Show Your Understanding and appreciation of the ways in which the elements of drama can be used in realizing a written performance.
“Compare and contrast two performances you have been to see. Which was the more successful in your opinion and why?”
I am going to compare the two performances of Blood Brothers I have seen which were in London “Phoenix Theatre” and “Bristol Hippodrome”.
In London I noticed all the characters had very strong Liverpudlian accents. They managed to keep them consistent throughout the play, even when their characters were growing up, and singing. However in Bristol some of the actors seemed to struggle with the Liverpool dialect. Linda was one of the only characters that managed to keep her accent throughout the play, and her accent was very believable.
As part of Alienation which was developed by Bertolt, Brecht, it meant there was no scene changes, characters put costumes on in full view of the audience and the songs play a big part in this play. The performance in London had a live orchestra in full view so the audience could clearly see them beside the stage; this took you away from the action and stopped you believing it was so real. Also from the top window of the Johnston’s house instead of a window there was a wire mesh and behind of which was the lighting equipment and technician. The use of these devices meant that the realism of the play was taken away therefore playing to the alienation theory that the theatre had a duty to educate. Bristol, although alienation was a main device the band was placed in a pit therefore out of the audiences view, as was the lighting equipment.
