Assignment 3: Scene Study. Brecht. The Good Woman of Setzuan
For their final assignment, learners will undertake a scene study to apply the skills they have learned in class. The scene study will comprise be completed through two assignments during the term as follows:
a. Group Presentation. The group must prepare an interactive presentation of about 40-50minutes, including a reading presentation where they will talk about their analysis of their play based on the course material we have covered up to the time of their presentation, a re-enactment of a scene (max. 2 pages) and engaging their classmates in discussion about their presentation. Each group will choose a scene from their play and delve deeper into the play, working from the perspective of the director to:
a) Research and analyse (or Dramaturgy): find information about the text, the themes addressed in the text (or to be addressed in the performance), the time period in which the performance is or will be set, the characters, the style, the structure, the rhythm of the play etc.
b) Concept: before the designers (set, costume, lighting) can begin to work, the director must share with them their concept. In short, this is the approach the director wishes to take in staging the selected play, the area/issue. This will include the colours they want to use, the motifs they have in mind, ideas for costume and for set. The director must also share their concept with the actors and work with them to realize the play. This includes working with the actors on character development, building ensemble, blocking (and choreography if necessary) etc.
c) Design: the designers work with the director to create a visual representation of the play. They interpret the play, and the director’s concept, through costumes, set, lighting.
d) Stage Managing: the director works hand in hand with stage manager. It is the stage manager who handles all the administrative aspects of the play to allow the director to focus on their job. This involves setting rehearsal schedules, liaising with cast and crew to ensure attendance and availability of necessary items, notes on changes and blocking, calling etc.
e) Acting: It is the actor’s job to know their character – what do they want, why do they say what they say and do what they do? What do they think of the other characters? How are they feeling? The actors must use the given circumstances and other relevant information about the context of the play to understand and realize their character.
b. Director’s File:
Due: on the day of the presentation
In each group, each member will choose the role that they’re most interested in and will be responsible for that aspect of the process, this information will be compiled to create a director’s file. Group members will receive an individual grade based on the overall presentation, the director’s file, as well as self and peer assessments.
