15th March Lesson Notes and ideas

1 ) What important discoveries were made during the rehearsal?

Within today's rehearsal we fed back our ideas to the group (that we had made during the previous rehearsal), and listened to their views, opinions and feedback. Alongside approving of our original ideas, there were other possible suggestions made - these included; using bingo as the link to discovering 'mediums' and using Maggie and Margaret as the two old ladies who never left the hotel (been there over 40 years) and can read minds/sense ghosts.

As we now have some initial ideas, we agreed that the next step was to begin structuring each scene, using the college space to help us make decisions. As we visited each possible space, new ideas and discoveries were made e.g. Originally we had envisioned Hero's death to take placed on the steps in reception. However when experimenting with ways in which we could show this, it was difficult to make it dramatic/realistic - partly due to safety and also the vision from the audience perspective isn't clear (glass blocks part of the view). Considering this, we kept our options open and visited various other areas around the college that might work instead.

Looking and plotting scenes round the college really helped us to envision the performance and spark new ideas- I now have a better understanding of how the piece will be structured.

2 ) What led to those discoveries?

 As mentioned above, exploring the space enabled us to physically envision and experiment with ideas- which sparked thoughts and new options.  Of course, it would be useful to continue exploring the space as there are still gaps or ideas that we haven't assigned to rooms or explored further.

Also, I feel that our attitude towards the rehearsal further enabled us to make discoveries and decisions. We were all open minded and accepting to ideas. For example, within the suicide scene, we experimented with different ways of moving down the steps- considering whether we could use a rostre, mattress or parts of the building outside. Furthermore, at the beginning of the show we were set on the idea that we wanted the film then the suicide- however this would be difficult for George as he'd have to run round the building, ready for the linking scene (hotel reception). Instead I suggested that we had the suicide first, and then the audience could watch a news report on tv, describing what has just happened. Not only will this clarify what has just happened, but will also give George enough time to be ready for the next scene. The only difficulty with this, is that the audience then won't understand that the cause of Hero's death was because of an argument with Claudio. Perhaps this could be shown before her death- they could argue as coming down the steps, Hero passes her handbag and then commits suicide. This then gives a reason as to why Claudio never puts down Hero's bag- keeps it with him at all times.

3 ) Towards where do those discoveries lead?

When discussing the idea of a seance and mediums, we agreed that this might be too predictable and overdone by other theater company's- we want to incorporate elements of excitement, originality and engagement with the audience (in an intelligent way that will be different/ a new experience compared to previous theater seen).

Through using an idea from a previous Shakespeare retold, we thought that we could use the grid (above the hub) to place Hero's dead body - and have blood dripping down. Here I loved Becca and Amy's idea of  bingo- a physical theatre piece (using dobbers) could be used to -creating a monotonous rhythm. Claudio will be placed at a table near Maggie and Ursula. Suddenly everyone will freeze except these three people. There will then be dialogue about how Maggie and Ursula know about Hero and say then can bring her back- Claudio is confused and doesn't understand. A splash of blood falls onto the table in front of him, he looks up and there is Hero's corpse lying across the grid.

I then suggested that everyone else who is frozen, transform and become hero- all speaking as one person (at the same time) against Claudio. This intensifies her power and strength over Claudio - which will then develop and influence his conscious which consequently leads to his death at the end of the play.

This was just one example of how exploring the space lead to new ideas. Now that we have these new ideas, we are in the position of work-shopping ideas. I feel that a good place to start would be with the group pieces we know we want to put in e.g. The physical theater piece with daubers - perhaps we could explore movement as one whole company, using different ways of travel or use of voice to make us threatening and powerful. Here we can take methods used within the visit to portray the character of Clara.

4 ) Consider questions No. 1-3 except focus on important roadblocks/dead ends.


As mentioned in question 2, our attitude towards exploring ideas was 'open and accepting'. This enabled us to successfully progress with our planning as more possibilities/ doors have opened to us. Compared to how we were at the beginning of the rehearsal process, this is a huge step/ achievement - before we were set on one idea only which made it hard for us to devise the story line (as we weren't open to adaptations or other possibilities). Now that we have explored temporary new ideas, we have an Intelligent story line, fluid ideas that link together and an idea of where we could perform each scene.

To continue progressing forwards, we need to maintain this way of working- although we may workshop ideas, we have to remain flexible to change and not to 'cling to '/set any particular idea.
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?


I thought that everyone worked particularly well today, we made significant progress  and all contributed a part towards this. Amy consistently offers ideas- these are often very original as she thinks outside the box, looking on situations from a different perspective. Becca was very focused today, she listens to everyone's ideas - considering ways to link them together. George was offering good ideas as he often considers ideas in relation/context of the play so that they make sense and will either benefit or develop the performance in a certain way.  Nicole also was very focused, suggesting lots of different ideas - particularly when discussing the suicide, she had lots to offer from research and possible places to set this.

8 ) What is the most important thing that happened (or didn't happen) in your recent rehearsal?  Unpack its importance.


The most important thing during this rehearsal was visiting the different spaces we could possibly use. Unlike previous rehearsals where we would just sit and discuss ideas, we were able to actively put these ideas into perspective and experiment/ envision whether they would work- or whether we could find alternatives/solutions.

Considering the point in which we are (have a solid idea in which we are still experimenting with - adding to), being able to take the idea to its feet not only opened up lots of new possibilities but also has enabled us to take the next step forwards. If we had continued to just discuss ideas, more possibilities would have been suggested but 'blocked'- from just talking, the piece doesn't have a chance to develop or begin. We will have many ideas which could continue flowing yet without signalling a starting point these ideas won't get us anywhere!

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?


Alongside explaining our current idea to those who were absent last lesson, I think that we need to continue exploring the space- write out a clear structure of where each scene could happen and how/why the space chosen will be beneficial to that scene e.g. Using the reception as the place of suicide. We can use the steps to create a station, the character will be seen clearly from the top and we have lots of ideas as to how to stage the death.

This structure of course can remain temporary - changes can be made, however, I think it's important that we have some form of structure to at least begin rehearsing with and can hold our piece together.

If we are able to achieve this goal, our next target should be to begin work-shopping. As previously explained, our group is full of endless ideas to offer in discussion, however, if we were to put these ideas into action we will be able to cut down on decisions- exploring the practicalities, saying either yes or no. Furthermore, when devising George's marvelous medicine, I realized that as a group we are more creative when physically experimenting with ideas. Through being able to visualize an idea, it becomes clearer and easier to work with.