Considering we only had a small group and couldn't do any practical work, we decided that we would fully structure or at least brainstorm ideas for a story line- as we established last lesson that this was the one thing missing!
From researching into different films (some included ghost, the woman in black, and practical magic) we were able to structure the following story line:
The hotel (now seance) is metaphorical- named 'Hotel di Colpa' translating as 'hotel of guilt' in Italian. The hotel/ or seance is purely a figment of Claudio's imagination.
The play opens with filmed footage projected (maybe outside the 'hotel') which shows Claudio and Hero fighting. Here we want to show an abusive relationship- Claudio abusing Hero although this may not be entirely intentional on his behalf.
Sequentially to the film, the audience then witnesses Hero's suicide - we need to create a way of showing this? As the suicide follows directly after the film, it is suggested that the cause is her abusive relationship with Claudio.
The audience is then taken into the seance. We will keep the same ideas as originally decided e.g. Receptionist, Claudio carrying Hero's bags, Beatrice and Benedict etc. however, now that we are inside Claudio's 'hotel of guilt'/mind, he begins to go insane. As he looks at each character, they will turn into 'hero' e.g will say something that only hero would say or know facts about him that only hero knows. Perhaps we could use some props e.g. Claudio will turn away for a second and then as he looks back, the character will be wearing the same clothes as hero wore when she commit suicide.
The characters of Maggie and Ursula would be the mediums - able to communicate with the dead and read Claudio's palms. Claudio goes to see these mediums in order to ask them to bring Hero back or at least to see her again. The mediums warm Claudio that if they bring Hero back, she will come back with an evil inside of her- she won't be the same person. ( inspiration taken from the film practical magic).
Despite this Claudio begs for Hero to come back. Here we thought that all the girls could then turn into Hero - representing her new power and control, overpowering Claudio- intimitdating.
Consequently, from bringing Hero back, Claudio's guilt becomes overwhelming and he commits suicide
~end of structure~
From laying out the structure in this way, it has become apparent that there are still a few gaps that need filling in. Although we are in a much better position and have more of a story line, there is a big section between Hero coming back as a ghost, to Claudio's suicide that needs to be planned out.
We now have three possible films to research - The woman in black, Practical magic and ghost. Alongside general research, we should be able to piece together the rest of the story.
1 ) What important discoveries were made during the rehearsal?
We were able to develop a simple story line for our piece that linked all our original ideas together. We discussed outside sources e.g. Films and topics/themes to research etc. that we can continue exploring within our own time, and use to contribute in upcoming rehearsals.
2 ) What led to those discoveries?
As established within our previous rehearsal, we knew that plotting a detailed story line was our next step towards progressing. Through starting from the beginning and discussing exactly what it was we were trying to convey, we were able to research relevant sources - which led to successful discoveries and ideas
3 ) Towards where do those discoveries lead?
We are now in the position of defining and adding detail to this structure. Furthermore, we need to explain our ideas to the rest of the group - although the four of us understand the idea, we need to ensure we are all on the same level of understanding and agreement
4 ) Consider questions No. 1-3 except focus on important roadblocks/dead ends.
Previously, our idea of a 'hotel' and 'insane Claudio' had reached a roadblock as we were struggling to create a story line and links between our beginning and ending. Today was like a breakthrough as we were open/accepting to new ideas and change which enabled us to produce an exciting and engaging story line that is able to successfully link our two main ideas together (with relevancy).
5 ) Reflect on dramatic action and conflict. How’s it going? What actions does this suggest?
Considering there were only four of us today, it was easier to communicate and work as a small group. We all shared similar ideas and understood the aims of the lesson- to develop and devise a story line. Subsequently we were able to meet these aims which positions us with the benefit of progressing onto more detailed planning and experimental performance/improvisation next rehearsal.
6 ) Reflect on transformational leadership. How’s it going? What actions does this suggest?
As mentioned above, we were a smaller group this lesson therefore communication was easier. I felt that everyone contributed an equal amount - there were no clear leaders as we were able to share that role among ourselves. In future rehearsals, I feel that we should aim to work in a similar way - taking turns to be in 'control' as today this method appeared to be successful and everyone put forwards their opinions.
7 ) Reflect on the journey of one or both of the actors with whom you are working. How’s it going? What needs to happen next?
Becca has a very clear way of describing and explaining ideas. I know personally that I struggle to explain my ideas in a way that make sense to others, even though i can envision them myself. Becca was able to structure mine and others ideas into a way which we all understood and wrote out a plan/outline of our ideas which will be really useful when explaining to the rest of the group next rehearsal.
8 ) What is the most important thing that happened (or didn’t happen) in your recent rehearsal? Unpack its importance.
As referred to before, the most important aim within our rehearsal was devising and structuring a story line. Although we had a theme/ general concept, without a story or motive forming/ driving the piece it seemed pointless and meaningless to perform. Having a base for our piece not only provides the play with substance, but also equips us with inspiration, structure (that we can refer to and keep us on track) and also provides potential for entertainment value. With our story line in place, we are now able to progress forwards with the devising process- either work shopping ideas, collecting and adding more material (development) of using freeze frames to construct an outline/ form the shape.
9 ) What is the most important thing that could happen in your next rehearsal? How will you shape the rehearsal in order to increase the odds of that “thing” happening?
As mentioned above, there is a gap between the last two points of the story- ideally we should aim to fill this gap and have a complete story ready for work-shopping. The majority of our rehearsals so far have been discussion based, therefore I feel that it's important to start physically experimenting with ideas - as more inspiration, ideas and clarity will arise from this. We will also be able to put into perspective what is possible and realistically achievable for our group to perform e.g. We had certain ideas about how to stage the suicide which may or may not be possible until we experiment... Safely!
10 ) Consider where you’re at in the grand scheme of all rehearsals. How’s it going? What actions does this suggest?
Currently I feel that we are in a good position. As a group we have established the styles, themes, and concept in which we will be working. Individually we know what we need to research or improve on in rehearsals ( I know that I need to offer more ideas/contribute more in discussions), and we now have the majority of our story line. At the moment it will be difficult to progress physically in rehearsals due to absences however this is only temporary- as soon as we're all back, it will be a matter of ensuring everyone is up to date and aware of the decisions made so that we can begin our devising!
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