For our development section of the course we are asked to perform a monologue. This could either be a previously written monologue of 'Our Sammy', which is from the Blood Brothers play

Development section For our development section of the course we are asked to perform a monologue. This could either be a previously written monologue of 'Our Sammy', which is from the Blood Brothers play, or to write up our own monologue which relates to the play 'Blood Brothers'. I decided to write my own monologue, because It gave me the chance to be original, and to express what I interpret what the characters are feeling, so that I could put it into my own words and to block the piece how I wanted it to be performed. The 'monologue' word comes from the Greek words "mono" and "logos" which means "one word", it is a linguist act designed to transport/convey information by one person directly addressing the audience. In a monologue the thespian needs to be alone, however, none of the other cast speaks. Although when an actor/actress is alone, perhaps thinking out loud, this is a soliloquy, not a monologue. There are two basic types of monologue that can be performed, these are a; Exterior monologue: Whereby the actor speaks to another person, who is not in the performance space and who is not in the audience. Interior Monologue: This is where the actor speaks to himself or herself. It is examining their own sensory and perceptual experiences and reveals the inner motives/thoughts to the audience. This is commonly used in stream of consciousness (stream of

  • Word count: 535
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Drama
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Death of a Salesman

Angelina Baker October 1, 2007 Playwright Auther Miller's, Death of a Salesman, uses Willy Loman as a tragic figure. As Willy struggles to be a successful salesman and provide as the man of his house, he causes suffering to his family. His actions have his wife constantly worrying, his sons unsuccessful in life, and tension between his family. The life of Willy Loman is that of a salesman. In his desire to become an American success, he desperately tries to sell a productive image to his clients, his family, and society. Unfortunately, Willy's ambition to become prosperous and well-liked by his family and by society overrides his sense of morality when attempting to project a successful image. He uses a great emphasis on his supposed native charm and ability to make friends. He raises his two sons, Biff and Happy, teaching this way to success. He tells them stories of his work in New England, where he is well known and very much liked. The firm Willy had been working at for 32 years has taken him off of salary. Will ends up being fired when it should be his time of retirement. Now at the age of 63, he is unsuccessful, with two unsuccessful sons, living off dreams. Although Willy may not want to admit it, he has come to the realization he has failed at life. He is unable to provide for his family. He is very unhappy with the way his life has ended up. He makes several

  • Word count: 926
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Drama
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Death of a Salesman.

Death of a Salesman As the title suggests Willy Loman is a salesman. However his life does not follow the American dream of wealth and prosperity, it is one of conflict and lies. Some of the complex issues contained in the play are introduced in the opening scene. The play opens 'in medias reys' which immediately captures the audience's attention. From Linda's trepid call of 'Willy!' it is clear that his return is somewhat unexpected. However rather than being pleased at his early homecoming she is worried. She asks Willy 'What happened?' and when he replies that 'nothing happened' it appears she does not trust him as she continues to question him. Linda is concerned that Willy has smashed the car which may initially lead the audience to believe that she is more concerned with material goods rather than her husband but, as we find out later in the play, Willy has crashed the car previously so this question is a justified one. Willy becomes irritated by this question and after repeating that 'nothing happened' questions Linda 'Didn't you hear me?' This introduces Willy's character, one who is easily annoyed and becomes angry. Because of Willy's temper Linda continues to speak more delicately, afraid to provoke a reaction. The issue of death is soon introduced into the play after Willy remarks 'I'm tired to the death.' Miller uses dramatic irony as it is his job that

  • Word count: 613
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Drama
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Criminal Law

