The key themes in this play are society’s treatment of the elderly, loneliness, and segregation.
The writer is trying to show how old people, who think they are all well and fit, are not really and need a lot of care. He does this by giving Doris a fearless character and showing that your not as strong as you may seem to be to yourself
Doris is alert, and aware of her situation in life as an old person. She is in poor health and lives alone. Her dominant concern is cleaning. Doris dislikes old peoples homes, because of lack of hygiene, smell of wee, and she thinks you are treated like children there. She does not engage in self-pity, and she shows humour and energy in speeches about herself and others. Doris feels disappointed, as there could have been a child there now to care for her, and for her to love and share life with.
The costume you will wear will be an old, lilac dress with flowery patterns, with lots of creases and cuts here and there. This will help convey that Doris is old, in poor health, and cannot do much work on her own.
Key moments for Doris are whilst she is talking about Zulema and Wilfred, and how she doesn’t clean the place appropriately. Furthermore another key moment is when she falls off the stool whilst she is trying to get a photo down of her deceased husband. Moreover, another key moment is when Doris talks about her deceased husband. One more key point is when the policeman comes and talks to Doris. Finally the concluding key moment is when Doris takes her last breathe.
In the section where Doris talks about how Zulema does not clean her place accurately, you need to look very serious, along with an irritated voice when you say your lines. You need to have frowns on your face to show that you are annoyed, and could do with a straight back, as Doris likes to be in charge.
There is a scene when Doris falls off a stool you will need to emphasise this by using extra dramatic facial expressions and sudden movement of which she only evolves around pain. You need to talk with an irritated, and painful voice as she is in a lot of pain.
There is a section where Doris talks about her departed husband, Wilfred, you need to talk in a affectionate way, as Doris is reflecting on her past her and she loved her husband to a great extent. You must create a romantic and passionate atmosphere. You should look light hearted, and you could have a tear drop from your eye to show Doris cared.
In the section where the policeman talks to Doris you need to squint to show that she is regaining consciousness and realises that there is some one talking to her. You must use a croaky but convincing voice to show that she isn’t in good shape, but she doesn’t want to tell anybody. Your face should have frowns on your face to show that she is in pain.
In the final section where Doris says her last few words, you need to appear extremely exhausted, and you need to talk very slowly taking breaks, and with a weary voice. Your eyes should be slowly closing, with frowns on your face.
I hope my comments have helped you get a better understanding of this Character, and I look forward to seeing you at the first rehearsal on 2nd May 2003.
Yours Sincerely
Aaron White
Director