A critical assessment of 2 pieces of drama around the theme of Space Essay Example for Free

A critical assessment of 2 divisions of childs play around the understructure of Space EssayIn this essay I exit be writing about how I performed to pieces of improvised fun based around the subject of lieu. One of the pieces had to be d i in a realistic style and the other an abstract.Initial Reaction to StimulusWhen we were first told that are stimulus would be space, we wholly sat down I and had what could be c everyed a brain storming session. This was to consider how such a broad subject could be perceived in two pieces of drama. first-class honours degree of all we had to consider how space could be identified. There are many kinds of space, which out preindication be do into forms of drama, and we would need to select sensation that could produce the almost gripping. For this we identified just how space could be used, and came up with the following ideas for realistic or abstract piece (we could the ideas into abstract drama later)Space, as in the final fronti er, could be used to slap-up effect. Space and the entire nonion of the great beyond could be used. Maybe having reputations interperforming with record non of this planet, possibly contrasting views or morals. Maybe having the outsider coming to earth from space. Using space in this panache opens the door to all sorts of personification of space using a science fiction spin. This could be through in some sort of Star Trek, thought provoking scene involving space.Personal space, or the lack of it. For a realistic piece, maybe some social function to do with the prison system or freedom infringements. If we set it in a cell (an area where in that location is little space), not only would there be a direct physical relation to space tho also the characters volition be able to plant space in there speech and affectments.Taking this idea further, we could display how the lack of space mentally. sort of of the characters talking about space directly, it could be implied ind irectly by their psychological flaws. These psychological flaws would shake off been caused by space, either alike much of it or not tolerable.These are all ideas in their early stages and all need developing. But even at the early stage, the idea of psychological flaws caused by space was real appealing.For the abstract piece of drama, these initial ideas will affirm to be developed in an entirely various bureau. It will need other dramatic techniques to fit the criteriaA surreal piece would intromit us to incorporate to a greater extent style and personalization in to piece. When commemorateing about abstract and surrealism in drama, the first thing that comes into my head is to have situation of drama instead of a continuous story. This would allow us to presentation the subject matter, space, in a number of divergent shipway.Freeze-frames could be used while severally character explains information about them and their situation (character monologues). This would raise to the audience character information that could not be gainn in just a matchless short scene.As for the content of this abstract piece, I had some ideas of separate pieces revolving around the subject space. This would allow us to put a lot of imagination in each piece without needing to worry about what would follow it.GroupsFor the first piece I worked with the following peopleAlain BransonStuart MulranyChris JonesHussian KerianFor the aid piece, we decided to split up and work with different. The main reason for this was to keep all the drama right- open(a) with fresh ideas. Although we thought that we were capable of producing another piece drama, tensions were building in the group and we agreed to spilt. For the second piece I worked withAlain BransonPlotThe first piece we worked on had a plot that I judge was well structu carmine. It allowed character depth and development. The first two lessons after we formed are group were spend on structuring a plot whic h could show off are acting talents and incorporate the idea of space. First we decided that it should be based around a main character.An idea that has always interested me was personifying a character sub advised. This might sound a little far fetched barely it would give the character more than than substance and the audience something to relate to. This would not be his conscious or a good or bad angel but a version of himself that is not usually seen.With that starting point we went ahead and considered how the space theme would fit into this idea. We thought a family clash about space would put this character in the right frame to create good drama around him. This could be mirrored with a character that is in a way opposite him.We all thought that it would be a good idea to have a visual conscious for him like with the other character. This would allows us to show the differences in these characters and it would fit in with the number of people in are group. How these con scious would look actually on stage would be greatly influenced by Stuart, who put in a lot to the actual conscious theme.Taking all this we constructed a story which we split up into scenes. This is the first draft of the scenes and what they would contain picture 1 This scene would contain an argument betwixt the main character and his Dad. It has to be his Dad because I do not believe any of us could pull of a convert woman. This argument would be about space, and the childs lack of it. This will end in the character storming out to see his friend. This will show the trouble space has already caused. This will be set in the house. setting 2 