ONE of Canberra’s proudest exports, actor and director Ed Wightman, is in town for the opening of his  production for Canberra Repertory at Theatre 3 of Shelagh Stephenson’s play, “The Memory of Water,” a comedy in which three sisters and their partners gather at the home of their recently dead mother before her funeral.

Wightman, a brilliant ANU graduate who played leading roles with many local theatre companies and was a Rep theatre scholar, eventually trained at the respected LAMDA (LondonAcademyof Music & Dramatic Art) in theUK.

It’s exciting to report, therefore, that he’ll be holding a director’s workshop tomorrow at theatre 3 on the “Meisner” technique and the rehearsal process, developed by the American theatre practitioner Sanford Meisner.

Questions to be explored include what makes a scene come to life? How do we avoid making theatre that is predictable and lifeless? Wightman’s workshop will provide an introduction to one of the most complete and influential acting techniques in the world, and consider ways it can be employed in the rehearsal process, especially in bringing dramatic text to life.

While the Director’s Workshop series has been established to provide experience, education and professional contact for Rep people, they’re hoping to add value for the Canberra community by opening up the invitation to participate—you don’t have to be an actor, all are welcome, and it’s free.

Director’s workshop with Ed Wightman, At Theatre 3, 2pm Saturday, August 4; arrive at 1.45pm for a 2pm start. 

“The Memory of Water.” At Theatre 3, Repertory LaneActon, until August 18. Bookings 6257 1950, Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm.