We used a ball of string as a prop to create the ‘web’. When we created the web we tried to show what it was like being kept in an environment against your will not being able to escape. Prior to the exercise we discussed the idea of being held hostage and the emotions that one would feel in that situation, so we could then inject these initial ideas into our group drama. We also tired an exercise were we realised we were not alone and that there was another hostage in the neighbouring cell, so one by one we watch as pars improvised the first meeting of the two hostages.
It was very effective as the character emotions were strong as we were already in character and had encouragement from working with other people. We tried to show realistic reactions if we actually were in cells by ourselves. We finally showed everyone trying to break free from the web; many people broke away easily and did not look behind but many made the decision to go back and help others. Eventually, everybody untangled themselves from the string and it fell limp to the floor.
HOW we tried to achieve this: We tried to achieve this by having everybody in the group stand in random positions around the room and throw a ball to another person. The ball of string would eventually unravel around us in a tangled mass and that would create the individuals own ‘enclosure’, in which we had to imagine we where kept against our will, isolated from any sense of normality. We sat down but still kept the string in place around us and then began to improvise with our neighbours. The lighting used was a single torch that acted as a spot light to draw attention to each pair as they improvised whilst the studio remained blacked out. This was effective as it helped to create a scene of an isolated cell and added to the distressing and glum atmosphere.
WHAT I would improve and why: Even though it was our first time performing ‘the web’ as a group; I think it very effective as we helped each other concentrate and get into character. However, I would have use mime covers if I was going to do the ‘web’ again and use few sounds and words. This would symbolise the hostages calling for help and screaming at the top of their lungs but still, no body hears them. So to the rest of the world, they do not make a noise. I would improve the last part where everybody had to untangle themselves from the web as some came out of role when they got stuck and laughed about it. What I would do is stay in role but ask for help from my neighbour, as my characters as if we were escaping together.
Eddie, it’s been a long time since we have both met and I know I am not your favourite person in the world but listen to me Eddie, hear me out… What I did. Had to be done, son. You were a fool for trying to save him Eddie, because you would have surly got yourself killed, and then what would happen? I’ll tell you what… You would have never met Maragruit; the love of your life. So be grateful it was me rather than you- I know I am. Eddie, my grandfather was in service and so was my father, and his brother and their cousin and maybe even their uncle… The point I; this is what I was born to do, serve my Queen and country.
I was born to look after your men and I’ll be damned if I’d’a ever let one of you die in my place. Right then when I went to save Walters? That was my time Eddie. It was meant to happen…. You have to understand why I did what I did and I am sorry it has been haunting you for the rest of your life but I would have it no other way. You were young with your whole life ahead you son, war was never meant for you Eddie… I’ve stayed on so you can hear my explanation. Yes, I’ve been waiting and to you son, it may seem like a long a time to wait. However, to me it seemed as though; I died, blinked and then here you were standing right in front of me. I need to move on Eddie. I can’t tell you it’s an order to forgive me; I can only hope.
Development Page 3 – Person 3 – Ruby (and Eddie’s Father) – (Remember to mention the Elements of Drama and Drama Medium!) The damage of neglect / The damage of violence / The damage of silence Explain how you communicated one of the above. What techniques did you use? We used a tablo still picture as the main feature of the drama. We created a joyous image of father and son getting along well together on a hiking trip. We used a water bottle as a prop which added realism to our drama piece and also altered our clothing to match each others. It symbolised father and son united and the son idolising the father and wanting to be like him. Our expressions were very over exaggerated and happy and we faced each other to show the father and son getting along just fine.
In the second tablo we did, we changed the image so there was friction between father and son due to the damage of silence. In our image the father and son are still on their hiking trip but the father has his back turned and is concentrating on an imaginary map in his hand. The son is trying to get the father’s attention but is met with silence. We still used the water bottle as a prop but bother our clothing was dishevelled to symbolise carelessness and lack of interest in looking identical.
Explain one key moment: A key moment in our piece is the transition from the happy image of the father and son to the unhappy image. We moved into the second pose slowly which showed the slow break down in communication between the two. In our image, the son is trailing slowly behind the father who is busy walking ahead trying to read the map. It was important we represented the silence between the two. We tried to do this by having the father concentrate on the map and focused on getting to their destination but then have the son walking slowly behind with a bored expression on his face.
How effective was the piece and why? I think our piece was effective as the image portrayed a clear contrast between the happy father and son and the unhappy father and son. Also, we depicted the friction between the two and the reason for it which was ‘the damage of silence’. Our body language helped and also the facial expression we used.
