AQA GCSE Drama sample

SET PLAY 2: ‘Blood Brothers’ by Willy Russell 2 Set design inspired by context The set must be flexible enough to accommodate a number of different locations, while having enough detail to convey the context of the play. In the first act there is the opportunity to show both the exteriors and interiors of the Johnstones’ and Lyons’ homes in Liverpool. Often, productions show the two exteriors of the homes at the same time at the beginning of the play, highlighting the contrasts between the two. TASK 4 Note the differences between the exteriors of the two homes, using the following questions to help you: TIP It is important to know that you do not have to create the exterior of the homes in your set at all. However, this is a useful exercise to begin thinking about the differences between the families and their homes. TIP When considering how you will design your set, it is important to know that you will rarely use the actual materials of the buildings, but instead create the set out of materials that have the appearance of those materials. For example, if you want one of the homes to be built of brick, you would use painted wood or a canvas backdrop to indicate that. If you want an ornate street lamp, you would use a lighter material and paint it to make it look like metal. TIP Consider how you will accomplish the quick scene changes. For example, how will you move on Mrs Johnstone’s kitchen set (page 75) and then remove it (page 79)? Will you use trucks ? Casters on the furniture? Fly the set pieces in? Have actors carry or push the set pieces on/off? CHALLENGE Research online the furniture from the time. Based on your research, draw sketches of key furniture items, such as the Lyons’ dining table or Mrs Johnstone’s kitchen table, which you believe would be appropriate for your design. Explain how they could be used in a scene. KEY TERMS: Truck: a platform on wheels upon which scenery can be mounted and moved. Fly: raising and lowering scenery or other items onto the stage using a system of ropes and pulleys. WHOSE HOME?  Johnstone – working-class, poor, rented, small terraced home FEATURES 1 If there is a street sign outside the house, what might the street name be? 2 What are the main colours used? 3 What materials are the walls made of? (Brick? Stone? Wood? Concrete?) 4 What condition are the walls in? (Paint peeling? Graffiti? Other signs of wear?) 5 What are the size, shape and colour of the doors and windows? 6 Is there any way of indicating how many children live in the house? 7 In what period do you think the home was originally built? WHOSE HOME?  Lyons – middle class, private home FEATURES 1 If there is a street sign outside the house, what might the street name be? 2 What are the main colours used? 3 What materials are the walls made of? (Brick? Stone? Wood? Concrete?) 4 What condition are the walls in? Are there any special features that make the home seem prosperous? (Columns? Steps?, Balcony? Window boxes?) 5 What are the size, shape and colour of the doors and windows? 6 Are there any external features such as a garden, pathway or plants? 7 In what period do you think the home was originally built? 55 SECTION B  STUDY OF A SET PLAY