Speaking with your characters

A daring friend suggested she might consult a character in a live theatrical production for thoughts on another character still in the making. The voice teacher in me quakes for my students when looking to a live theatrical production for character inspiration. I don't like my students to listen to other, professionally produced singers too often, or to learn a new piece by listening to someone else's recorded piece; too intimidating for most, adds to derivative interpretation for a few others.

Still, when is it possible for each of us, seeking new inspiration to populate a character, either in writing or performance, to visit with some of the current creations out and about in someone else's interpretation? When are we finally strong enough to look at someone else, have the light turn on and not find our own soul crushed?

For me the answer can be now and never, depending on the timing, the impact of the influence and how I am finding my own self to be, robust or pliable. When I am drawn strongly to someone else's work, I know that I need time and discussion to get around to understanding what those influences will do to me and what I should let them do.

The urge to have a character under one's own direction speak with another, unrelated or unlikely character is very alluring. What will 15th century French St. Joan say to my contemporary self? Will she have thoughts and conversation with my 19th century Camille? Will they get along, influence each other? Can they converse in French from different eras, or perhaps some magic meta language that is the language of inspiration itself?

I long for a series of 10 minutes plays, perhaps 3 produced together, but not the same play. The first conversation between Joan and Camille, women of passion for very different reasons. The second might be between Joan and Betty Ford. They might talk about public life, passion and the need for moderation, being taken seriously in a man's world. The last piece would feature three contemporary women, each is reading about one of the 3 women featured previously. Hmmm.