CRIMINAL LAW Scene One (This scene takes place in court) 30th November 2006 Court Rep: The court shall rise to welcome the honorable judge miss Melody. Judge: You all may sit. (a moment of silence) Counsel you may state the case. Court Rep: A case of rape: under section 296 of the Cameroon penal code. Judge: What does the accused plead? Accused: Not guilty. Court Rep: The accused shall lay his pledge. Pastor: Are you a Christian, Muslim or pagan? Accused: Muslim. Pastor: Do swear before this Koran that whatsoever you say will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Accused: I, Mr. Amadou, do state before this Koran that whatsoever I will say will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Judge: Prosecution Counsel, you may raise your case. P.C.: Now Mr. Amadou, could you please tell this court where exactly you were on that fateful night of the 25th November 2006? Accused: With all due respect your honour, I am a Muslim. I believe in the doctrine of the Koran. So I don't see why you should intrude into my privacy by asking where I was. P.C.: Listen Mr. Amadou, you are in court remember? You've just said no-one should intrude into your privacy. I doubt if you have one. You also said you believe in the doctrine of the Koran. Does that doctrine state that rape is legal? Def. C.: Objection my Lady, counsel is making

  • Word count: 3400
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Drama
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Blue remembered Hills

Discuss, in detail, how you would play either Willie or John in the selected scene. You will need to refer to voice, movement, gesture and facial expression, as well as to show how your chosen character responds to others on stage. In scene 6 of 'Blue remembered hills' by Dennis Potter, Samuel French LTD edition, from the start of scene 6 to 'They all laugh', the role of Willie is a key one. The start of this scene shows all the boys attacking, and then brutally killing a squirrel, you can witness the feeling of guilt and horror at their actions, which generously surrounds the young boys, the violence they have caused wasn't initially registered in their young minds until it's too late. This feeling and behaviour can be achieved by the use of shifty expressions and glancing at other characters in the scene, this would create the effect of an anxious group of children, who are waiting for someone to break the awkwardness with a sentence, or an action. Stiff bodies would create nervousness within the characters. Eye contact would also be shifty and I can see the boys looking at their feet in shame whist this scene is taking place. As the realisation of what they have just done takes over, I feel they would relax slightly as they know the situation and future occurrences are out of their hands now, and nothing they can do or say will make it better. This can be achieved for

  • Word count: 781
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Drama
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Review - I went to a live theatre trip to watch Bouncers on Friday 9th December at the Arena Theatre in Wolverhampton

Theatre Review Theatre Review - Bouncers I went to a live theatre trip to watch ‘Bouncers’ on Friday 9th December at the Arena Theatre in Wolverhampton. ‘Bouncers’ is written by John Godber and is set in and around a nightclub called ‘Mr Cinders’, with the action focusing on the exploits of four doormen and their customers. Multi-rolling is used mainly when the four bouncers tell the stories of different stereotypical men and women. For example when Godber contrasts a male and female hairdressers, the woman talk about their big night out, and what they are wearing. For the men however, again they plan their night out, but are discussing the possibility of pulling. Direct Address and Monologues are predominately used by the character ‘Lucky Eric’. Eric delivers his speeches throughout the play. During his first he talks about young girls dressed up and made up, spending everything they make on their nights out at the weekend, drinking too much and succumbing to the advances of men. ‘Lucky Eric’s’ speeches are used to slip in messages about the negative features of nightlife. I like how Godber has done this to change the mood of the audience. When watching I would go from Laughing to being very serious listening to Eric’s speeches. During the start of act two, Direct Address is used again when the Bouncers acknowledge the audience, asking what they

  • Word count: 1071
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Drama
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Performance analysis of Murder at the Manor

Performance Analysis for “Murder at the Manor”- 1000 Words. The performance “Murder at the Manor” was an eccentric and comic piece of theatre. It was very interesting and fun to watch. There is a lot to say about the set, costume, sound, lighting, characters, and units of action, dialogue, pacing, director and special effects. The set was a house, a living room with a sofa, a plant, and a picture and barely furnished. Everything happened in that room, there was no change of set. It was a simple set that created a natural atmosphere. The objects added to the atmosphere but didn’t distract the audience. The actors were not always on set, some spoke offstage and you could hear people walking on stairs. When they were on stage it was in that room. The clothes and costumes were adapted to the character and brought out their personality. They all mixed together in a party which looked more like a fancy dress as the costumes were a little bit over the top. Because the costumes contrasted with each other they gave a very comic appearance. The costumes didn’t have a very memorable sense of color but were enough to give an impression of the characters. There was no background music but there were some sound effects that were used effectively. The sound effects were used in the right way to lighten up the atmosphere. They were supposed to be comic and succeeded in their

