As this is going to be our last performance I took this opportunity to take on a character that will differ from the other characters I've played over the two years of studying Performing Arts. For this performance myself and Jay are taking on the role of 'Squatter's'. The background to all of this is that my character, 'Louise' aka 'Lou' was the first to arrive at the Church to live in as a squatter, this is because I was put in care and at the age of 16 nobody wanted me so I was chucked onto the streets forced to live homeless. When Jay's job crumbled and eventually left him jobless and broke he came to the church (as if he was depending on God for help) to where he met me, and decided to live my lifestyle with me. As the riots get worse over the years more people decided to come into the church for safety, for example, Kieran who is a very religious person. Eventually, when the riots hits its climax and nothing can be done to solve it a lot more people come to the church as a 'safe haven' in hope that they will not be found.
I really want to make sure I gain an understanding and characteristics of a squatter so I decided to research pictures, videos etc that would help me during my development.
This video has helped a lot, as I already see how they walk, how they dress, how they talk, their attitudes etc. A lot of them appear to have trolleys too to help them transfer their possessions to and from places as they never seem to have one secure home, always have to be ready to be on the move.
Furthermore, one thing that did strike me when researching into my character was the title of this next video, "SQUATTING: Alternative Living or a Criminal Act?"
For some it may be an alternative way of living but for others it is considered as a criminal act. In some cases a lot of squatters do shelter in places where warning signs say, "Trespassers will be prosecuted", however, is that choice of sheltering in a place like that just due to desperation or by choice. Again, this video has helped me gain an insight of how they dress and act which will help me when creating my costume for 'Lou'.
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When myself and Jay are first introduced in our piece we are seen to be having an arguement. This arguement is due to 'Mark' (Jay) not wanting to share his home with any other people, he feels that their safety will jeopardize our safety from the riots. However, 'Lou' (myself) feels that if we do chuck them out that they will have no other safe place to go, they will get killed by these rioters. 'Lou' is the sort of person to put others before herself, she likes to care for people and this shows when the audience find out that Mark has not always been a squatter like Lou, he once had a life where he had a family, home and job but soon all of that was destroyed and he found me and I was the one who let him in - and Mark seems to forget this sometimes. If it wasn't for me where would he be?
Tuesday, 28 May 2013
Creating the final scene.
As a group we decided to start working and creating ideas for the final scene. We discussed that we would like to involve dance, live music and dialogue. The reason for this is because we all wanted to use everyones strengths in the final scene so it will end really strong.
After a discussion of considering several different songs, looking at both the lyrics (whether you want them to have a purpose), their musicality (the tempo, dynamics etc), and their scope for acoustic guitar/singing below is a list of what we have come up with:
People, Help the People - Birdie
We Are Broken - Paramore
Us Against the Machine - Coldplay
God & Satan - Biffy
After choosing these songs we discussed what song would go where, for example, 'God&Satan' will appear towards the end of Joe and Kieran's scene as we felt that Kieran could start singing it as he is starting to believe that his belief in God isn't helping others and eventually Joe joins in with him.
Shortly after, we talked about the structure for the final scene and this is what we ended up with:
1. Dialogue
2. Dance - everyone. To 'People'
3. Dialogue
4. Song - Coldplay (Jay to start, everyone to gradually join in)
Jay would like the sitting down in a circle at the end of the dance.
As the final song finishes, the performance will end with the sounds of the riot getting closer and closer towards the church doors, therefore, making audience feel on edge as well as us as characters. Eventually, the "riot" breaks into the Church - sound effects become deafening and we all look to the main door (as if the crowd is behind the audience) which will then lead into a blackout.
By the end there should be a strong contrast from the beginning and the end - the beginning everyone being in their own little section and the end everyone being closely together in one place, united, as if we are all in it together.
