9th April Rehearsal

1 ) What important discoveries were made during the rehearsal?

Within today's rehearsal, our main aims were to finish blocking the bedroom + bingo scenes and to explore all the spaces for individual scenes. To begin, we began discussing the bedroom scene and how we could link text from the original - that Claudio could say. We have already agreed that Hero will be a silent character to reflect how Claudio used dominance, force and abuse to 'silence' her within their relationship. From this we discovered that our original song choice 'the way you move' didn't work as the tone of the scene is too serious - doesn't make sense and looks out of place. Further to this, the scene comes near the beginning (straight after the canteen scene). This was also confusing from the audiences perspective as Hero, as a character, has not yet been introduced therefore the audience won't understand that this is a flashback of Hero as dead! To clarify this, we have reordered the scenes in a more logical order- placing the bingo scene just before the bed scene. Here the audience will be introduced to the character of Hero and understand that she is now a ghost- haunting Claudio's memory.

We have also agreed on the use of powder paints to physically show what each Hero represents e.g. Black is revenge, red is love etc. by the end of the dance scene, Claudio will be covered in a mixture of colours- smothered in the different emotions and feelings Hero has now unburdened upon him.

Furthermore, we have each agreed to take a scene to be 'in charge' of. The person in charge of each scene will make the final decisions and provide a number if different ideas and devising techniques that could be used in this scene. The scene I will be working on is the bed scene- dance with all the Hero's

When exploring the different spaces, we tried a short improvisational scene with our characters (at the beginning of the show in the foyer). Here I discovered more about my character as the 'blue coat'. She is false, sarcastic, and has a bad relationship with the manger (they are constantly arguing) whilst at the same time trying to be friendly to guests.

2 ) What led to those discoveries?

Most of these discoveries were made either through improvisation, discussion or though research. For example I have lots of ideas for the bed scene after watching 'Lovesong' and reading through the frantic assembly devising physical theatre guide.

3 ) Towards where do those discoveries lead?

Now that we each have our individual scenes, I feel that our progression will increase. We will have a structured way of moving through rehearsals - can work on each scene at a time and more ideas/material will be offered.

Furthermore, towards the end of the rehearsal we developed the bingo scene through choreographing the dance, learning the song and harmonies, setting the performance where we will be performing and trying short improvisation scenes before and after. Putting this piece into context and developing our ideas from the previous rehearsal helped us to finish this scene (dance) and therefore gives us the ability to move on and work on the acting before and after. Having the bare structure e.g. The dance for the bingo scene, a small section of the dance for the bedroom scene, an improv for the opening scene etc. helps us to visualise the play as a whole and know where to improve/expand next rehearsal.

5 ) Reflect on dramatic action and conflict.  How’s it going?  What actions does this suggest?

As we have changed around the scene order, we have agreed that the climax scene should be the bed scene! Here, the four different emotions presented through Hero will provide the dramatic action and conflict- Revenge Hero will provoke fear and feelings of vulnerability, love Hero will provoke lust and reminiscence of romance (happiness), innocent Hero will provoke feelings of guilt and regret, and despair/angry Hero will provoke feelings of hate and confusion.

I need to ensure that these emotions are portrayed clearly within the scene. I have considered using images (placed on walls around the bedroom) to further imply what each colour represents e.g. A dark image (using mostly black figures) to show revenge. A mostly white image e.g perhaps a war photograph showing white flags?

I am also going to be using 'Cell block tango' from Chicago as influence - using red ribbons and sequences between the 'murderer' and man. This scene is a perfect portrayal of conflict (as described in stories and shown through their actions) and also dramatic action- as it is also one of the climax points/numbers within the show.

6 ) Reflect on transformational leadership.  How’s it going?  What actions does this suggest?

As we used today to assign scenes to individuals, we were able to put this into practise with the bingo scene. Megan is leading this scene therefore she was able to direct me and Amy when doing the show girl dance and through learning harmonies. Instead of taking complete control she allowed us to contribute and listened to our ideas - ensuring that we all agreed and had an input. This worked really well and hopefully we will be able to work through all the other scenes in a similar way.

7 ) Reflect on the journey of one or both of the actors with whom you are working.
I though Amy was really good when singing through the harmonies- she just needs to have more confidence in herself! Also, I loved how much enthusiasm and energy she was putting into the bingo dance, I need to try and match this!

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

Unlike other rehearsals, I feel we got really far in terms of creating performance, usually we end up discussing or mapping out what we need to do next instead of physically improvising or trying out ideas! Furthermore, we each came to the rehearsal prepared with research and new ideas- this was important as it gave our rehearsal purpose and somewhere to 'lead' to.