Act 5 Scene 5 is the last scene in the play, and the scene in which the conflict between the two boys gets out of hand. It is also the scene in which they find out that they are twins. However this revelation results in their tragic death. Throughout this essay, I will be directing this scene. I will consider costume, lighting, sound effects, scenery and how the mood of the characters can be portrayed.
The narrator appears in the middle of the stage, and as he solemnly addresses the audience, he slowly moves to the left in beat to the verse. 'There's a full moon shining on a hole in the clay only, only black cards dealt on the thirteenth day. Two spoons in a cup and an itching knee. Oh Jesus shine your light on me. Oh Jesus shine your light on me. The light will be focused on him as he is the only thing the audience need to concentrate on. To get this effect the narrator shall be in spotlight, however, when he reaches his fourth line he stops and faces the audience. As he completes his part, he turns to face the centre of the stage, where two spotlights suddenly appear as his fades. This change of lighting shows where the audience is concentrating: not on the narrator, but on Eddie and Mickey instead.
Eddie and Mickey are now on stage in the spotlight, and deliver their dialogue to the audience. The scene is set in Eddie's entrance hall, where a sofa set, rocking chair, table and rug have all been positioned behind the leading actors, and not in front. This way the audience do not have to crane their necks to see the character speaking. As Eddie and Mickey are in the spotlight, not much of the furniture will be focused on, and so the audience do not have to concentrate on more than two objects: Eddie and Mickey. However towards the end of the scene, the audience need to concentrate on more than just two actors. As Mrs. Lyons and Mrs. Johnston will be on stage, they too will have to be concentrated on. Once Mrs. Lyons has expressed her deep emotions, the light splits up from being a large circle into 3 spotlights: one on Eddie and Mickey, another on Mrs. Lyons, and the last on Mrs. Johnston. The spotlight on Mickey and Eddie fade away, but the spotlights on both mothers fade after the twins lights have faded. This is to show their reaction to the sinister deed that had taken place.
Eddie will appear on stage in casual clothing: black ironed trousers, a clean navy blue shirt and black polished shoes. This hair will be combed, and gelled, to one side. I believe that this outfit will best suit him as it is in keeping with his personality and upbringing………………………… Mickey, on the other hand, will appear more informal, not only by his strong accent, but by the way he dresses: Blue tracksuit bottoms, a dirty white t-shirt and muddy old trainers. This outfit will most definitely suit the character, and his uncombed, wild, black hair will undoubtedly immediately portray the contrast between them. The characters would also feel these distinguishable differences; however, they are not aware of 'a secret' the audience know. They may be different when it comes to appearance, yet they are both so similar.
As mentioned previously, Mickey speaks in an informal manner. This was brought about by his upbringing and surroundings of his childhood. Lines such as 'you robbed my misses' portray his upbringing and the lack of education he received. Yet Eddie is more formal in the way he speaks and acts. He was brought up in a middle classed environment, and so received a good education as well as a wealthy upbringing. 'Pardon' is only one of the few words he uses that portray his intelligence and good manners.
Another factor that affects the way in which the actors up bringing is portrayed is the way in which they move on stage. As Eddie has a formal characteristic he shall sit on the couch at the beginning of the scene, and politely signal Mickey to also take a seat. Mickey however remains standing. This shows how defiant he is. He is a young man who even though faces financial difficulties, never accepts any help from anyone, whom ever they may be. This is reflected in his lines: 'everything I thought was mine…is yours', 'you do everything for me don’t you Eddie?', 'I thought my job was mine; but its not; you fixed it up. My house. It's not mine. You did it.' These lines will be delivered in antagonism to show the bitterness and resentment Mickey has towards Eddie.
Once Eddie realises that Mickey will not take him up on his offer, he also stands and again, he politely asks if Mickey would be interested in a drink. Mickey refuses. Again, this shows his defiance and pride. As they continue their conversation, Mickey paces agitated around the room, and picks up a photo frame off the table in the corner. However, when he loses his temper, he throws it across the stage, deliberately missing Eddie. 'He robs, like you do!' At this point Mickey turns to face Eddie and stares straight into his eyes. He takes a few paces towards him, and engulfed by his own anger, produces a gun and points it straight at Eddie. Filled with fright at the sight of the gun being waved dangerously in rage, Eddie tries to escape; however, he is stopped in his tracks by Mickey. It is then the pistol is turned towards Eddie, and with his figures wrapped tightly around the handle and a finger on the trigger. At this point the audience the audience are holing their breath, as they are filled with suspense. They were not prepared for the series of events to take such a serious turn. Their concentration is entirely upon Eddie and Mickey until an unexpected visitor breaks their concentration, which is shown by the lightning change.
