Daniel: Don Pedro
Stayed in the performance the entire time even when not speaking, intense eyes meant that your intentions were clear and I could see the anger behind from your physicality. Whispering to Claudio can be a little risky because the audience may not be able to hear it. Have light and shade to your performance; you don't always have to be this angry force you can soften and pursue other objectives like trying to calm Claudio down. Don't play the state, Play what you want, what do you want? To shame hero? To redeem your friends honour? Brilliant moves, very grounded and solid, you don't sway or move aimlessly, pronunciation and diction excellent, really starting use the language and get your mouth around the big words. The energy drops after Vlad's speech so you have to be responsible for picking it back up so the audience don't switch off. Characterisation is really starting to come through, very believable performance.
Monday, 6 June 2016
Obama: Real life equivalents: Directors Notes
A brilliant suggestion from my direct was to look at the way President Obama speaks and the charisma and charm he effortlessly exudes. The specific word he used was "magnanimous". This is now the word I think of whenever I need to get into character. This video helped me to understand the way he can command conifdence from anyone without having to ask for it. It's all about taking your time when you speak, pausing, making them wait for you. Smiling. Another note I got was that I give too much eye contact. I have to give it when I feel like the person I am talking to has earned it or I want to make them feel important or special.
Another real life equivalent I looked at was Sammy David Jr. I watched a video of him tap dancing and noted the way he just moved around the stage using minimal effort yet still looking so effortless and brilliant. I think I need to stop working so hard and just exist without attempting to drive the scenes. These two men are cool without trying and that's what Don Pedro needs to be. Laban Effort Work
I got an note in rehearsals today about the way I moved as Don Pedro. "Don Pedro never runs, he's a cool guy, he takes his time". This made me take some time to work by myself on the way Don Pedro moves. I did this by playing around with Laban Efforts. I first of all thought about words that I would associate with the character. In the original text he is a prince, so I though about royalty, regalness a sense of majesty.
Light, Sustained and Direct. Glide. This was imdediately the effort I thought of and the one that was definetly best suited. Don Pedro doesn't waft about aimlessly, nor is he indirect, he is straight to the point, he doens't waste time bubmling about. He may be a soldier but leaves the real fighting to his men. This means he doesn't have to be rock hard, he can afford to be light and not bulky. He is consistent, you can rely on this man for anything. He is not staccato or flicky, he is constant.
With all this I decided to go into a room and just move about the space "gliding" going as abstract as possible, finding the effort within my own body. Once I felt I could identify with the feeling of glide, I then got into character as Don Pedro and started pairing some key words with the movement. E.g. "I will assume thy part in some disguise". This meant that I was now pairing the movement with text. I began to feel really rooted and comfortable with the way Don Pedro moved. This exercise was really useful because I now felt more rooted as my character and more confident with my movement choices on stage.
Light, Sustained and Direct. Glide. This was imdediately the effort I thought of and the one that was definetly best suited. Don Pedro doesn't waft about aimlessly, nor is he indirect, he is straight to the point, he doens't waste time bubmling about. He may be a soldier but leaves the real fighting to his men. This means he doesn't have to be rock hard, he can afford to be light and not bulky. He is consistent, you can rely on this man for anything. He is not staccato or flicky, he is constant.With all this I decided to go into a room and just move about the space "gliding" going as abstract as possible, finding the effort within my own body. Once I felt I could identify with the feeling of glide, I then got into character as Don Pedro and started pairing some key words with the movement. E.g. "I will assume thy part in some disguise". This meant that I was now pairing the movement with text. I began to feel really rooted and comfortable with the way Don Pedro moved. This exercise was really useful because I now felt more rooted as my character and more confident with my movement choices on stage.
Research Task: Why does Don Pedro dislike his brother?
In order to justify my hidden anger towards my brother I have to have a strong reason in order to make sure my there is truth behind my actions. I have done some research into friendly fire/blue on blue attacks.
During a very heavy raid one night Don John and has squadron devise a plan to loop round the back of the target and shoot Don Pedro and his men in the back and then blame it on misinformation from the strategy department. This would effectively kill Don Pedro and allow Don John to get away with murder without being court marshalled. This was all going to plan until Claudio tipped Don Pedro off about the plan and allowed him to stop it before the mission began. However Don Pedro never reported this to the military police because it would disgrace the family name and he still had a sense of loyalty towards his brother. It took awhile but they final reconciled just before the end of the gulf war but of course the tension still remains.
This article details some of the worst cases of friendly fire, they usually always happen by accident however someone could utilise this and use it as an excuse to end the life of someone else and then blame it on a misfire or miscommunication.
http://listverse.com/2012/11/03/8-worst-cases-of-friendly-fire/
friendly fire
noun
MILITARY
- weapon fire coming from one's own side that causes accidental injury or death to one's own forces.
