Choose a production you have seen during your course (We will rock you) that created a strong audience response.Discuss in detail the scene or section that made the strongest impression and explain how the effect on the audience was created.

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Sohna Jawara

Response to Live Productions seen during the Course

10. Choose a production you have seen during your course (We will rock you) that created a strong audience response.

Discuss in detail the scene or section that made the strongest impression and explain how the effect on the audience was created.

Recently, I went to see a production of We Will Rock You, a musical written by Queen, at The Dominion theatre, London. The section I felt made the strongest impression was the section in which the “Bohemians” are introduced. There were a number of elements which made it successful theatre. I am going to analyse and evaluate a selection of them: Individual performances, lighting, staging, themes and setting/references to popular culture.

In my own opinion, and according to the audience’s reaction, I feel that the performance of Scaramouche was the strongest in the production. The part was well written and her dialogue humorous; however, it was the unique way in which she delivered them that made such an impact. Her tone was sarcastic and mocking, and it was clear that she was much wittier and more intelligent than Galileo Figaro, the male lead, was. However her body language was quite closed and she tended to look down a lot, indicating insecurity and self-doubt. This was highlighted in the scenes with the “Bohemians”, because in contrast, their body language was much more confrontational and confident. The contrast between her speech and her body language allowed her to connect with the audience on a number or levels, both entertaining them and provoking sympathy and empathy. This invested their emotions in the play, therefore provoking a greater audience response.

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The lighting during the Bohemians’ section was used to great effect. At the beginning, when it is just Meatloaf and Britney Spears on stage, it was quite low to underline the desolate barren setting they were in.

It also contrasted with the brighter lighting in the scenes with the Ga Ga Girls. This was to alert the audience to the fact that they were outcasts, in exile from the main society on Planet Mall, presented earlier in the production. It also gave the scene a more intimate feel, which helped as we were getting to know the characters.

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