Nothing like Churchillian wit to brighten my day...

Though I am one of the few people in the conservatory who had actually never heard of Ms. Hagen, or Meisner, or Stanoslovski, I still really enjoyed Jerome's talk today and appreciated the simplicity in which it was presented. Though today was a little rough around the edges in the run-through, it's looking really promising and I think it will turn out well. 

THE Nine Questions:

Who am I? I am the consummate politician, always seeking to negotiate a settlement that everybody thinks is fair, but really only benefits myself and my allies at the expense of my enemies.

Where am I? I am in the English court, of first Edward IV and then Richard III, with a significant gain of power going from the one to the other.

What time is it? It is a time of change, peril, political intrigue, and I'm loving it.

What surrounds me? I am surrounded by other Yorkists who I am in league with to get rid of the Queen, or at least limit her power of herself and her allies. I live lavishly, am always impeccably dressed and eat the finest food, drink the finest wine, and host elaborate masquerade balls every month that are the toast of all London.

What are the given circumstances? Edward IV just expelled the Lancastrians from the throne, and factions are dividing up along the sides of the Yorkists and those loyal to the Queen.

What is my relationship? I am a Yorkist, allied with the likes of Catesby, Derby, Hastings, though I feel a little superior to them due to by political ability. I hate the Queen, because whenever I have tried to rise in stature at the court she has put a word in against me, and it's only through my relationship with Richard and to a lesser degree Clarence that I have been able to get to my current position. I like Gloucester and think that if anything, I want to be on his side because he is so powerful and is quick to take revenge on his enemies. I am a little afraid of this but am confident in my ability to talk my way out of any difficult spot I'm in. Due to my numerous connections to the royalty (however dubious, muddy, or illegitimate) it would not be past me to make a power grab for the throne if something should happen to Edward, Clarence, and Richard. 

What do I want? I want influence, power, but want to be especially careful to not get my hands dirty in the pursuit of those goals. I fear a stained reputation, and my worst nightmare would involve dishonor and banishment from the halls of power. I want to use my talents as a politician and orator to work my way to the top and convince the people to love me. 

What's in my way? The Queen and her compatriots have worked to stifle my career and limit my access to the Edward, Richard, and Clarence. If they were eliminated my path would be open.

How am I going to get it? Because Richard also hates the Queen, I'm willing to plot and scheme on his behalf in order to eliminate our mutual enemies. Again, I want to keep as much of this from the light of day as possible, so that I can be the earnest advocate for the new reign to the people.