Week Nine

This week we operated in our steady routine of thorougher rehearsal with minimal fuss.

We spent a large amount of time discussing/ reworking the 'Grief' segment. The group constructing that piece had reworked it quite dramatically, but it still carries quite a few problems. One thing that I noticed is that everyone in the space seems to be in the exact same mood which I see as somewhat dull; there needs to be a variation in their individual qualities and persona. I think that they're going for a 'blunt realism', but their monotones and soft speaking does not create much of an authenticity despite the fact that much of what they are talking about is "real". Another thing that makes this piece impenetrable is their use of space- they are too far away and the audience strains to hear what they are saying (little things like this shouldn't be issues) so I suggest that they position themselves closer towards the audience. After our feedback session for this piece, I voiced some of my opinions and the group generally accepted my criticisms but one particular performer became quite defensive and responded with "Oh no, no, no. It's real. That's how people talk about their deceased loved one...". Regardless. This is theatre, you will NEVER achieve utter "realism", and it's no excuse to be sensitive to feedback. I don't understand why people ask for your opinion and then get defensive when you give it to them.