During a very heavy raid one night Don John and has squadron devise a plan to loop round the back of the target and shoot Don Pedro and his men in the back and then blame it on misinformation from the strategy department. This would effectively kill Don Pedro and allow Don John to get away with murder without being court marshalled. This was all going to plan until Claudio tipped Don Pedro off about the plan and allowed him to stop it before the mission began. However Don Pedro never reported this to the military police because it would disgrace the family name and he still had a sense of loyalty towards his brother. It took awhile but they final reconciled just before the end of the gulf war but of course the tension still remains.
This article details some of the worst cases of friendly fire, they usually always happen by accident however someone could utilise this and use it as an excuse to end the life of someone else and then blame it on a misfire or miscommunication.
http://listverse.com/2012/11/03/8-worst-cases-of-friendly-fire/
Visual representation of status
It is important to understand the Status of a character in a play. This simple exercise allowed us to physically the placement of our character within the hierarchy of the world of the play. As pictured Don Pedro is the highest status character in the regiment of soldiers. He is higher than his illegitimate brother, his right hand man Benedick and really high above Claudio. This allows me to see how I am allowed to treat other characters.
I am allowed to be offish and dismissive of my brother, I am allowed to get a little rough with Benedick and I am allowed to be a father figure towards Claudio. This means any interaction I have with most characters in the play will show me having the power. This also means whenever I enter the room I take the power and I am allowed to walk around like I own the place.
The only character I'd say is above me is Leonato, as he is the owner of the house and I am trying to keep the good relations between. This also means there might be a power struggle at some points as Don Pedro enjoys taking charge of situations.
Off Text Improvisation
When we performed these in front of the class some important things came up that we can take forward with us in the rehearsal process. Even though we had good chemistry something still wasn't right. Our directed wanted to see Hero give Don Pedro a big hug. This would have relieved the weird tension that there was between us. It also meant that I wouldn't give off the creepy uncle figure vibe because there would be an unspoken acceptance between the two characters. Another point that got flagged was that there were too many questions being asked. This meant that we kept going round in circles and we weren't finding the importance in the message I was trying to deliver to Hero. This made me feel like I needed to sit and just watch her reactions when I give her the news. This means I would have time to gage her reaction and calculate what I should say next. This also gave me insight into the way Don Pedro plots and plans things in his head. He never just dives head first into danger. He is strategist.
This exercise was very useful. Because we were under improvisational conditions there was no pressure to get the interaction perfect first time round. It allowed me to unleash my instincts as Don Pedro and see how he reacts to other characters. It also means we can use this work in the actual scene. Instead of just mouthing and pretending to have a conversation on stage we'll actually have real things to say moreover making the acting more rooted in reality and truthful.
Interrogating Relationships (World of the play)
Family - Don John
Friends - Benedick, Claudio, Leonato,
Acquaintances - Beatrice, Hero, Antonio
Enemies - Don John
Openly Like - Leonato, Benedick, Claudio, Hero, Beatrice
Openly Dislike - No one
Secretly Like/Fancy - Beatrice? Benedick? Claudio?
Secretly Dislike - Don John
Don Pedro - Character Profile
Name: Don Pedro
Age: 39
Occupation: Major General
Eduction: Cambridge University
Family: Mother (deceased) Father, Half Brother
Relationship: Single
Nationality: Black British
Don Pedro was born in 1952 in Hampshire, England. His favourite colour is green and he enjoys reading classical literature. He is well educated and was one of the youngest most decorated soldiers as he climbed his way through the ranks (with some help from his Father's status).
Uta Hagen: 9 Questions
Who am I?
My name is Don Pedro, I am a Major General in charge of Operation Granby during the Gulf war. My two greatest friends, allies and soldiers are Benedick and Claudio. Benedick is an old friend of mine, we did our basic training together and ever sense then his wit and ability to make me laugh has made him a mainstay in my very hectic life. Claudio was a rookie private however after I noticed his great skill and his promise I fast tracked him so he could fight in my regiment. My family is of noble standing back in England which means I received the highest education and graduated from Cambridge university in 1979.
What time is it?
When I arrive at Leonato's complex it is noon, the sun is high in the sky and it is very hot. This is made worse by the fact it's the middle of Summer. There's a party we have which takes place at night; by this time the air is cool and there is a pleasant breeze blowing in from the beautifully crafted windows. When we trick Benedick into believing Beatrice is in love with him it's late evening, around 6:30pm almost time for dinner. When I hear the news that Hero has been unfaithful to Claudio it is night time around 11:00pm, there's a dark atmosphere, things are hard to see without the light.
Where am I?
Firstly I am in the courtyard of a grand middle eastern mansion owned by Leonato, I have arrive by helicopter and walked up the sandy pathway to the secure doors. Secondly I am in the great hall, this is where the party takes place, it's huge and decorated beautiful. After this I am once again back out in the courtyard however know there's plastic lounge chair, and a beer cooler, I fear the American ways are starting to takeover. Finally I am the courtyard one final time, This time the place is lit by moonlight which is beautiful yet is broken by the presence of my brother.
