11/12/14

Definition of an ensemble- my definition of an ensemble is something that involves a lot of people working together.

What has to happen in the rehearsal room to create a successful ensemble?

You have to work together and listen to each other's opinions and suggestions to have a healthy relationship with the whole of the ensemble for it to be successful. 

What was your favourite ensemble piece so far and write 4 sentences why

My favourite ensemble piece so far is tale 3 because I feel we worked really well together in that scene because the scene flowed really nicely and we had a really strong connection. The scene had a really jolly atmosphere unlike some of the more serious scenes which was a nice contrast to experience. We were all really focused during the rehearsals of that scene and that meant the way it was performed was successful. Also the staging was comfortable to work with and smart which made our performance stronger.

Tale 3:

We have staged Tale 3 in a way that uses the whole space, where the boys end their scene and use their transition to move the chairs as the girls stroll into the pub and take their places either around the boys' already formed groups, or making their own. In unison, we contort ourselves into the exaggerated stance of someone downing a pint. I would like to experiment with my position and perhaps use a different level because what I am doing now means that my back bends unnaturally, making it uncomfortable to hold. We then deliver our lines, and on the queue, we become tradesmen fixing up houses, and then form a semi-circle around the bar, which was being made out of chairs by some of the cast. The lights go out, and we use our torches to illuminate Matteo (Jack). Then, I crawl under a white sheet, which is then lit by the others; by this time everything is very central, and our bodies almost make a barrier in front of the audience.

In this tale I play: A loudmouthed pub goer, a tradesman and the victim of Jack's burst of rage in a pub one night (I am dead). As the pub goer I mess about with friends, and join the unannounced competition present in every pub, which is "Who can down their pint the fastest". As the tradesman I am a particularly shady builder, like a decorator that would be featured on 'Cowboy Builders' as I only take cash, do unnecessary jobs that cost more, and cut corners.

The atmosphere of Tale 3 begins as a somewhat jolly scene in my opinion with humour, and the sinister contrast towards the end makes the piece tense, as the swift contrast leaves the audience guessing. I think the physicality in this scene also makes us more than actors in the piece; we are the piece. With minimal setting, costume and lighting, we become the frame that holds the picture we paint, our bodies move the audience from one place to another, and it make this tale very vivid, as the audience are transported with us, and can't let go, adding to the tension I described earlier. 

It differs from our interpretation of tales one and two because I think both those tales use less abstract physicality, and often involve us solely sitting down or standing up, and in this tale I feel we tell someone's story, instead of just describing them, which is also down to the script.

Tale 4:

 So far, we have used a change of prop in tale 4, by employing umbrellas. This tale is appearing to be a very grouped piece in terms of physicality, as there are times where be congregate in a bundle and link together as a long line. However, it does appear that this piece has a few main narrators, making the story more personal to one actor.

Umbrellas are not unheard of on the stage in big numbers, like in the musical, The Umbrellas of  Cherbourg

In this tale so far I am a  narrator, and I have lines both as an ensemble and on my own like:

"Beans on toast is it? and she nods" said by myself.

In  this I think I am voicing the main character's thoughts, and judging by this person's actions in the scene, they are kind at heart, but sometimes struggle to do the right thing, as  they feel pressure from friends, and most likely parents.Perhaps being charitable to an elderly woman, who in our society is seen as unable to contribute to culture, would be seen as unnecessary.

Further Questions:

Over the past few weeks I have definitely developed ,my physical theatre skills and ability to throw myself in and contribute ideas, and just having fun. I have thought about my voice, as I've wanted to keep each of my character's tones, dialects and pitches varied.

Lastly, the lines I think sums up each tale are:

Prologue - Cab driver - "Nocturnal" or similarly "Shadowy"

Tale 1 - If the east end was my friend - "Going it alone"

Tale 2 - If the east end was my friend - She waits for the weather, for the weather girl's dress"

Tale 3 - If the east end was my friend - "For this lost little boy, Is frozen with guilt."

Tale 4 - Elderly loneliness -   "Nobody's ever helped me before"