Scene By Scene
The Voyage Out
Intention: The actors begin the show by talking directly to the audience, sharing with the audience and fellow actors some interesting observations by the audience. They then narrate when and where the action of the play begins. They move into position in the hold, while sideway is whipped on a level above the others, created by moving the stage boxes together to create the upper deck. The actor whipping sideway mimes the action of the whip, there is a sound effect and Sideway reacts. Then Sideway is thrown into the hold. A gobo creating the effect of light through the bars of the deck indicates where they are.
Rehearsal |
Text |
Performance Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 10/09/06 | In terms of rehearsing this scene, this is a difficult way to start for a group of rehearsing actors. There is a definite need for sound effects here. I intend to use the sounds of the sea and ship, as well as the sound of the whip, to help create a sense of atmosphere. Also, the lighting effect will add to this. | This works really well with the sound and light, shifting interestingly from house lights to performance. The miming of the whip accompanied by a sound effect works in terms of suggesting the action and creating a context for the audience, and does create the V-Effekt I was looking for, but it maybe doesn’t have the visceral impact it could have. However, that is fine for this specific production – with a bigger stage and more space I would maybe look for something else. The actors’ speeches work well and I am pleased with the slightly physical theatre moment of reaching for the light while a tempest sounds. |