After a discussion of considering several different songs, looking at both the lyrics (whether you want them to have a purpose), their musicality (the tempo, dynamics etc), and their scope for acoustic guitar/singing below is a list of what we have come up with:
People, Help the People - Birdie
We Are Broken - Paramore
Us Against the Machine - Coldplay
God & Satan - Biffy
After choosing these songs we discussed what song would go where, for example, 'God&Satan' will appear towards the end of Joe and Kieran's scene as we felt that Kieran could start singing it as he is starting to believe that his belief in God isn't helping others and eventually Joe joins in with him.
Shortly after, we talked about the structure for the final scene and this is what we ended up with:
1. Dialogue
2. Dance - everyone. To 'People'
3. Dialogue
4. Song - Coldplay (Jay to start, everyone to gradually join in)
Jay would like the sitting down in a circle at the end of the dance.
As the final song finishes, the performance will end with the sounds of the riot getting closer and closer towards the church doors, therefore, making audience feel on edge as well as us as characters. Eventually, the "riot" breaks into the Church - sound effects become deafening and we all look to the main door (as if the crowd is behind the audience) which will then lead into a blackout.
By the end there should be a strong contrast from the beginning and the end - the beginning everyone being in their own little section and the end everyone being closely together in one place, united, as if we are all in it together.
Research into Contemporary Dances.
I decided to take the time to do research into contemporary dances. The reason for this is because us as a group seem to be really confident and comfortable with using movement such as this into our pieces and it is interesting to see and gain inspiration from existing pieces.
I went straight on to YouTube and researched duets, solos and group numbers to see how they differed from each other and whether they all still captured the same emotion even if there were more or less people involved.
Firstly, here are some examples I found of duet numbers:
Duets:
This video striked me a lot because it's very different from all the other contemporary dances I've ever seen. It is very creative and imaginative and for me this is what captivates the audience. The versions I am used to watching are usually a male and female conveying a love/hate relationship, however, to me this dance shows a really valuable friendship and how they're there for each other.
I really enjoyed watching all the techniques and movement and most importantly, how they used the space they had. When it comes to our site specific piece I feel that space is what is going to matter most as we have to be careful with what we are allowed to do and how.
As soon as I saw that someone had use this song to create a contemporary dance I did not hesitate to look at how they generated this piece. I strongly feel that the lyrics to this song are strong and you can really tell a story with it and this is exactly what this duo have done. I really like their incorporation of the water which could be seen as symbolism. For me, as both of the dancers use the water individually and together the symbolism creates the idea that they are both trying to wash away an event that has caused them conflict, this conflict is revealed when both of them use the water together and use harsh and strong movements.
Secondly, here are videos of solo pieces:
Solos:
Whilst Mr.Langley was on his work experience with us in our school he told me about a certain solo dancer called, Lukas McFarlene who appeared on the TV Show 'Got To Dance'. As soon as I saw this man I couldn't believe how talented he was and how he captivates the audience with the emotion and effort he puts into every movement.
Here are two different videos of Lukas that are my favourite, the one above was his audition and the one below was when he got through into the live shows.
Being able to engage an audience as a soloist is extremely difficult but looking at how Lukas puts all of his energy and determination into making every single move clean and effortless is what has inspired me most. Although we have no solo dance pieces in our performance we still have solo pieces within music so hopefully we will be able to put the amount of emotion Lukas puts into his dancing into our performance.
Finally, here are some group numbers, one being the winners of this years Britain's Got Talent, 'Attraction'.
Groups:
It was interesting to see a duet use this song to then see a large group use it as well. Using a large group must of been hard and challenging but this piece in my opinion is beautiful. They all really work as a group and you can tell as at various points they all use each other to create an image, for example, a tree. I really liked the use of cannon within the piece as it looked effective and collective as well. Furthermore, when it looks like they've all become shadows was also my favourite as it showed diversity from how it first started to how it is now ending.
As soon as I saw this act on Britain's Got Talent I knew they could get very far within the competition. I think there idea of telling a story through dance AND through silhouette was creative, emotional and effective and really struck people with the narrative and emotion that was put through their movement.
