Week beginning- 8th October

Monday

Initial thoughts; we are trying to consider a variety of explorative strategies to show that we are fully exploring our characters, for example developing the way we that we pronounce our words. For example in my line “nobody can stop what’s going to happen” I am developing on making sure I say “no body” instead of “no one”.

What was good about it; I definitely feel like this rehearsal has expanded and  improved the way my character says her lines. As this develops, I am learning the characteristics that Adela would illustrate.

What was bad about it; Pronunciation is the most important and difficult problem that is occurring in the play and that all speakers are having to face when saying their lines. Improper pronunciation can lead to negative impression, misunderstanding and ineffective communication on stage, one example of this is when I say ” this morning has caught me at the worst time in my life”. I have learnt to say “morning” a little deeper and pronouncing the “ing” sound, as I was saying “mornin”, as my accent did not fit with the language of this time period.

Evaluation; Some people, including myself, have been learning to experiment and play around with the dynamics of characters. This works particularly well, as this means we are unravelling and exploring different elements in which we can portray our characters.

Action plan; To proceed to analyse lines and  the way I pronounce words. A way in which I  could do this is to pre-read myrtle  lines, then pick up where our accents appear through the lines. This way I will learn were my weaknesses are.

Tuesday

Initial thoughts; Today we blocked the final couple of scenes in the play; this included the death scene of my character Adela. In my opinion, this part of the play is the most important, as it includes the most drama and physical action (including chorus), for example arguing and a lot of sensitive subjects such as guns and suicide.

What was good about it; It’s very good that we have now blocked the whole play, this means we can start developing and creating more detail in each scene. Although I am still learning my lines, every time I perform or read over my part, I am learning more about the character, Adela, and how I am going to portray her. This is working really well for all of us, as we are developing really quick.

What was bad about it; There wasn’t anything particularly bad in this rehearsal, however there were a couple features that were more challenging  and needed some more work. Firstly the lift, this is the part where I die and Poncia has to pick me up and carry me to center stage. The carrying part works really well, as I look like a dead body, which creates a surreal look. However, the part that needs improving is the lifting manoeuvre, as Mariana (Poncia) doesn’t no how to pick me up smoothly. The second issue, was trying to figure out how and where we are going to drop a noose from onset for the section when I hang myself. However, this is something that can be figured out when we start to rehearse in the theatre.

Evaluation; There are still things that need figuring out and set but over time and once we start to rehearse in the theatre can be finalised.

Action plan; Me and Mariana are going to meet Rob tomorrow lunch, so he can help us practice the lift, ensuring it is done professionally and safely. Also, I think it would be really helpful if we started rehearsing in the theatre, this way we would know the exact space we have and learning our exits and entrances.

Wednesday

Initial thoughts; It was an okay rehearsal that turned out smooth, we started from the opening and got up to act one, scene 6. I think everything’s running pretty well and over all was a good rehearsal.

What was good about it; Its good that we are slowly coming off script as this helps dynamics in building a relationship with the other characters on stage. It also means the pace of the scenes can flow better as this is something we need to work on at points.

what was bad about it; Today has been difficult as I am slightly worrying about certain things this can effect the persona of my character and my acting . I’m just worried about keeping up with standards as I am working with some very talented people. some things that worry me are messing up a line in rehearsal or even just making shore I’m performing as well as I could, although I am worried about this I’m shore ill work it out in time.

Evaluation; reflecting back on today I think I wasn’t in the best  mind set however it was a smooth rehearsal and nothing was really to bad.

Action plan; Tomorrow hopefully we can rehears the opening and get up to act one scene 6 again but in the theatre. This would really help us start developing a sense of space.

Thursday 

initial thoughts; A very well done to all of us today it has been the best run though yet (up to scene 6) I can defiantly see the shows progression coming along nicely.

what was good about it; It was really good working in the theatre as we started to get a feel of the space we would be working with, this then means we can start making shore we are filling space and gaps on stage. One other thing that is developing nicely is relationships between characters. As we are getting to play around with our roles at this point we can keep changing the way we say a line to each other to enhance the creativity of our skills.

what was bad about it; This rehearsal was very good I suppose there was nothing bad I can say about this, nevertheless there was a couple miner problems one of witch being not knowing the real exit and entrance. This can simply be sorted as we discussed what looked the most effective and we decided to go with walking straight though the chairs. Also just small things line reading over your lines to no where you would talk a pause for effect or simply breaths.

Evaluation; we was provided with notes witch made it very professional and gives us something to work off. The notes that I presented with were,

In the green dress scene I need to extend the leave of childness and be much more exited. One feature I thought would work really well was instead walk walking on stage running on and twirling about like a child would in dress up. Also thinking about my body language at this particular point it would be very flowy and open to show contrast of when Bernarda isn’t around.

Furthermore on my “but Pepe” line this is a distinctive moment for my character as she is finding out about the wedding. Just before this line I need to take a longer pause and develop deeper facial expression but having a stronger reaction, this would then give off the impression as if I’m trying to understand the situation.

finally some notes that was presented to all the cast were, show more depth and emotion in our facial expressions in the funeral scene, this would create more of a effective emotion to the audience. Another is remember when were sitting for long periods of time making sour we fidget and simply keep acting to create nice proxemics.

Action plan; To look back over all my notes that I was assigned and work on them immediately to adapt then into my acting. This would then mean we wouldn’t have to waste time going back over the same notes we could work forward in different areas that would still need work.