FROM UNDERSTUDY to YOU'RE GOING ON....Berkeley Rep Theatre
A Surprising Start to 2023: My Journey as Letitia in Lynn Nottage’s “Clyde’s”
The beginning of 2023 brought an extraordinary adventure that I will cherish for years to come. As the understudy for Letitia and Clyde in Lynn Nottage’s riveting production of "Clyde’s," I had the unique opportunity to step into a role that was both challenging and deeply rewarding. What started as a routine understudy role quickly transformed into an exhilarating journey when I was unexpectedly called to perform Letitia for nine unforgettable shows.
Anticipation and Preparation
When I first took on the role of understudy for Letitia, I was thrilled by the opportunity to delve into Lynn Nottage’s powerful narrative. The chance to work on such a profound piece, under the direction of Taylor Reynolds, was a dream come true. Every rehearsal was a chance to immerse myself in Letitia’s complex character and to absorb the creative vision of the production team.
A Dramatic Turn of Events
Early in the year, just an hour before showtime, I received the call every understudy hopes for but is rarely prepared for: I was going on as Letitia. The initial shock quickly gave way to a flurry of activity. With only moments to transition from standby to the spotlight, I relied on my preparation and the unwavering support of the entire team.
Teaming Up with John Lewis
During my nine-show run as Letitia, I had the pleasure of sharing the stage with fellow understudy John Lewis, who stepped in to play Rafael. John’s dedication and talent were instrumental in creating a collaborative and supportive environment. Working alongside him added an extra layer of camaraderie and made the experience even more memorable.
Embracing the Role
Performing Letitia was both exhilarating and humbling. The role required a deep emotional connection and a nuanced portrayal, and I was thrilled to rise to the challenge. Letitia’s resilience and complexity made each performance a deeply personal journey, one that I approached with great passion and dedication.
A Talented Creative Team
The production was elevated by the remarkable talents of the creative team. Wilson Chin’s scenic design created an immersive and evocative setting, while Karen Perry’s costumes and Megan Ellis’s hair, wig, and makeup designs added authenticity and depth to the characters. Amith Chandrashaker’s lighting design and Aubrey Dube’s sound design further enhanced the atmosphere, bringing the world of "Clyde’s" to vivid life.
Behind the scenes, Leslie M. Radin and Lucas Bryce Dixon provided invaluable support and ensured that each performance ran smoothly. Their professionalism and dedication were crucial to the success of the production and my personal experience.
Gratitude and Reflection
I am deeply thankful to Berkeley Rep, Karina Fox, and Taylor Reynolds for her trust and guidance, which empowered me to step into Letitia’s shoes with confidence. To my fellow cast members, including John Lewis, your encouragement and camaraderie made navigating this unexpected opportunity a truly rewarding experience.
A Memorable Beginning to 2023
The experience of performing Letitia in "Clyde’s" at the start of 2023 was a testament to the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of live theatre. From the surprise call to the final curtain, this journey was filled with growth, challenge, and immense joy. For anyone who appreciates the magic of theatre, Lynn Nottage’s "Clyde’s" offers a powerful and compelling experience that is not to be missed.
Thank you to everyone involved in this incredible production. Your support and creativity made this unexpected adventure one of the most memorable chapters in my career.
With heartfelt gratitude and a touch of theatrical magic,
Andreá Bellamore