I think that this is a really strong and powerful piece and you can do a lot with it, and this was conveyed each time they cam on stage, every week it was different so it left you keen to see/know what they would be producing. Lastly, it also holds audiences attention and keeps them engaged throughout which sometimes is difficult to do.
I went straight on to YouTube and researched duets, solos and group numbers to see how they differed from each other and whether they all still captured the same emotion even if there were more or less people involved.
Firstly, here are some examples I found of duet numbers:
Duets:
This video striked me a lot because it's very different from all the other contemporary dances I've ever seen. It is very creative and imaginative and for me this is what captivates the audience. The versions I am used to watching are usually a male and female conveying a love/hate relationship, however, to me this dance shows a really valuable friendship and how they're there for each other.
I really enjoyed watching all the techniques and movement and most importantly, how they used the space they had. When it comes to our site specific piece I feel that space is what is going to matter most as we have to be careful with what we are allowed to do and how.
As soon as I saw that someone had use this song to create a contemporary dance I did not hesitate to look at how they generated this piece. I strongly feel that the lyrics to this song are strong and you can really tell a story with it and this is exactly what this duo have done. I really like their incorporation of the water which could be seen as symbolism. For me, as both of the dancers use the water individually and together the symbolism creates the idea that they are both trying to wash away an event that has caused them conflict, this conflict is revealed when both of them use the water together and use harsh and strong movements.
Secondly, here are videos of solo pieces:
Solos:
Whilst Mr.Langley was on his work experience with us in our school he told me about a certain solo dancer called, Lukas McFarlene who appeared on the TV Show 'Got To Dance'. As soon as I saw this man I couldn't believe how talented he was and how he captivates the audience with the emotion and effort he puts into every movement.
Here are two different videos of Lukas that are my favourite, the one above was his audition and the one below was when he got through into the live shows.
Being able to engage an audience as a soloist is extremely difficult but looking at how Lukas puts all of his energy and determination into making every single move clean and effortless is what has inspired me most. Although we have no solo dance pieces in our performance we still have solo pieces within music so hopefully we will be able to put the amount of emotion Lukas puts into his dancing into our performance.
Finally, here are some group numbers, one being the winners of this years Britain's Got Talent, 'Attraction'.
Groups:
It was interesting to see a duet use this song to then see a large group use it as well. Using a large group must of been hard and challenging but this piece in my opinion is beautiful. They all really work as a group and you can tell as at various points they all use each other to create an image, for example, a tree. I really liked the use of cannon within the piece as it looked effective and collective as well. Furthermore, when it looks like they've all become shadows was also my favourite as it showed diversity from how it first started to how it is now ending.
As soon as I saw this act on Britain's Got Talent I knew they could get very far within the competition. I think there idea of telling a story through dance AND through silhouette was creative, emotional and effective and really struck people with the narrative and emotion that was put through their movement.
I think that this is a really strong and powerful piece and you can do a lot with it, and this was conveyed each time they cam on stage, every week it was different so it left you keen to see/know what they would be producing. Lastly, it also holds audiences attention and keeps them engaged throughout which sometimes is difficult to do.
Saturday, 18 May 2013
Video's of what has been created so far.
As we started to create scenes we wanted to make sure we had evidence of them because we didn't want to forget them. The reason for this is because due to the time period we have to create this whole piece we need to move as quickly as we can to make sure it is ready for the 17th June. These videos were then put on YouTube as well as our blogs (just in case we couldn't access them) to help all of us both at home and at school.
The videos also gave us the opportunity to look back at what we have done and see if we would make any changes, or make the decision of 'actually that doesn't work/look as good as I thought it did'.
The first video is a devised scene of myself and Jay using contemporary dance/movement to "Bolero" from Moulin Rouge and dialogue after introducing the two characters and their relationship.
Secondly, this video is of Joe's story - a devised scene including physical theatre and dialogue and then flashback of Joe's story of what happened before him and Dave arrived at the Church.