This would be an interlude where the audience gets some in sight into the relationship between him and his conscience. It will be the main character complaining to himself with the conscience talking around him. This will show how the character relates to something, which in essence, him cannot see or hear. This will be set in the walk betwee n his house and the park. background 3 This will be conversation between the main character and what appears to be his opposite. This conversation will give away some rear round information about each character and will explain their temperament faults. It will also set up the events for the next scene that involves criminal activity brought on by conversation. This will show the parallels between twocharacters who see and treat space in different ways and how it has effected them. This will be set in a peaceful model, a parkScene 4 In this scene the two main characters will get involved in study arson. This will result in an explosion off stage and the two running game off. This shows what space problems can result in. This will be set in the other end of the park.Scene 5 This will be like the first scene, with an argument between the Dad and the main character. This will be a lot fiercer than the first and will increase in tension as it progresses. This is the finale of the d rama and will bring out all the aspects of space we have been trying to portray. This will be set back in the house.In footing of evaluating the plot, I am proud of it. I contend a wide pause in crafting it and personally I feel happy with it. Problems with it may be finding enough for the consciences to say and do since they are simply other version of the characters that already present.CastingWe found stamp genuinely difficult, particularly a part for Hussian. First of all, we thought it would be stovepipe if he had the map of the Dad. But we found a stern sort of character wasnt suited for him. We then had the idea of changing the Dad to a Mum. But Hussian playing a woman in my opinion, and on previous acting experience, seems to be type cheat on and contrary to some people opinion he was cast in a role that would highlight his acting talent. The other characters were relatively easy to cast. Here was the final cast listLeigh Turner The DadAlain Branson Gary (the main character)Stuart Mulrany Gary conscienceChris Jones Damien (the character opposite to Gary)Hussian Kerian Damien conscienceSet in a higher place is the set we choose to use. It is fairly basic with the stage being split into three sections, one representing the house, one the park and the other the journey in between.The props were also real simple, with a table and chairs representing the house interior and a bench representing the park.LightingArea of tinder for scenes 1 and 5Area of lighting for scenes 2, 3, and 4CostumesThe costumes we used were authentic of the part we played. I played the Dad, so I wore clothes that be a Dad. I just wore a black T-shirt and jeans, which is what my Dad would wear. Gary wore typical young clothes, a geek scurfy to help show the difference between him and Damien. Damien will also were typical teenage clothes, but nothing like Garys.The consciences wore suits. This would show how they different from the other characters and yet still an impo rtant part of the drama. We would also be able to visual show aspects of there personality. This means Garys conscious is good, so he wore a white suit and Damiens conscious a black suit.RehearsalsRehearsal started well with Alain and myself going though the first argument many times. The first argument we thought needed to build in encroachment as it went on. We found this hard at the beginning because we found that we got very angry very pronto and needed to take it slower. This was a small problem and was easily everywherecome.After we had the basic of this scene, we moved on to the bench scene. This scene was hard to rehearse, and certain members of the cast did not help. Small arguments in the group made rehearsing slow and grinding. Out of all scenes, this one was the one that never rightfully was rehearsed to maximum affect. Chris and Stuart, to study parts in this scene, had moments of inspiration that helped give a fuller picture of are story.About half way though the rehearsal time the group came to a discussion that the story needed a more conclusive ending. We needed to change the story and keep the scenes the same so it would not interrupt rehearsals too much. We decided that in scene 4 that Gary would die in the explosion and the final argument would be between Damien and the Dad about the blame. This would show the consequences of space and add to the drama. The explosion would be a red strobe light operated of stage and Damien and Gary would be blown on stage, with only Damien getting up and running any.This means we would have to put in new spin on the final argument so Damien would fit into the ending. We decided that if Damien were to come to see the Dad so it would be Damien trying to explain himself. This would allow Chris to show of his talent (which may not get shown in previous scenes) and allow me to say something different to a different person.The more rehearsal went on, the more we touched up the scene. Stuarts contribution to the way consciences move and talk was a big help. Hussian, Alain and Chriss determination helped finish the scenes kept it all going. Still, I dont think we really got the park scene nailed.Piece 2After we changed groups, the first thing we did was to decide how to make this piece abstract and surreal. Most of these ideas were covered in the Initial Reaction to the