AQA GCSE Drama Student Book: Revised Edition

The Great Santini Postcards from the Edge Cezanne: Young Italian Woman TASK 14 a Working in a small group, choose a dynamic scene from the play, such as Pip’s argument with Fran (pages 30–31), Ben’s argument with Bob and Fran (pages 66–67) or Fran and Bob’s row (pages 70–71). Have one person ‘sculpt’ each performer so that they are arranged into a tableau to begin the scene. While the performers are holding this position, the sculptor will point at each one in turn. They should say what their character is thinking and feeling at that moment. b Now have a new group member sculpt the group into a closing tableau for the extract. See if their thoughts and feelings have changed. c Then rehearse the full scene, discovering how the characters moved from the rst tableau to the last. TASK 15 a In a group, discuss how con ict can be shown without violence. For example, how can eye contact, volume, proximity and touch indicate con ict without being overtly aggressive? b Choose an apparently low-key scene, such as the discussion of cars and roads or Ben’s laundry/chores and experiment with small, detailed ways the characters can show they are annoyed or disagree. They might turn their back, for example, raise an eyebrow, sigh or laugh sarcastically. TASK 16 There are a number of important offstage characters who are spoken about but never seen. a In order to understand their effect on the Price family, create a short improvisation about each of the following characters: Pip and Steve discussing childcare arrangements Mark breaking up with his girlfriend, Taylor Ben trying to impress his wealthier workmates. b Then return to the script and discuss how your understanding of these characters could in uence how Pip, Mark or Ben perform scenes where they are mentioned. KEY TERM: Offstage character: a character who is mentioned in a play, and often in uences the action or characters, but is never seen by the audience. TIP Use lm stills or other artworks to inspire the physical aspects of your performance and characterisation. Mathematicians Stefan Banach and Otton Nikodym in discussion SET PLAY 3: Things I Know to be True by Andrew Bovell 3 SECTION B STUDY OF A SET PLAY 83