Unit 4 Drama Solo Performance
Analysis of the 2001 solo performance MEDEA
The student performance of Medea is one example of a solo performance that achieved
full marks. Watch this performance and evaluate the ways dramatic and stagecraft elements can
be applied and how the performance meets the expectations of the prescribed structure and exam
assessment criteria.
Summary of Prescribed Structure:
Character: Medea
Stimulus:
The play Medea by Euripides
Performance Focus:
After the death of her children, Medea has a meeting with Zeus where she
demands god-like status. To do this, Medea
 Demonstrates her earliest attempts at using her magical powers
 Recreates events from her fateful life
 Revisits some of the necessary deaths she has caused to show her
ambition
Zeus delivers his judgement.
1. The prescribed Performance Style for this character was Non-Naturalism,
including aspects of Ancient Greek Theatre. Consider some of the
conventions of Greek Theatre below. Circle the ones that have been used
and describe how it was manipulated by the actor.
Chorus: provided a commentary on the behaviour/actions of the characters and would
speak/chant their thoughts/judgements to the audience; would often employ lyrical language
Movement: exaggerated, dramatic, ritualistic. Had to be seen from great distance
Costume: simple yet symbolic in colour and texture; capes and cloaks featured; platform
‘boots’ were worn to give the actor(s) height
One actor plays all characters: very traditional Ancient Greek Theatre was performed this
way; it changed to include 3 actors playing all of the characters (not the Chorus)
Mask: was used to suggest a main character’s personality, status and emotional state and
was a fixed expression. Colour, size and expression of mask were significant. Had to be
seen from great distance.
Chorus members all wore the same style of mask.
What other non-naturalistic conventions were used effectively?
2. One of the prescribed conventions was ‘Heightened use of Language’.
Find two different examples of its uses and describe
 The character delivering it
 Where, when & how they delivered it and to whom?
 Why it was used at this moment (what aspect of the character or story did it
enhance? )
3. The other prescribed convention was ‘Character Transformation.’ Find 2
different examples and comment on:
 Which characters were involved in the transformation
 How the transformation was achieved( eg physical position in space, gesture, use of
costume or prop, pace, sound/language, facial expression, specific movement, in front
of audience or away from audience etc)
 How did the transformation effect other dramatic elements such as the rhythm/timing,
mood, contrast, tension, climax.
4. Contrast features in a range of ways throughout this performance. List the
different uses of contrast. Choose one of these moments and explain how
contrast is used to enhance the meaning of the character and/or prescribed
structure.
Example: Contrast in the use of Space
Zeus does not manipulate a lot of space, the actor remains stationary. His body remains still so we are not
distracted from his words. His raised arms establishes his high status and highlights his power as the leader
of the Gods. In contrast Medea, appears to ‘travel’ through space, she is rarely still, but is directionless. She
retraces her steps, almost following a set pattern through this limited space, reflecting her anguished state
of mind and to show the limited power she has – she can move but not very far ( a metaphor of her limited
power – she had the ‘power’ to kill her children but she does not have the ‘power’ to escape
punishment/retribution).
5. Climax was one of the prescribed Dramatic Elements that was used within
this performance. Describe one moment where climax occurred and how this
affected the performance.
6. Symbol was the other prescribed Dramatic Element. How was symbol
applied in this performance?
7. Identify two Dramatic Elements that were manipulated within this
performance that were not part of the prescribed structure and comment on
how and why they were used.
8. Identify two Stagecraft Elements that were used and comment on how
and why they were used.
9. The student who performed this Solo had an amazing command over
expressive skills and he employed them to his advantage. Evaluate how he
applied any of the following expressive skills to clearly portray character(s).
Character /
Purpose
Voice
Face
Eyes
Arms/
Hands
Status
Method of
walking
Leading
Centre
10. What can you take away from this performance to apply to the creation
of your own Solo Performance? How will you apply this?