week 1 - 6th Jan

Alphabet box - allows you to create a movement using a structured format.

This exercise tested our focus, memory and ability to create a sequence. I found the exercise useful as it showed how easily we can create a set of movements that flow together, as well as this changing the tempo whilst working on it not only tied into what we had been working on in our warm up but also showed how important pace is. For example, performing the section slower made me think further about how each part of my body was moving and what quality my movement had. Contrasting to this the fast pace made my movements seem much more desperate and the qualities were much lighter.

The use of music when performing the work, I think, was a much larger influence on the audiences take on the piece than on the performers actions. For example, the slow song played with group 2 created a much more meaningful and sad atmosphere within what the audience were watching. However, for me as a performer I didn't seem to register the music when I was performing and was more focused on where my next letter was. I think this suggests that audiences almost look for a meaning when watching a piece and we could see in the class that people had formed stories and characters whilst they were watching.

'How do we make meaning?'

As theatre makers I don't think we can 'make meaning' I think the meaning to a piece is either always there or non existent and left open to the audience. An exercise like this emphasises to me how theatre can come from anything and doesn't have to be made with a clear intention of 'making meaning'. Furthermore I believe this exercise showed how a meaning can be different to each person in the audience and how little influence a performer can have over what the audience take from a piece.

'Does a piece of theatre have to have a meaning in order to be effective?'

No, theatre allows complete freedom to both an actor and an audience, their are no rules that suggest what should and shouldn't be done/said. Therefore I believe that meaning doesn't make a piece successful instead the experience and journey an audience and performer go on is what does. Abstract work that is left open to interpretation can be just as effective as a play that portrays a 'meaning' in the way that it still gives the audience something to think about or question.