Author: Taylor Zenelovski

After weeks of Tech Runs, our final performance for TOTC was successful. Our use of theatrical elements, production roles, and storytelling were able to create a compelling performance that inspired the audience. Another group that was able to compel the audience was A Polite Protest. The group took inspiration from a variety of modern theatrical styles, such as feminist theatre, queer theatre, and epic theatre. They used a broad range of non-naturalistic styles to create a sense on discomfort and a confrontational feeling for the audience; emphasising the message their show intended to spread. Their minimalistic use of set and props (in comparison to our groups’ use) heightened their story and action, and symbolised the raw content of the play. The fragmented use of props and costuming and lack of “glamour” om stage highlighted the vulnerability of the play, helping to establish a personal actor-audience relationship. This relationship in maintained and grows throughout the show. In the end, each cast member is dressed in red (an element of feminist theatre style), symbolic of each character becoming stronger and beating down the oppression they are faced with.

The Theatre Of Happening class by Elle, Joley & Yasmin was an engaging, interactive class, that managed to hold the attention of the class and help them come up with creative ideas. Theatre of the Happening consists of creating theatre in the current moment and in present events. Performing in normal everyday locations, contrasting to the typical theatre. The group performed a surprising show over the class call, happening in a normal environment over a set-up play in a theatre. Theatre of The Happening uses sock value and the element of surprise to keep the audience engaged and intrigued.

Today, our group had our first tech run, inducing lights, music, and correct props and costumes. I’ve memorised the majority of my lines, however I still need to rehearse my third monologue at home. During the tech run, I needed to look at the script a few times. I also need to work on my projection, specifically during my first monologue, where I talk over the backing track. I have to make sure my voice isn’t washed out in the music. We’re also unsure about my set. My character needs to be elevated off the ground to symbolise the power imbalance between the other characters, yet we are unsure what set pieces to use to create that. My costuming has been decided.

April, Declan, and Grace performed a group monologue from multiple excerpts from Frankenstein. In one of the scenes, The Creature (played by April) pleased Victor (played by Declan), to create him another creature he can emotionally connect with and ‘run away with’. The creature expresses feelings of sombre and sadness, yet also feelings of frustration as he’s been faced with the harsh reality of societal norms. Victor however has almost a juxtaposed mood, mad, and almost feeling guilty for creating The Creature at all, denying The Creatures pleads to create another creature. The contrast of April’s soft tones with Declan’s harsh cruel shouts creates a feeling of anxiety and sympathy for the characters. Their use of blocking and spacial awareness also helps exaggerate their emotions, emphasising the context of the story.

Lindsay performed a monologue from Pygmalion, she plays Mrs Pierce, a snobby maid for the prestigious Henry Higgins. In this scene, she re-introduces Eliza Doolittle to Henry, Eliza pleading Henry to help her become a ‘classy lady’. Mrs Pierce subtly makes fun of her, judging her for being part of the lower class and speaking with a Cockney accent. Lindsay interprets Mrs Pierce with a posh British accent, her body stance a proper posture, and her nose pointing up. She looks around the stage and points to different areas, interacting with different ‘objects’, showing her spacial awareness, thus creating a setting and atmosphere for the monologue.