Stimulus. Sam and Alain played a major part in deciding how the play would actually work. We wanted to consider all the ways we could show space in a surreal way so this took quite a bit of time. or else of just repeating what I said at the beginning the essay, basically we decided to have pieces of drama (with monologues and freeze frames) linked by a tableaux. Admittedly, I would have liked to try something a bit more, well adventurous but this seemed to fit the bill and with the right characterization would create gripping drama.The pieces of drama would involve to 2 conflicting character. The third person in the group would give a monologue while the others are in a freeze frame. After this the characters would return to a platform at the back of the stage and do a tableau reflecting what has just happened. There were4 pieces if drama and to pay off confusion, we named the characters with one name, no matter what scene there in.Alain Branson Tony (Gangster, Brother, Teacher)Sam Jordan Harry (Gangster, Dad, Pupil)Leigh Turner Jack (Barman, Brother, Son)Scene 1 Jack is arguing with his Dad (Harry) about space. Jack is child that has had his own way most of his and it is only recently that his Dad had not been allowing him to go out. This sparked the argument. His dad is not over protective, but wants the best for his son. Jack is a typical teenager that is over emotional and arrogant.Sam played the Dad with depth and sternness, just like a real Dad and dominated the scene. I think I played the teenager well, remembering my constant arguing with my folks. The problems with playing a teenager is th at in and argument they have limited vocabulary and generally say the same thing over and over. Anyway, I think this was a strong scene that set the standard for the rest of the play.Scene 2 Harry (a schoolboy) is arguing with his instructor (Mr. Tony) about a detention. Harry has been having a few family problems at home and this has crossed over into his schoolwork. This has postulate to Mr. Tony having to give him a detention. The argument consisted of Harry trying to explain the situation to the teacher.Sam once once more pulled of a very good portrayal of character, but due to the nature of the role was not the dominating character. Alain played an excellent teacher character, really showing talent a presence on stage. erst again, teachers are stubborn so not repeating yourself would have been hard, but Alain was very believable.Scene 3 Tony starts an argument with this brother, Jack. This is over how Jack gets more space and time off of their dad. This is the first time th ey have had an argument like this one and Tony is unsure how his brother will contradict. This leads to an argument, which neither of them gain the upper hand until the end, where Jack hits Tony.Alain was very convincing as the somewhat confused Tony, adjusting to the tone of the argument accordingly. I was not so good. I had trouble adapting to the level of aggression I should use in the argument.Scene 4 Two rival mobster have an argument over, wait for it, space and end up barb each other. The two have a violent history and this is the final straw. The initial meeting takes place in a bar where Tony is enjoy a drink with barman. Harry walks in and the argument between the two eventually leads then to a shot out. Once again Sam and Gary where very convincing drawing on there past experience of gangster roles. I really took a mild part in this scene, letting the gangster create the drama. I did show a friendship with Tony, but this was short lived and explored.This I think was th e weakest of the 4 scene and was performed for the wrong reasons (i.e. they were both involved in gangster related drama during the writing stage).SetAs you can see, we used a very Brecht set, with very few props to speak of. This minimalist stage meant we had more space for acting and movement. Brecht played a part in designing the stage because we all felt that a performance like this one needed a strong style so it separates it from other abstract pieces. Special lighting was not needed, so full house lights were used.CostumesWe all decided to wear suits in all the pieces. This would make it more abstract and they a very versatile to the parts we played (teacher, gangster etc.)RehearsalsWe had many rehearsals, which we managed to fit into a very short time space. We went through every scene in order constantly with very little variation.I would like to put a lot more detail into this but there was little else we did. We looked at the tableaux and changed them a few times till the y represented each scene perfectly. The monologues were rehearsals a lot till everybody knew what everybody what going to say.Evaluation (of both)Both the performances went very well and very few mistakes. In comparison the two piece are different but with one on going theme. This is that they all show a single characters problem with space.This allowed us to show how different people can react to space. This, however, lead to some of are character sounding the same.I terms of actual work, I think the last group I worked was dedicated than the first and wanted to get the work done more. As is said earlier, some scenes in the first performance I would have liked to go over a few more times.This I think can be related to the size of groups. hypothesize you can get more work done if there is a smaller number in your group. You can concentrate more and work more in a complete group.In terms of plot, I think are first piece was better. This is not that the second piece had no plot, but I think the first performance was more gripping and kept attention better.