What surrounds me?/ What's my relationship?
There's a water fountain that pumps cool water, this is a relief especially during the hot weather. There are exotic plants in ornate pots that are native to these lands, there is debris in some places from the bomb raids this house ultimately took but nothing too dire. There's sand everywhere, wherever I walk, I can always find little bits of sand whenever I change out of my uniform. There is a high balcony that looks out over into the vast desert. It reminds me of my time fighting out there with my men. I am surrounded by close friends and people I have so much trust in. Leonato my close ally, Benedick my old friend, my regiment of men who I have to keep in close check as they always manage to get themselves into trouble.
What happens before the scene starts?
A few hours earlier I had received Intel that Sadam Hussien had retreated back to Iraq and that us collation forces had one the battle. My regiment had only lost a few privates on the battle field so I am very happy. I am also lucky enough to recieve news that Leonato is welcoming us back to his complex to hold us up until we get the orders to return home.
What do I want?
I want good relations to remain between the military and Kuwait, I want Leonato to stay happy, I want Benedick to be happy, I want Claudio to be happy, I want my brother to go away, I want Beatrice to fall in love with Benedick, I want Hero to marry Claudio, I want to keep the peace, I want to have a little bit of fun.
What's in my way?
My obligation to keep my brother around and the fact that at least if he is by my side I can keep a close eye on him, The actions of my men could harm the reputation of the military, Benedick stubborn will and negative view of relationships, Not knowing whether Hero reciprocates Claudio's feelings. I have to keep an air of professionalism at all times.
How do I get what I want?
By plotting and tricking, by wooing, by blocking, by investigating, by enquiring, by sorting, by working things out, by reprimanding.
My name is Don Pedro, I am a Major General in charge of Operation Granby during the Gulf war. My two greatest friends, allies and soldiers are Benedick and Claudio. Benedick is an old friend of mine, we did our basic training together and ever sense then his wit and ability to make me laugh has made him a mainstay in my very hectic life. Claudio was a rookie private however after I noticed his great skill and his promise I fast tracked him so he could fight in my regiment. My family is of noble standing back in England which means I received the highest education and graduated from Cambridge university in 1979.
What time is it?
When I arrive at Leonato's complex it is noon, the sun is high in the sky and it is very hot. This is made worse by the fact it's the middle of Summer. There's a party we have which takes place at night; by this time the air is cool and there is a pleasant breeze blowing in from the beautifully crafted windows. When we trick Benedick into believing Beatrice is in love with him it's late evening, around 6:30pm almost time for dinner. When I hear the news that Hero has been unfaithful to Claudio it is night time around 11:00pm, there's a dark atmosphere, things are hard to see without the light.
Where am I?
Firstly I am in the courtyard of a grand middle eastern mansion owned by Leonato, I have arrive by helicopter and walked up the sandy pathway to the secure doors. Secondly I am in the great hall, this is where the party takes place, it's huge and decorated beautiful. After this I am once again back out in the courtyard however know there's plastic lounge chair, and a beer cooler, I fear the American ways are starting to takeover. Finally I am the courtyard one final time, This time the place is lit by moonlight which is beautiful yet is broken by the presence of my brother.
What surrounds me?/ What's my relationship?
There's a water fountain that pumps cool water, this is a relief especially during the hot weather. There are exotic plants in ornate pots that are native to these lands, there is debris in some places from the bomb raids this house ultimately took but nothing too dire. There's sand everywhere, wherever I walk, I can always find little bits of sand whenever I change out of my uniform. There is a high balcony that looks out over into the vast desert. It reminds me of my time fighting out there with my men. I am surrounded by close friends and people I have so much trust in. Leonato my close ally, Benedick my old friend, my regiment of men who I have to keep in close check as they always manage to get themselves into trouble.
What happens before the scene starts?
A few hours earlier I had received Intel that Sadam Hussien had retreated back to Iraq and that us collation forces had one the battle. My regiment had only lost a few privates on the battle field so I am very happy. I am also lucky enough to recieve news that Leonato is welcoming us back to his complex to hold us up until we get the orders to return home.
What do I want?
I want good relations to remain between the military and Kuwait, I want Leonato to stay happy, I want Benedick to be happy, I want Claudio to be happy, I want my brother to go away, I want Beatrice to fall in love with Benedick, I want Hero to marry Claudio, I want to keep the peace, I want to have a little bit of fun.
What's in my way?
My obligation to keep my brother around and the fact that at least if he is by my side I can keep a close eye on him, The actions of my men could harm the reputation of the military, Benedick stubborn will and negative view of relationships, Not knowing whether Hero reciprocates Claudio's feelings. I have to keep an air of professionalism at all times.
How do I get what I want?
By plotting and tricking, by wooing, by blocking, by investigating, by enquiring, by sorting, by working things out, by reprimanding.
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