→The Voices Project: BETWEEN US Post Show Q&A The Elements of Drama Writing Reviews
→ CREATING AN ENSEMBLE - In a show of monologues how did you develop techniques to work as an ensemble?
POST SHOW Q&A
- What was the rehearsal room like?
When preparing for the Post Show Q&A it is a good idea to:
→ READ THE PROGRAM Director’s notes give you a nice insight into the intention of the piece. This show is unique in that you can ask questions of the writers, the actors and the creative team.
→ ACTOR_AUDIENCE RELATIONSHIP - How did the actors prepare for making connections to the audience?
- How do you decide whether to deliver a monologue to one person in the audience or the audience as a whole?
Think about the following topic areas and possible questions to ask: → DEVELOPING CHARACTER - How did the writers develop their characters?
- What was the role of the audience in the performance?
→ APPROACH TO TEXT - Is the character in any way similar to you as a person?
- How did you approach the text as an ensemble? What did you do in the rehearsal room to explore the text?
- Do any of the actors identify with the character they are playing? Why/Why not?
→ ask your questions - How did the cast develop depth of via twitter character? @atyp_theatre #atyp_betweenus - Identify two characters that stood out in your mind? Why were they so memorable? Photo: Tracey Schramm
→ MOOD/ATMOSPHERE - How was sound created for the piece?
POST SHOW Q&A ELEMENTS OF DRAMA
- How did sound contribute to the atmosphere/mood of the work?
- Where were the atmospheric high points in the performance?
→ SPACE - Why did the director/ actors use the stage space as they did?
- Why were the monologues staged in unconventional parts of the theatre and what effect did this create?
- What did you think about the way the space was lit? How did the designer make choices about the lighting?
→ FOCUS - How did the director draw your focus to the action she most wanted you to see?
- How do the actors work to maintain focus throughout the entire show?
→ THEME → MOVEMENT - How was movement related to space in the piece?
- How were levels used in this performance?
- How did the writers approach the theme of secrets? How did they start the writing process?
- How did the director/actors approach the theme in the rehearsal process?
- How effective was the use of movement and levels? Why?
→ ask your questions via twitter @atyp_theatre #atyp_betweenus
- Why were mirrors used so significantly in the work? Did the actors use mirrors in the rehearsal process?
- What do the mirrors represent in the piece?
- Were there any other symbols used throughout?
Photo: Tracey Schramm
→ SYMBOL
WRITING REVIEWS A review is an important part of theatre criticism. It gives an account of the production with the review writer's opinion of the performance.
HOW TO WRITE A REVIEW You may wish to approach your review writing by following guidelines: − State the details of the production, where, when, by who. − A synopsis of the play (without any big spoilers!!!). − Background of the play, importance of the production. (Is it the first production of the play? Has it been performed many times before?) − Information about the style, genre of the piece. − Analysis of the mood and atmosphere created by the cast/designers. − Analysis of the choices made by the director. → Send your reviews to adele@atyp.com.au − Analysis of the performances by the actors. we'll publish our favourites on our − Analysis of set, costume, website. lighting and design aspects and how these relate to the themes of the play. − Your personal opinion supported by examples to justify your opinion. − Recommendation and / or overall rating.
Photo: Tracey Schramm
YOU HAVE A GO Become an ATYP theatre critic! Use the scaffold opposite to write a review of The Voices Project: Between Us. Send it to adele@atyp.com.au we'll publish our favourites on our website.
When reviewing try to: − Paint an accurate picture of the production for someone who has not seen the show. − Give a personal opinion about the success of the performance. Remember to make it concise and clear. Try to write your review in 300 words. We look forward to receiving your reviews! Keep reading for more reviews of The Voices Project: Between Us.
Review: Between Us (ATYP) posted in Theatre by Suzy Wrong
Direction by Sarah Parsons is adventurous and quite masterful. Her courageous use of space gives emotional and spacial dimension to each piece, respecting their individually distinct voices, and allowing their individual idiosyncrasies to take shape on stage. Transitions are sensitively and creatively manoeuvred so that the experience is fluid and cohesive as an integrated entity, while each writer’s own colour is staunchly retained. Parsons’ work with actors is wildly impressive in Between Us. Every segment is performed with surprising depth and sophistication, so that characters are meaningful beyond their ten minutes of showtime. We are drawn into these bite sized moments, sometimes seeing with astonishing clarity what is being expressed, and sometimes seduced into a sense of intrigue that leaves us hungry for more.
Venue: ATYP (Walsh Bay NSW), Feb 4 – 21, 2015 Director: Sarah Parsons
Playwrights: Joel Burrows, Tahlee Fereday, Sharni McDermott, Tom Mesker, Julia Patey, Kathleen Quere, Callan Purcell, Caitlin Richardson, Fiona Spitzkowsky, Amanda Yeo. Cast: Katy Avery, Christian Charisiou, Jordan Cowan, Patrick Cullen, Rebecca Cuttance, Airlie Dodds, Kelly Huynh, Lucia May, Dominic Roebuck, Gemma Scoble, Michael Smith, Theatre review (of preview performance)
The ten short pieces in Between Us are connected by the idea of secrets. These young Australian stories range from the deep and dark to the wonderfully inspired, all with a personal and revelatory perspective that aim to divulge something truthful. Nine are monologues, perhaps a reflection on the introspective nature of early adulthood. We do not get fervent commentary on our society and politics, but we are certainly witness to a fierce interrogation into human behaviour and its nature.
Fiona Spitzkowsky’s Accidents Happen is a remarkably funny yet brutal piece about parenting and ambition. Her blend of the macabre with a casual, almost unassuming everyday humour is a thrill to experience. Performed by Rebecca Cuttance with impeccable timing and focus, this is a programme highlight that exemplifies the intelligence and talent that is being showcased at ATYP. Pink Hair by Amanda Yeo is written with beautiful structure and shrewd acumen. It is technically accomplished, but also visceral and engaging. Kelly Huynh’s interpretation gives a magnetism and moving humanity to the play’s protagonist, and we are enthralled by her thorough authenticity and precision, without the actor having to move a limb more than once or twice during the segment’s entire duration. Also noteworthy are the production’s three male players, Christian Charisiou, Patrick Cullen and Michael Smith, all memorable for their refreshing and solid presences, and conspicuous, burgeoning star quality. There is so much to like about Between Us, including its design aspects and technical proficiencies. Melanie Liertz’s set and Alexander Berlage’s lights are outstanding, and stage management is executed to perfection by Olivia Benson and her crew. It is almost unbelievable that these short plays can conspire to deliver something so substantial and rewarding, but it does. It is no secret that the Australian Theatre for Young People is a crucial element in the continuing progress of our artistic landscape, but on this occasion, the stepping stone has itself become a thing to celebrate. www.atyp.com.au