Evaluation
Performance
"Church forced to put up gates after font is used as wash basin by migrants"
To clarify, I was successful in using the techniques I had acquired from the study on "Brechtian theatre" in order to present a vivid interpretation of right-wing media in modern society. The in- depth study on Brecht's theatre of ideas/techniques, helped me to understand and dissect the structure of creating a "caricature" on stage, following Brecht's belief in elaborating "gesture", and "vocal tone".
I was aware that voice, physicality and blocking would be essential in adapting my character to "Brechtian style". I understood that I would have to use levels and dynamics in my posture for example, in order to divulge my interpretation of a "Right-Wing Newspaper Journalist" away from "Naturalism".
The first half of "performance day" was dedicated to tightening blocking, articulation and projection. Therefore, it was essential that our level of "concentration" and "discipline" was at its peak.
My blocking consisted of exaggerating my "gesture" and improving my "posture" in order to present the "comic" element of Brechtian performance. This time was also dedicated to improving my use of the "V-Effect" which was essential in "involving" and "immersing" the audience in the world of the play, breaking down elements of the "4th wall".
In my opinion, these techniques improved the quality of the first "run through" which at first appeared shabby.
Overall, this gave us a rough idea as to how the final performance would culminate.
I was very pleased with the level of dedication and engagement with the piece in the final performance. I was clear with my blocking and vocal tone and maintained a certain level of energy throughout the whole piece. I was also clear with my "objectives" which were to "undermine my staff" and "find a story that would sell papers".
I utilised the advice from tutors, tools and exercises that I had learnt in my previous lessons to fully immerse myself in the role. I was also pleased with the way other character's responded to mine which allowed the scene to flow and remain consistent and how the ideas that were implemented in the performance, were juxtaposed in each scene which made the whole experience "unique" and "endearing".
Overall, I feel as if the work that was carried out in lessons was responsible for our success on stage. I have begun to understand that "concentration" and "dedication" to a role is central to improving the quality and authenticity of a performance.
Although there are areas in which improvement is needed, such as understanding the meaning of the "lines" to a deeper extent, my level of professional execution, contributed to the success on stage.
As a "theatre product", the Brechtian inspired piece would be successful in highlighting the political injustice that society is faced with everyday. It could also be used to educate young people on the social hierarchy that we as individuals are accustomed to and how the media can often present certain social groups as "folk devils" in order to generate publicity and social economic wealth.
