Love and information, staging.





At the beginning of this lesson, we read through Act two of Love and information as a class. This act consists of a few scenes that had two or three characters each. Afterwards, we then had to choose a scene in our groups of two or three (I was in a group of three). Our group chose the scene 'grass'. This scene was based around two/three characters: one who has 'grassed' up his friend after they did a crime, and the other character(s) are finding out what he did.
 

In order to challenge ourselves, we then created a performance for four different kinds of staging. We created an interesting set with the staging- we used the stage to create an abstract set. It built up from the ground and had several levels which represented the parts of the house and the emotions of each character.

Primarily, we performed it with what seemed the 'easiest' stage arrangement- Proscenium arch. Originally this was not too difficult, we simply projected our lines straight out to the audience.

Next, we performed it 'in the round'. As our performance took quite a dramatic change in direction, this was difficult to portray. However, as we got further in the scene we felt that it was actually more beneficial to do the scene in this way, it was easier to portray movements and naturalism.

Thrust was similar to 'in the round' as it allowed that extra movement, but had more stability- we only had three sides of audience to perform towards, so it was easier to create a believable performance that was understandable from all angles. 

Finally, we found it most difficult to perform in the traverse setting. This is because it was difficult to keep our movements fluid- if we stayed facing one way for too long, the other side would be lacking in input.

Overall, I believe that the play, and this scene in particular, should be performed ' in the round'. I believe this as it allowed for more dynamic movements, yet still keeps the plays naturalistic outlook. The stage allowed for a more dynamic and interesting interpretation of this scene and truly represented the plays intentions.