The videos also gave us the opportunity to look back at what we have done and see if we would make any changes, or make the decision of 'actually that doesn't work/look as good as I thought it did'.
The first video is a devised scene of myself and Jay using contemporary dance/movement to "Bolero" from Moulin Rouge and dialogue after introducing the two characters and their relationship.
Secondly, this video is of Joe's story - a devised scene including physical theatre and dialogue and then flashback of Joe's story of what happened before him and Dave arrived at the Church.
Scenes created so far.
SCENES SO FAR – 15/5/13
THE BEGINNING (everyone)
Joe & Dave run through graveyard, causing panic – people are chasing them. Kieran reluctantly opens the door. Audience are ushered in. Generate panic. “Extras” in already in Church with Jay, Millie, Kieran and Stevie. Sound effects in the church, give way to outside the door.
Purpose: Audience to feel part of the action
INTRODUCTIONS (Kieran at Pulpit)
Kieran is halfway through a sermon when audience arrive. Audience are encouraged to sit in the front few pews. Kieran finishes the sermon with a prayer. Lights are switched on.
THE WOODEN CROSS (Joe, Stevie, Kieran, Dave)
Purpose: To establish Joe’s story/character. “What if” story. Uses physical theatre, dialogue and monologue.
MOULIN ROUGE (Millie & Jay)
Purpose: To introduce us to the idea that Jay and Millie are a couple who have been living in the Church. They argue about the audience’s right to seek refuge in the Church. Uses contemporary dance and dialogue.
AND…
POWERCUT (Jay, Millie, Stevie & Dave)
Purpose: Establishes characters. Needs to be early in the storyline
KILLED DAUGHTER (Joe & Kieran)
Purpose: Discover that the “everyman” character has lost his daughter. Agnostic.
Wednesday, 15 May 2013
St.Margarets Church.
Unfortunately, due to no available evening dates at Rochester Cathedral we were unable to use this venue for our site-specific. However, straight away Miss Cordell was able to give us a secure and definite space at 'St.Margaret's Church' which is just down the road from our school and we are fortunate to have school connections with them.
When we found out that this venue was given to us we were so glad that we still kept a religious aspect as we thought it would help us create a really strong piece that differs from the others we have done over the last two years.
Below are some images of our new venue:
To the left is an image of what the main altar and pews look like from the perspective of being at the back of the church. Most of our performance is portrayed in this area and is a very open and big space which is what we liked about it most. It enabled us to create scenes with physical theatre, dance and movement as there is a lot of space that can be used within this area. For example, some of our scenes take place on the main altar, however, other people may be standing in the aisles as well.
To the right is an image of what is on the right side of the altar. As you can see there is a pulpit in which people of the congregation at church use to read the readings and psalms. We use this at the very beginning of our piece where Kieran is standing in it whilst reciting a prayer and reassuring our extras and of course the audience of what is happening outside as the beginning everyone walks into a very frantic, panicked atmosphere.
After visiting the church I was really pleased what the church had to offer. It had a lot of spaces we could potentially use and although there were some restrictions, for example, not allowed to use the choir loft or the music room at the very back we were still happy with what was left and infact was inspired by what appeared to be in the different areas. For example, the room that Jay and I claim to be only ours was chosen because we were really inspired by the statues and stained glass window and really wanted to incorporate a scene using both these elements. Furthermore, we also thought that this area would be really effective for us because the window appears to be colourful, beautiful and bright which of course contrasts with mine and Jay's lifestyle of being 'Squatters'.
Overall, we were really pleased and enthusiastic after visting this church that when we went to visit we made sure we took plenty of pictures and as soon as we got back to school we put them up on a powerpoint presentation and wrote down words in which we connoted from the picture. This then strongly helped us to devise scenes through inspiration of the spaces which then helped us to create characters.
When we found out that this venue was given to us we were so glad that we still kept a religious aspect as we thought it would help us create a really strong piece that differs from the others we have done over the last two years.
