Creative Performance - Lesson 4

Today we explored two versions of the scene between Antigone and Creon. 

The script my partner and I shared had a very modern style. And I think the writer managed to use a contrast of the traditional language along with a more modern type.

Our script opposed to the other script was more modern however managed to have a more effective grasp on a current audience without using violent language. Whereas the other script was more brutal and fierce, containing a huge amount of passion however appeared to be more relevant to an older audience as it was less interesting. Also the script I had seemed to present Antigone as this brave female and Creon as a evil monster whereas the other version made both characters a similar status.

The language used, changed the characters persona's completely. Antigone was perceived as the fiery girl in one version but merely as a spark trying to flame in the other, as she was overridden by Creon.

In groups we then created a version of Antigone focusing on setting it in a specific context. By doing this we had to focus on the use of the language in the piece. The group that I was in consisted of Eric, Robin, Connor, Will, Logan, Max and I.

My group and I created a piece that was based in the 'East End' which consisted of the 'The King' and his 'Roadmen' that had stumbled across two twin sisters digging up their brother from 'The Kings' graveyard. It was set in 'The Kings' throne room (which could have been anywhere - probably a park bench or some ratchet set)

Characters:
2 Twin sisters that made us Antigone (Robin and I, we both played menacing twins that were ruthless but also extremely funny)
1 King aka Creon (Logan, he played a leader that bossed his sidekicks around and scared everyone but was very funny and had a phobia of germs)
2 Roadmen (Conner and Eric, played two of the Kings top men and were seen as mean but also slightly dumb helpers)
2 Guards (Will and Max reported Antigone's crime to the King and then fetched her to the King)

We used a a lot of violent language to try and capture a modern audience. This language ranged anywhere between 'You dare to rebel against me' to 'We're your fucking nieces!'. We used this language in the hopes of being able to reach out to a modern audience.

Loyde, Danielle, Matilda, Tim and Amaia:
The performance contained top notch stereotypes which made the piece very funny. The posh accents used were exaggerated and the element of 'food' was used to the performers advantage (in a comedy type of way). I loved the status which was clearly represented with a change of voice, body language and posture. This meant that the audience got the most out of the piece as there was a consistency in the way in which the performers held themselves.

Sarah, Mateo, Pheobe, Ella, Sherene and Ellis:
This group used modern and explicit language throughout the piece. The performance was a little messy however the humour that was intertwined throughout the piece saved the performance. The plot of the story was delivered in a relatable way and it was the only performance to actually include the death of a girl (Antigone). By including the death of the girl it made the piece feel more complete.

Alabama, Natasha, Clement, Stacey, Oliver and Chris:
This group didn't stick out as much as the other groups for me, but it did include the element of humour, which seemed to be a something that every group decided to interpret into their piece. The audience got a little confused at times but understood was going on more or less. I loved how the group put Antigone in a modern pub, it was a nice twist which could actually be improved upon and put into our final performance.

Rory, Benji, Michelle, Nina, Antonia and Daniel:
The only performance to actually include multimedia. We were not asked to include any form of multimedia into our performances however I love that them knowing that they would eventually have to do this, actually meant that they gave it a go so early on during rehearsals. And it really paid off, the piece was amazing and a delight to watch. The multimedia and language used created a modern piece that meant that the show was relevant to younger audiences that could relate to things such as phones and music. It was definitely the most creative piece, using technology however didn't convey the story as much as other groups did so therefore didn't deliver as much as the should have to the audience. The group didn't exactly complete the task given however I think they actually strived for the best and challenge themselves and tried to surprise us, which is exactly what they did. 

Frankie, Jake, Roseby, Teago and Zach:
This performance was set around the Busy Malone era, which also entitled the actors to use the Chicago gangsta accents which they managed to deliver perfectly. The piece was action packed which is exactly what an audience member wants, something exciting which they can feed off of and conduct energy from, this piece definitely delivered. It was very funny to watch and I wish it lasted longer.

Set Design Task...

This Easter holidays we needed to design a set for our own version of Antigone. We needed to imagine that we'd have as much money as we needed to create this, therefore we had no limits on our ideas.

We needed to think carefully about designing something that helps the audience to understand our version of the play. 

Our version is meant to be relevant for an audience today. 

Here is my design:

This shows a simple format and layout in which our scene could be performed in.

 It is set in a dark environment. I wasn't sure whether to set it in a black room or a very dark forest, either would be effective.

The audience should be seated in a proscenium arch layout. This is because  the way in which I have envisioned the performance, no other other seating layout would be relevant nor enable the audience to see what's happening on stage clearly. 

I have mainly used red, white and black to symbolize the abstract fierceness of the colours and how they are all strong and bold, however will not mix because they are like oil in water. They symbolize the blood of war, the pain from death and the avenging furies of hell. 

I drew this image to show what the set of Antigone would look like if I had a lot of money. This would be for the scene that Antigone's dead body is found in the cave (The name ' Side Ship' also comes from what could be a group of 'Side Chicks aboard the ship).