Dogsborough is a parallel of Hindenburg and the character of Dogsborough is key in the script of "The resistible rise of Arturo Ui", as President Hindenburg was in the rising of Hitler. The events in the play reflect those of real life
How would you want your audience to respond to Dogsborough? Explain how you would perform the role at specific moments in the play in order to achieve your aims.
Dogsborough is a parallel of Hindenburg and the character of Dogsborough is key in the script of “The resistible rise of Arturo Ui”, as President Hindenburg was in the rising of Hitler. The events in the play reflect those of real life – Hindenburg was given a house by those interested in profiting from securing his friendship. However, the deal was dodgy, as Hindenburg was well aware, and this was later used in order to blackmail him in order to make Hitler chancellor in January 1933. Brecht’s intention was too controversially reveal the true events surrounding Hindenburg and his part in Hitler’s rising by creating the character of Dogsborough. Therefore I would like the audience to respond to him with apprehension and later sympathy for a man who was clearly a fool. To achieve this, firstly Dogsborough should be cast as an older, overweight man who is obviously past his prime of life. The actor should have white hair; else this effect can be created by using makeup. If I were performing the role of Dogsborough, I would begin the play by using an arrogant manner created with dismissive gestures and a cold, unfriendly tone of voice. However, as he is later threatened and blackmailed, I would make my gestures become smaller and more nervous, whilst my voice quietens to signify the fall of a broken man. My body language, strong and proud before, would become defensive. In terms of costumes, I think Dogsborough’s quality of costume should deteriorate throughout the performance in order to show a fall in his power and stance. I think the play would be best suited to being performed in a proscenium arch theatre because I feel the fourth wall is important in the creation of a relationship between the actors and the audience. I wish the audience to feel as though they are witnessing events which they should not be.
