THE Library

So it turns out that I didn't actually take research notes while I was prepping to play Ophelia. I read many, many things, and then let them naturally synthesize their way into (or out of) my system. This means that I needed to make a trip to the research library where many of the Opheliac books are housed.

The research library in Manhattan is quite an intimidating place. There are no instructions for the lost researcher on how to acquire books, and there is little explanation as to why these particular books were chosen to be set apart from the rest. You must make your way to the third floor with little to no guidance, discover the carbon copy request forms, take the to the correct librarian, and sit down to wait for your number. All of this ceremony and secrecy may be confusing, but it certainly makes you feel important and legitimate.

Although I requested several books in the main reading room, two of my requests sent me to the even more separate, even more secretive Room 300. This room houses all the Art and Architecture books and has it's own rules and ceremonies that reminded me of many an intellectual thriller that involves deep research in order to discover the culprit. I turned in my slips, gave the librarian my seat number, and sat in silence, waiting for my books.

I had two hours to spend, not long enough I know, and I spent it all on one beautiful book entitled The Myth and Madness of Ophelia. This book was written as a companion to an exhibition of Ophelia paintings and photographs around 2001. The first two articles are written in response to the character of Ophelia, and what she has come to mean in our culture, rather than her actual role in the play. They seems to mirror one of the few lines I have already written, "she has become greater than the sum number of words she actually speaks in the play".

I could go on, but this entry is getting a little long. I believe now that the books I will encounter written specifically about Ophelia will encompass not just her role and the interpretation of that role in the play, but also the mythical figure she has become. If I remember correctly, however, the books on HAMLET are not so kind to her, and will provide me with more material for my scholar character. I turn next to Michael Pennington's book on Hamlet, which was one of the materials I read during my research last year that was somewhat helpful, and somewhat irritating. I imagine a great deal of research will be needed for this piece before I am satisfied with my characters voices. Perhaps I have a direction for the professor, but I am still not clear as to how I want to portray the lady of the hour.