Scene By Scene

Act One	Act Two
Pre-Set The Voyage Out A Lone Aboriginal Australian Punishment Loneliness of Men An Audition The Authorities Discuss the Merits of the Theatre Harry and Duckling Go Rowing The Women Learn Their Lines Ralph Clark Tries to Kiss His Dear Wife’s Picture John Wisehammer and Mary Brenham Exchange Words The First Rehearsal	Pre-Set Visiting Hours His Excellency Exhorts Ralph Harry Brewer Sees the Dead The Aborigine Muses on the Nature of Dreams The Second Rehearsal The Science of Hanging The Meaning of Plays Duckling Makes Vows/A Love Scene The Question of Liz Backstage

Act Two - Pre-Set

Intention: At about the time the audience are called back the actors will return to the stage, the band first and then the others in stages. They will sing a few more songs that should now begin to have a real sense of connection with the play. When the audience are seated the actor playing Liz, or at least one of the female actors, will sing a song specifically about female convicts. As the song is being sung the actors will put on manacles and chains and get into position for scene one. At this point, without a cast I have no idea as to whether the actor playing Liz will be able to sing. However, it’s not important that she can sing well as Brecht often had actors sing rather than singers act, giving a rough quality to the performance and removing the culinary aspect for the audience.

Outcome: The songs here work well as there’s a change of tone that reflects the change in tone of the second half. Also, the segue from the song ‘Convict Maid’ into the action of the second half works really well.