Rehearsal Update #1 | Opening of Play Physical Theatre

Originally five members of the class including myself were directed to  roughly choreograph a sequence of movements that conveyed wolves to open the piece to eerie music;

First 8 counts- we were to begin by peering through the set with a slow tempo and subtle physical movement- by doing this we aimed to create suspense and alienate the audience. By constantly staring at the audience we wanted to incorporate and element of Brecht's verfremdungseffekt technique by making the audience feel involved from the outset.

Second 8 counts- we then begin to change position and create some abstract physical theatre movements that portray the physicality of a wolf (by being crouched, panting and sharp movements.) We also wanted the tempo to shift at this point and begin to focus more on the audience suggesting suspicion of the audience.

Third 8 counts- we used this time to get into a position of different levels on the set of stage right, all scattered and peering at the audience still, then on the last beat of the music, we all creates a sharp head turn that when done in unison look into a diagonal. This could foreshadow the events of the play and symbolise the unison and 'wolf-pack-like' quality that some groups of characters have in the play (whether it be Bonnie, Sylvia and Simon for good or Mrs Briskett, Miss Slighcarp and Mr Grimshaw for evil.)

Rehearsal Update | Justine Choreography & Wolf Physicality

A choreographed piece that Justine has taught the class is no going to replace the opening sequence we had previously created. In this practical rehearsal we were introduced to the physical theatre element in more depth which will be featured in our play. To convey the wolves we were taught a devised sequence from Justine that included many characteristics that reflect a wolf. As a class we discussed that dynamics and key words like 'sharp, slick, strong, fierce' etc. would be things we had to bare in mind when developing the routine's choreography. To further portray this I discussed with the class that whilst the physical theatre piece reflecting wolves is completely abstract and unrealistic, we should still try to incorporate genuine wolf mannerisms- the way a wolf moves, looks and pants is something that we are going to research in order to develop our physical theatre opening piece.

One characteristic that I noticed when researching images of wolves is the way that they are always alert and a pack of wolves give their attention mutually to the same direction in most situations. 

Another observation I made is that wolves move in a pack and remain quite close together- I feel we could apply this to our physical theatre piece by adjusting the proxemics and creating a sporadic yet tight formation which should remain throughout the piece when in character.

The angry, fierce and 'hunting' side to wolves is usually dominated by the stern looks and sharp head turns which create an intense focus- if we were to apply this to out physicality when performing the routine and at any other point the wolf physicality may come up in the play, we would also create an intensity that would make the physical theatre aspect in the play a lot more powerful and evocative from the audience's point of view.