Frantic Assembly Workshop
Wednesday 12th July Link: https://youtu.be/3ACsfcTgQw8
Posts
Final Performance - Brief Analysis
Monday 3rd + Wednesday 5th July One example where I think we were successful in using Berkoff's style was in the section where the Woman describes answering the door to find the boy's mother outside (picture below). In this section of choreography we used synchronized and enlarged group movement to mime opening a door and also used exaggerated facial expressions to show her reaction. As well as this, we punctuated the dialogue with staccato, defined actions accompanied by vocal sound effects, similar to what we learned from doing 'East'. I think that this was an effective use of a number of Berkoff's techniques that aided the storytelling of the dialogue and create visual humor and emphasis for the audience at the same time. However, I would also say that personally I think I missed some opportunities in my performance to fully create the physical and exaggerated character that is central to Berkoff's performance style. Due to the more subdued nature ...
Woman Alone - Costume
19th + 21st June Here are some examples of the kinds of make-up Berkoff uses in his performances. From our research, our group has decided we will all use the white, mask-like base (left) for all of the characters and then define the different sub-personalities using lipstick colour, drawn on eyebrows, blush and any eye make up etc. I like the way in which the actress in the centre picture has used the white make-up to cover her real eyebrows and then drawn them on in a different shape. This style of exaggerated, drawn in eye make up could be something we use for the ditsy/gossipy personality of the woman in our piece. I think it really adds to the effect of the actor using make up as a kind of mask, the shape of her eyebrows give her a set, almost surprised expression which could be quite effective in our piece to set the tone for each of the different characters' personalities. Link: https://youtu.be/rYa8VmlQkTQ ...
Woman Alone - devising contd.
Wednesday 7th June In this section we really focused on trying to physicalize the inner turmoil of the Woman as her sub-personalities try to take control of her "mouth" and thoughts and started to think about the inter-reactions between the personalities. Once we've blocked our whole section this is definitely something we need to make sure we bring to each part of our section of script to emphasise we are all playing part of the same woman. Link: https://youtu.be/J29R_0eMFak
Introduction to Berkoff
Monday 24th + Wednesday 26th April We also talked about Jacques Lecoq, a French actor, mime and acting instructor who taught Berkoff when he studied in Paris. His work focused on masks and physical theatre, the first activity we did on Monday was based on his methods - he believed that every personality type could be found on the circle that changes your body language (explained in the video) and the importance of finding a voice, body language and physicality that suited each mask and the importance of gesture. Rhythm, tension and breathing patterns were all given great importance in his teaching and gives an infinite range of possibilities for characters. He respected the traditional form of commedia dell'arte and you can see how this influenced his work. In his teaching, he stressed the word 'efficace' which translates as efficient and effective - in terms of movement the more simple it is, the better, and gesture can be a better form of communicat...