I contributed various things to the overall performance. These are stage directions, Jerry’s actions, Peter’s actions, the establishment of the relationship between the two characters, and what props/costumes should be used. I contributed to stage directions by suggesting when Jerry should enter at the start of the play. This was important because I wanted to make it look realistic, like a stranger was approaching another one and sort of did it by accident. I thought that if it were done this way then it would add effect and interest to the performance. I contributed to Jerry’s actions when the play became boring and needed to add interest. I did this by getting up and walking around, getting things out of my bag such as make up, and drink. This added interest as it created a pause, and something for the audience to focus on. I contributed to Peter’s actions to also add interest and effect. An example of this would be at the start of the play when Peter is reading his book on the bench; he provides a cue for Jerry to enter by coughing when he turns the pages. This gave the audience something to look at before the text commenced. Also when Jerry sat down next to Peter, he carried on reading and eventually put his book down and his glasses in his pocket. This was to show his emotions, as he was trying to covey that he annoyed, wanted to read in peace and not have to talk to this woman that he doesn’t even know. I contributed to the establishment of the two characters by acting nervously, eccentrically, and interested in Peter’s life by making conversation. An example of this is at the start where Jerry has entered, and has seen Peter and walked over to him. She speaks, but he is to involved in his book to hear her. She waves her hand in front of his face, demanding his attention. Also the more Jerry talked to Peter, the more she became interested in his personal life and asked questions as I she were a close friend. I contributed to what props and costumes should be worn and used. I thought that it would be best if Peter wore a jacket and shirt to show that he was older and perhaps had more responsibility, like a well-paid job. I thought that Jerry should have things like make up and a mirror in her bag, so that some of her eccentricity would show through her fidgeting.
I encountered a few problems when performing this play. One of which was adapting the script to make it suitable for a female character. It was a problem because it had been written as a male part, and the things that a man would do are different to what a woman would do. I solved this problem by reading the script through the eyes of an eccentric woman, imagining that I had a tiny room, and few possessions. Also I found it difficult to establish a relationship at the beginning of the play, as I knew the actor I was working with already when I had to act as if I had never seen him before in my life. I solved this by trying my best to blank out everything I knew of him, so I could act out the role better. Another problem was the use of pauses. We had to create moments of interest through action without words. It was hard to know when to start conversation after a pause, what tone of voice to use, and how loud to talk. An example of this would be when Jerry asks about Peter and his wife not having any more children, Peter shouted at Jerry and resulted in a long pause. I had to act like I was uncomfortable and unsure what to say next, wondering whether I would put my foot in my mouth again. I solved this by imagining myself in this situation in real life and what tone of voice to speak in, how long to leave it, and how loud to speak.
I think the characterisation is effective because I think each character conveys characteristics, which make them unique and make the performance more interesting. I don’t think that the performance was great because of the mistakes made, and I think the problems encountered showed through a little. I definitely think improvements could be made in various areas of the performance. I think the timing could be improved by quickening responses, developing the pauses, and the expressions in the pauses. I think that during the pauses more efforts could be made to show that they don’t know what to say to each other, thinking of possible answers to questions and responses to some points such as when Jerry asks a personal question, and Peter becomes annoyed, and then Jerry should perhaps slink into her seat, and look sorry. Also I think that the volume could have been considered more, as it would have added a lot more effect and interest. An example could be at the beginning, when Jerry first speaks to Peter, she could shout more and sound more angered that he isn’t answering her.
I think I interpreted my character reasonably well, but I think I could have done it better. I differed the pitch and volume of my voice to attract attention. I raised or lowered my voice to suit the situation, for example I would raise my voice increasingly at the beginning when Jerry first speaks to Peter to attract Peter’s attention, and I would lower it when Jerry realises she has said something wrong to Peter, and sounds apologetic. I did this to add effect and to perhaps direct Peter’s attention back to Jerry and what she is saying. I didn’t have an accent, as it was difficult to maintain through out the performance and change pitch and volume. I differed my posture also. I stood with a bag in front of me, and held it with both hands. When I sat down I would either lean back onto the seat, sit up straight, or lean forwards. Either way my hands would always be in my lap unless I was holding my bag or I was using my hands to aid in the description of what I am talking about. An example of this would be when Jerry is listing her possessions. As she tells Peter about each one, she notes how many on her fingers. If she had her hands in her lap then she would be fiddling with them. She would stand, sit, and fiddle with her hands because she is an eccentric character and likes to fidget. Jerry’s gait would be quickly with small steps. This would be because she is an eccentric character. She fidgets a lot, and this makes the audience think that she perhaps has something on her mind that she is too nervous, or afraid of what Peter will say if she says it. Her facial expressions differ throughout the play, from being quite annoyed at the lack of attention Peter pays her at the beginning, but then as the play progresses, she becomes more and more inquisitive because of her wanting to know more about Peter and how jealous she is of his life. Jerry’s props are a bag containing a mirror, lipstick and a drink. This is because she’s quite fidgety and needs something to do with hands other than fiddle with them. She is dressed in a skirt, top and jacket to make her appear normal.
