Trojan Women - Explain how you would use voice to highlight Hecuba's characteristics, give an account of how you intend to use the chorus during her speech and describe how you would use movement to emphasise the emotional journey of Hecuba throughout the

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Helen Fletcher 13A - CS Drama

Trojan Women - Explain how you would use voice to highlight Hecuba’s characteristics, give an account of how you intend to use the chorus during her speech and describe how you would use movement to emphasise the emotional journey of Hecuba throughout the speech

I would direct the actor to emphasise every word of the monosyllabic first line “Lift. Lift. Lift up your head”. By pausing and breathing between each syllable, it shows her growing determinism as well as the strength she needs to generate within herself to carry on. The line “I yearn to be cradled” shows a definite contrast to “They came for that Spartan whore”, and I would want this emphasised to communicate Hecuba’s different characteristics. The fragility of “cradled” shows a woman who is clearly feeling tremendous loss, and I would highlight this by elongating the word “yearn”, showing the enormity of her desire. I would direct the actor to use an almost dazed and unsteady tone at times to highlight her still bruised psyche. Conversely, the line “Spartan whore” I would want to be almost spat, using the abrupt harshness and explosive sound of the word “Spartan”. This would show the power of Hecuba’s character, and give the impression of someone very passionate and strong. I see a definite importance in considering Euripides’ concept for The Trojan Women (his abhorrence of the futility of war), as it is present in 21st century society with the current suicide bombings and wars originating from a single argument. Emphasising Hecuba’s fragility here would show the destructive nature of war, and its lack of achievement. Similarly, showing a resilience to war also highlights the futility, as it cannot ultimately destroy the spirit and community of something so strong. Either way, Hecuba is a classic example of the counter-productiveness of war, which is still so relevant to modern audiences.

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I would want Hecuba’s speech to start with her alone on stage until the line “Oh that dreadful day”. By starting with her alone, her fragility is emphasised, and lines such as “I yearn to be cradled” seem far more poignant. Without the chorus, there is no distraction from the importance of these lines, and the audience feel more sympathy for Hecuba’s character. By the time the chorus enter, she has built up her determination, and anger, particularly towards Helen, and begins to take on the role of the narrator. In my production, the chorus would then walk in slowly ...

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