Below are some images of our new venue:
After visiting the church I was really pleased what the church had to offer. It had a lot of spaces we could potentially use and although there were some restrictions, for example, not allowed to use the choir loft or the music room at the very back we were still happy with what was left and infact was inspired by what appeared to be in the different areas. For example, the room that Jay and I claim to be only ours was chosen because we were really inspired by the statues and stained glass window and really wanted to incorporate a scene using both these elements. Furthermore, we also thought that this area would be really effective for us because the window appears to be colourful, beautiful and bright which of course contrasts with mine and Jay's lifestyle of being 'Squatters'.
Overall, we were really pleased and enthusiastic after visting this church that when we went to visit we made sure we took plenty of pictures and as soon as we got back to school we put them up on a powerpoint presentation and wrote down words in which we connoted from the picture. This then strongly helped us to devise scenes through inspiration of the spaces which then helped us to create characters.
Monday, 13 May 2013
Location Possibilities.
What is Site Specific?
Site Specific for me gives us as performers a chance to produce a theatrical performance in a unique, specially adapted space other than theatre. This unit is designed to inspire us to assemble a scripted or devised piece around the given venue. When I first heard and watched some parts of the previous year 13's I was so excited to be able to start working on our piece.
When our tutor, Miss Cordell showed us our first possible venue, Rochester Cathedral, I was really intrigued and felt challenged. The reason for this is because it is a religious space in which we would have to be careful in what content we included; especially those who are atheists in my class. The following pictures show what the venue looks out from the exterior and the spaces that include inside:
Here is an image of what the venue looks like from outside. It is a beautiful building that attracts many tourists to visiting the town and is right opposite a famous performance ground of Rochester Castle.
Straight away from looking at this image I knew that we would be able to create a really strong piece using all of our individual and group skills, it is in a large open space and is close to home so that a lot of people will be able to come and see the performance.
The image to the right is a space within the Cathedral called 'The Crypt' and it appears to be underneath the building. From the moment we saw this we were immediately attracted to the structure of the space, for example, the pillars, the roofing and most importantly how would we position our audience this particular area.
Right away for me, I felt a very dark and enclosed feeling that further lead me to think of what techniques/narratives could be possible when performing in a space like this. I thoroughly admired this room and can think of so many ideas!
This picture is a room that is within 'The Crypt' and is almost a little chapel. The walls are all glass walls so anyone can see what is going on from the outside. This intrigued me a lot because as a group we thought it would be creative and effective if people were to be inside here wither walking around frantically or slowly whilst the audience are being led by an usher from the outside, therefore, then making audiences somewhat distracted by whatever is going on in this chapel rather than what they are actually being shown outside.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Rochester Cathedral and it has strong potential to help us create our site-specific piece!
Site Specific for me gives us as performers a chance to produce a theatrical performance in a unique, specially adapted space other than theatre. This unit is designed to inspire us to assemble a scripted or devised piece around the given venue. When I first heard and watched some parts of the previous year 13's I was so excited to be able to start working on our piece.
When our tutor, Miss Cordell showed us our first possible venue, Rochester Cathedral, I was really intrigued and felt challenged. The reason for this is because it is a religious space in which we would have to be careful in what content we included; especially those who are atheists in my class. The following pictures show what the venue looks out from the exterior and the spaces that include inside:
Here is an image of what the venue looks like from outside. It is a beautiful building that attracts many tourists to visiting the town and is right opposite a famous performance ground of Rochester Castle. Straight away from looking at this image I knew that we would be able to create a really strong piece using all of our individual and group skills, it is in a large open space and is close to home so that a lot of people will be able to come and see the performance.
Right away for me, I felt a very dark and enclosed feeling that further lead me to think of what techniques/narratives could be possible when performing in a space like this. I thoroughly admired this room and can think of so many ideas!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Rochester Cathedral and it has strong potential to help us create our site-specific piece!
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