Here are notes taken down by the group on what we need to develop, modify and explore.
During the lesson we worked on 3 of the targets...
1) Keeping props on stage
2) Facial expressions
3) Staying on stage during Tea Party scene.
Evaluation & Explanation
- Firstly when performing the Masquerade scene, we each have either a mask or fan we use in different angles during the motif. We originally decided to drop the props once the motif was over when we move into a curtsy position.
However discarding the props looked choppy and VDU commented on how it removed meaning and purpose of the props to be discarded to quickly after receiving them minutes before. Therefore we explored keeping hold of the props after the scene until the End scene. After exploration this critic was implemented into the performance.
I found it successful as i was able to use the mask in creative ways, i held it twisted during our grotesque scenes such as the Wall scene to show crookedness and fault linking to our concept of hidden identities. The contorted shapes created with the mask link to the concept of flaws connecting back to the our concept of a facade, hiding your true self. This was then emphasised during more naturalistic scenes such as the Masquerade, where i held the mask straight on to show normality.
- Another key flaw was the lack of facial expressions from the group. Instead of showing emotion myself i held a blank face throughout the piece and therefore was not able to maintain character. Instead VDU suggested to show facial expressions at all times and to emphasis gestures in order to convey emotion.
I used features of a character profile sheet to brainstorm a personality behind my character. My Masquerade scene monologue is a snippet of a moment where I, (a nurse) delivered conjoined twins. A women of the medical profession would be intelligent and therefore have alot of experience dealing with death, illness and gore particularly during the delivery of what some call an abomination. With practice using our dance studio mirrors i was able to manipulate my facial features, particularly my eyebrows, and lips to show rage, trauma and terror, emotions i want my character to convey.
- The last critic we worked on was trying to stage on stage during the Tea party scene. Being the lighting technician i decided to originally use a blackout for the transition between the Pre Show and Tea party scene. Of which the cast (exc. Iyla and Courtney) exit the stage.
This was rendered ineffective. The blackout didn't looks as professional and eradicated the tense atmosphere we created during the eerie pre-show. Of which was remarked to of disengaged CKR and VDU. To solve this i removed the blackout and instead swapped it with a red filter full stage light with a spotlight on the tea party table. This alternative lighting continued to build the creepy atmosphere we aimed for. Then we decided to have the cast remain dying on stage during the scene. After practical exploration, the feedback was implemented and made the scene more effective as it adds to Death's characters neglect and care for others as she is oblivious and unmoved by the pile of dying bodies surrounding her.
As this critic worked so well we also decided throughout for everyone to be on stage throughout whether in a still image/freeze frame etc. To allow us to demonstrate a constant ability to maintain characterisation.
Additional feedback implementation...
During our next lesson we continued to implement more feedback. Everyone was tasked with learning their character monologues. To do this I used the unfocused post show discussion technique whereby i recited by monologue in full characterisation to another cast member to receive general feedback on what to improve. A critic made was to speed up the pace of the delivery to help build intensity. To do this i ensured i fully memorised my monologue which allowed me to be able to focus on my speed, tone and intonation. Additionally Hannah suggested that I list the adjectives and symptoms experience during the conjoined twin delivery in order to be convey in a Beckett style monologue as shown in "Play" and "Not I".
Next Lesson...
I am going to help with Set design in order to help catch up to our performance deadline. Also to make last minute preparations e.g. sourcing projections for the various scenes.
