Subtext and Motivation!
With your partner, create a scene using this script. There is no
punctuation…you decide how each line is spoken. Is it a question, a
statement, a shout? Is it relieved, angry, reluctant? HOW the line is spoken
is entirely up to you—but NO words may be added, NONE taken away.
Your task: create a meaningful scene—decide what the setting is, who
the characters are, and what their situation is, what they are discussing. All
of these things should be made clear through costuming, scenery, gestures
and physical actions, facial expression and vocal expression. The gestures
and actions used may be extensive, but there can be no mouthing of
additional words or phrases. (This scene has been performed as a
confrontation between a father and daughter, two gangsters removing a
dead body from a crime scene….the possibilities are endless! You just need
to find ways to justify the actions, and find strong motivations for what
words are spoken.)
The scenes will be performed beginning Thursday the 15th. I will
randomly choose pairs, and provide a performance schedule.
A: You’re here
B: Yes
A: Finally
B: Yes
A: Well
B: What are you thinking
A: Nothing
B: I don’t think
A: Oh, please
B: Are you really ready for this
A: It’s the best thing
B: I know
A: Do you think
B: I do