  • Word count: 936
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Drama
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The Ladykillers review

The Ladykillers- Theatre review On the 25th of September, drama students went to see The Ladykillers, written by Graham Lineman, at the Vaudeville theatre in the West End. The show is based on the well-known and much-loved 1955 film of the same title – one of the famous Ealing Comedies. The title is ambiguous, but it actually refers to a group of criminals led by the brilliant Professor Marcus, played by John Gordon Sinclair. Marcus has a plan to rob a train at Kings Cross station and decides to take up residence in a nearby house while he rehearses his team and hones his plans. The house belongs to a loveable senior citizen, a widow, called Mrs Wilberforce who lives alone apart from her deformed parrot. As cover for their criminal activities, the gang pretend to be musicians who wish to use Mrs Wilberforce's spare room to rehearse their musical pieces. After many hilarious events, every member of the gang’s life tragically ends and the stolen money ends up in the possession of Mrs Wilberforce. The cast includes John Gordon Sinclair who has the task of dealing with the sweetly innocent Mrs Wilberforce (Angela Thorne) and managing his untraditional band of thieves. Simon Day is the Major who likes nothing better than slipping into women's dresses; Ralf Little is the pill-popping spiv, Harry who has to endure a running gag with a blackboard; Chris McCalphy is the

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Drama
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Review of "Blood Brothers".

Name Removed Blood Brothers 21st March 2011 Name of Theatre Removed “Blood Brothers” is a musical that explores divides in society caused by class. It also shows that children and their friendships are able to overlook class divides – another key theme in the play is friendship. There are also themes of superstition, which are repeated as motifs throughout the piece. The stage at the Name of Theatre Removed is raked, which means that the set had to be adapted to fit the slope of the stage. The sides of the stage were filled with scenery resembling terraced houses on both sides, with doors and archways that were used by the actors as entrances and a balcony which allows the use of levels (the characters who occupied the balconies were frequently in a position of power over the characters on the main stage). During the first half of the performance, the backdrop was a cityscape filled with industrial buildings, which is painted in sombre colours, which reflected Mrs Johnstone’s despair and poverty. However, during the second half, the backdrop is painted with a blue sky, showing Mrs Johnstone’s optimism in the family’s new home. The audience initially thought that the backdrop reflected the mood of the piece, as the first half began with a very dark tone and the second half began as a very upbeat piece, however, the tones changed during the performance, meaning

  • Word count: 2002
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Drama
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Drama Coursework

Drama Coursework My devised performance for option 1 was assessed on the 31st January and is based on the theme of homelessness. I played a few parts in the performance such as; in the first scene I was a controller who does not talk but simply controls the main characters who are in a lifeless state. I later play a passer-by in the scene where Niki and Jay are begging. This does not involve a lot other than say "sorry I don't have any money" and then as another passer-by I say "get away from me!" Then I play the part of a stereotypical bar manager who refuses to let Niki into the club because of the way she looks. Shortly after I play a barman who just mimes speech and serving drinks. In the last scene I go back to playing the controller. I researched the roles of bar man and bar manager by observing the way 'real barmen/managers' dress by going into local pubs and restaurants. As a manager I had to play the role appropriately by standing firm to show the other characters that I was in charge. I also did this by raising my voice slightly at the other characters. I am comparing my devised performance to 'Under the Bridge' which is a play

  • Word count: 221
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Drama
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