humour, but in the presence of others she is content to play the part of a spectator. She first listens and judges what to speak, exactly opposite to Rosalind.'  I think this is the common perception of Celia and I would like to play her silence as more of an insightful nature which holds comedic potential as this play is a comedy. 

I then watched some different interpretations by actresses who have played Celia over the years. As I mentioned before, I watched Laura Rogers Celia on Sky Arts and loved her performance, she really found the comedy within this character. It helped me to build an image of how I want to play this character, which is quite bold and funny. I also watched the 1978 TV version of 'As You Like It' with Helen Mirren as Rosalind and Angharad Rees as Celia. I enjoyed her Celia, but found her interpretation a little stale and I didn't enjoy the character as much as I had when Rogers had played her. I've made a decision to play Celia as being strong willed, witty, slightly innocent and reserved but also out going and energetic. 

This research has helped me to gain a basic understanding of how I could play this character and it has made me excited to put my own touches onto Celia as rehearsals develop.