zozo's monologue and scene

Environment

Today we tried performing our monologues in new spaces. So we heard from Caesar out on a field, from a frustrated housewife in a kitchen, and from a salesman at a bar table. I wanted to get outside for some fresh air and so as I roamed around a spot right by the inner courtyard caught my eye, with a bench, a couple pillars, and a nice view of the courtyard. It felt like a resort. A nice, shaded resort.

That thought was interesting to play with--the juxtaposition of Barney's inner turmoil with the tranquility of the surroudnings. And indeed there were a few opportunities to gaze out onto the courtyard, wishing life were simpler.

I also wanted to play with engaging the audience directly, as Matthew had encouraged Nick and Elizabeth to do with their pieces. So when it came time for the speech about his nice funeral, everyone was already standing in a nice semi-circle. So I just walked along, looking at people straight in the eye as I passed. It felt like I was making an appeal directly to them, whereas before I had been giving Elaine most of my attention. Here I invited each audience member to try and think about Barney's frustrations with life. I'm not sure it's the right place to make that connection, though, as I'm not sure that's what the audience will most empathize with.

The problem is that I spent a lot of time walking around since I had so many interesting places to stand. I need to stay still more and just punctuate important thoughts from time to time.

And speaking of empathy, a new challenge: making people empathize or at least be non-repulsed by Torvald from A Doll's House...

posted by Zozo @ 10:45 PM