12.02.15
For the
past two terms, we have been working on ‘East End Tales’ and our unit was
called ‘Performing Scripted Plays’. We performed east end tales as an ensemble
piece, and we also used physical theatre in each tale. We performed the piece
in 415, last Thursday (12.02.15).
When we
first started working on East End Tales, we used the script to develop our
ideas which later helped us when creating each tale. We often worked in small
groups and used the script to make short improvisations. We did this by saying
the lines in different ways and looking at interesting stage blockings we could
use. We also did loads of work on physical theatre; I found this really helpful
as physical theatre was a theme that ran throughout performance. One of the
exercises which I found most helpful; was when we were put in to small groups
of 5, and we had to think of different ways we could perform the piece with
using minimal words. I found this helpful as it made me push my physical
theatre skills.
In the
beginning of the term 1, we worked a lot in small groups, we studied different characters
in the tales and different ways we could interpret each character. We did this
by working on monologues which I found was really helpful as it made me connect
and understand the character in the tales. Also, we looked at body language and
how we could use that to portray the different characters. Then half way
through term 1, we started to work more on working as an ensemble, by working
in large groups and sometimes as a class. I think this was a good exercise, as
it helped us when we started to work on the tales. The final week in term 2, we
started to develop and create each tale, and thought about different ways we
could make the tale interesting.
For me, the
moment that worked best in the final piece was in tale 6 when the sheet was used
to show the shadow of the fight. I think this moment worked best as it was a really
unique and clever way to show the fight without them just being on the stage. Also
I feel it was really interesting to look at from an audience point of view.
My favourite
moment in the play; was when everyone turned in to wild animals. I liked this,
as everyone really got in to character, by using their body language and facial
expression, also no one held back. This moment affected the audience, as it
made them realise how violent the man was being next door and everyone being so
vicious, it was a good symbolisation of how he was treating her. I wanted the
audience to feel intimidated; I think this was perceived to the audience as
everyone put 100% in to it.
My
favourite moment that another actor created was when Roseby was talking during
tale 5. This was my favourite bit, as it was really simple as she just talking
on the spot; however she used the vocals really well to actually tell the
story. Also you could obviously tell she thought about how she was going to say
it in advance. She also captivated the audience as all the attention was on
her, and she created a really tense atmosphere.
In the
piece, I think the weakness were people learning lines and telling the story. I
think this, as even though the lines were learnt in time for the performance;
it took a very long time for people to be off script. If the lines were learnt
sooner it would have made the rehearsals a lot easier because having to follow
a script means you can’t pay attention to your character and you can’t put 100%
into your performance. However, I think towards the performance people realised
the lines needed to be learnt to make the rehearsals easier so learnt lines at
home. I also think that telling the story was one of our weaknesses, because I
think some people, me included, found it difficult to only use a voice and not
act it out. However, I do think that it really improved in the run up to the
performance and the performance itself, as people became more comfortable and confident
in their character and took risks.
Throughout
the unit, I feel I have developed my physical theatre, as especially in the beginning
of the unit we explored the different ways we could tell the tales without
using any words. In the beginning, I found it really challenging, but during
the rehearsals I was pushed, and now feel I have improved my physical theatre
skills a lot and can use them creatively. I also think I have the improved my
characterisation skills, as in East End Tales, I didn’t just play one
character, I played several throughout. Therefore I had to be able to come out
of character quickly and get in to my next character. I also think I have improved
upon learning my lines, as when learning them, I found it difficult to remember
my lines and the cues, because I generally had random lines here and there.
Therefore it was a challenge to remember what to say and when, however after
doing East End Tales I feel I now am more confident in learning lines and find
it easier.
This
term, I have learnt that acting is not just about doing scenes. There are many
more creative ways to tell a story, you don’t just have to use words to communicate
the story to the audience but you can use physical theatre too. Also, working as an ensemble can be challenging
at times because you have to rely on everyone else to get their lines right,
not just yourself.
This
term I feel I have managed myself quite well, as my lines were learnt by term 2,
however I wasn’t that confident in them so, I think I could have gone over them
more in the holidays, and think about how I was going to say them. I think my
focus in the lesson was good because I was paying attention, and worked hard.
However I think I should have rehearsed more at home, to I could have improved
upon my character.
I have
really enjoyed doing this unit and I feel I have learnt many new skills by
doing it. For example I feel a lot more confident in devising a scene and
making it interesting and creative. Also I am lot more focused in lesson, as
doing East End Tales you always had to be paying attention because there was a
lot of stage blocking to remember. I think this unit really pushed and improved
my acting skills as I have never done anything like this before.
