GCSE Drama – Live Theatre Evaluation

Sample analysis and evaluation The two extracts below are from candidate-style responses that analyse and evaluate actors’ performances. TASK 8 1 Read the sample responses and put: D next to any performance details T next to any correct terminology. 2 Note any points which you believe are analysis ( A ) of the performance and any which you would consider evaluation ( E ). One example of each has been done for you. Adam Gillen, as Mozart in Amadeus , provides a contrasting performance to that of Lucian Msamati, who plays the plotting Salieri. Initially, the differences between the characters are shown by their gestures and vocal skills. When they are introduced to each other, Salieri lowers himself in a courtly bow, while Gillen’s Mozart simply gives a playful little wave. D Msamati’s voice is well-modulated and controlled, whereas Gillen’s words often burst out, fast-paced and unpredictable, with a more youthful, informal dialect. T This provides an early indication of Salieri’s ability to abide by the rules of Vienna’s society, whereas Mozart’s genius is uncontrolled. A In his interpretation, Gillen seems to be influenced by modern figures such as punk musicians or stand-up comedians. I was uncertain about this choice at first, as it seemed so surprising for the era, but I came to see how it suited this partially modern take on the period. E Gillen stands with his toes pointed inwards, pulls comic faces and suddenly laughs. In the scene where he plays Salieri’s tune by memory, instantly creating variations on it, he demonstrates both Mozart’s love of music and his ease with it. While he plays, he sways and leans into the keyboard. Eventually he stands, rock-and-roll style, on the piano stool. At the end, he holds his arms out wide in a gesture asking for recognition. This contrasts well with Salieri’s upright stance and tight, terse, ‘No,’ when asked if he wants to ‘try a variation.’ Msamati’s performance is nuanced and particularly touching in the scene where he listens to Mozart’s music. At first, he sits, with his eyes closed, taking it in. He seems controlled by the music, suddenly standing when he hears a high oboe note. As he describes his physical reactions, he observes that he is ‘trembling’, which is echoed in his movements. He ably conveys the joy and agony of discovering a composer whose genius outdoes his own skills. He groans at the beauty of the music and shouts ‘What is this?’ in disbelief at the unlikeliness of someone as coarse as Mozart producing something so sublime. As his agitation grows, so does the pace of the speech. Through their different performances the actors have perfectly set out the conflict at the centre of the play. A TIP These extracts are based on particular candidates’ experience of certain performances. They are only example points that could be made, not model answers. Even if you saw the same performance, your recollection, notes and reactions will be different. Adam Gillen and Lucian Msamati in Amadeus . 22 LIVE THEATRE EVALUATION