I enjoyed performing in a space where a lot of obstacles popped up, due to it being in the library. The site we chose to locate our performance was quite cramped and so it was important to use the given space in the most productive way possible. Our performance conveyed a strong story line, especially as it was physical as well as vocal. We didn't just split scenes and devise sections but took the audience on a physical journey around the library. I thought the use of props and set was intelligent as we utilised books in more than one way and staged parts in a unique fashion. It was unfortunate that we didn't have a large number of audience members , especially at the start when we were having to interact with them to speak of our favourite book character. Following that was the song on the stairs, which I believe was very effective and really helped kick off the performance.The violence and intention really came across in the volume, marching and unison of the piece. I think one more rehearsal would have just clarified when people come in, as a lot of people weren't in time and forgot when to start.
One of the most successful pieces of the performance, in my opinion was when we were as an ensemble in the columns near the computers. Such simple lighting made it very effective and the passion in the synchronised lines made it come to life. I feel like it went very quickly and was rushed-but that might possible be because we were used to running it through and getting it blocked. Manny's section of the text really challenged all of us as actors to help him out and prompt his further lines. Once I got up to say my part of the line, Manny had moved onto the wrong line and so I said the beginning for him. Thankfully he continued into the rest of his monologue. I was aware that other people also helped him out and it just pleased me that everyone had each other's backs.
I was very surprised that not one person laughed throughout the whole performance as we had rehearsed several times and still managed to smile and certain lines. There were comical parts in the play that should of had a greater reaction but I guess people felt too dependent on each other to give out a mutual reaction. An audience will always be different and will always react differently so it's just down to the right time and people to get the best responses.
The devised book part, after Ernesto's speech seemed very rushed to me. A lot of people were getting through their line quickly and it put me off so when it was my turn I switched my line but luckily it was a synonym of the original word that I messed up. I've realised that if i'm not in the moment or even a bit anxious (no matter how big of the part in a performance) I find it easy to trip up on a line even though I know it back to front.
In rehearsals the transitions were clean and polished but once it came to having an actual audience that weren't familiar with the space, it caused some confusion on where to go and what the best spot to watch would be. It's a major disadvantage that most of the library space is packed ; it was hard for the audience to see some parts but it also worked to our advantage of being an intimate space where light and sound could clearly be seen or heard.
In conclusion, the final scene of our play was the strongest and most visually striking. We ended with two meaningful stories ,which I felt really had an impact of some of the people in the audience. That bit included the most thoughtful gestures and movement to emphasise its reason.Various Brechtian techniques were imputed at that time and worked effectively with our concept.
From some of the feedback -
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