Grade 8 Flashcards
Macbeth Introduction
Hello my name is Arya and for my grade 8 lambda acting exam I will perform Act 1 Scene 5 from Macbeth by William Shakespeare written in 1606. I will play the character of the Lady Macbeth. Macbeth is about a man called Macbeth who plots with his wife to kill the King, Duncan so that Macbeth can be King. In this scene my character is reading a letter from her husband.
Dreams of Anne Franks introduction
The second piece that I will be performing is Dreams of Anne Franks by Bernard Kops written in 1953. This is the opening of an interpretation of Anne Frank’s life where the text and plot of this dream life is imaginative. In this piece I piece Anne Franks who is writing in her diary about her experience going into hiding.
After the End introduction
The final piece that I will be performing is After the End. This was written by Denis Kelly. It was written in 2005. In this piece I play Louise has woken up in a bunker where she has been informed that she has to stay hidden due to a nuclear accident, however she does not know that this is all a lie. This is a dark play. She is talking about her experience the night before with a cat that she has killed.
Macbeth - The process involved in Creating Each character
a. Breaking down the words
i. Because I find memorising lines hard
b. Learning more about the character
i. To learn about why the character would do certain things
ii. To understand a wider knowledge of the character.
c. Watched the monologue
i. To get an understanding of how the scene could be performed
ii. To get inspiration for my scene
d. Looked at the translation of the play
i. To understand what is going on and how she would feel at this point.
e. Learnt the monologue
i. To be able to have time to practice and make it easier to block
f. Role on the wall
i. Created a stick man and used that to help created the character
ii. Thought about how to show this character
g. Blocked the monologue
i. To make the words flow and give time to adjust it
h. Thought about reasoning for the facial expression
i. Helps to create a character.
Macbeth - Lady Macbeth’s role in the context of the whole play
a. Lady Macbeth is a central and pivotal character in William Shakespeare’s tragedy “Macbeth.” Her role is crucial to the development of the plot and the psychological depth of the play. Lady Macbeth is the primary instigator of the plot to murder King Duncan. She is fiercely ambitious and driven by a desire for power. When Macbeth hesitates to carry out the murder, she questions his manhood and resolve, pushing him to commit the regicide. She manipulates Macbeth by challenging his courage and ambition. Lady Macbeth’s persuasion is vital in convincing Macbeth to go through with their plan. Her role as a partner in crime underscores her influence over Macbeth and their shared ambition. Lady Macbeth embodies ruthless ambition. Initially, Lady Macbeth appears stronger and more resolute than her husband. While Macbeth is plagued by guilt and hesitation, Lady Macbeth suppresses her own conscience and fears to ensure their plans succeed. However, this dynamic shifts as the play progresses. The psychological toll of their actions becomes evident. Lady Macbeth’s initial strength and resolve deteriorate into guilt-ridden madness. Her descent into insanity is marked by the famous sleepwalking scene. Lady Macbeth becomes a tragic figure. Her ambition and manipulation lead to her downfall. Isolated and consumed by guilt, her mental deterioration and subsequent death are poignant elements of the tragedy. While Lady Macbeth is a driving force behind Macbeth’s ascent to power, she also indirectly contributes to his downfall. Her influence over Macbeth initiates a chain of events that leads to his tyranny, madness, and eventual death. Lady Macbeth is a complex character, embodying both strength and vulnerability.
Dreams of Anne Franks - The process involved in Creating Each character
a. Breaking down the words
i. Because I find memorising lines hard
b. Learning more about the character
i. To learn about why the character would do certain things
ii. To understand a wider knowledge of the character.
c. Watched the monologue
i. To get an understanding of how the scene could be performed
ii. To get inspiration for my scene
d. Learnt the monologue
i. To be able to have time to practice and make it easier to block
e. Blocked the monologue
i. To make the words flow and give time to adjust it
a. Role on the wall
i. Created a stick man and used that to help created the character
ii. Thought about how to show this character
f. Thought about reasoning for the facial expression and actions
Helps to create a character.
Dreams of Anne Franks - Anne Frank’s role in the context of the whole play
b. In the play “Dreams of Anne Frank” by Bernard Kops, Anne Frank is the central character around whom the entire narrative revolves. The play is inspired by the real-life experiences of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who went into hiding during World War II to escape the Nazis, and it draws from her famous diary. Anne’s role in the play is multifaceted and profoundly impactful.
Anne Frank serves as the protagonist of the play, guiding the audience through her experiences and inner thoughts. Anne's character embodies hope, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. Despite the dire circumstances, she remains hopeful and retains her zest for life, dreaming of a better future. Through Anne, the play highlights the innocence of youth amidst the horrors of war Anne gives a voice to the millions of Jews and other persecuted individuals who suffered during the Holocaust. Anne's character fosters empathy and connection with the audience. Her candid and relatable expressions of fear, love, frustration, and hope make her a universally compelling figure. In the context of the play, Anne is not only a character but also a literary and historical figure. The play uses her real-life writings to bring authenticity and depth to her portrayal, reminding the audience of her enduring legacy. Anne's dreams and creative imagination play a crucial role in the narrative. Her fantasies and aspirations provide an escape from the confinement of the Secret Annex and illustrate her creative spirit. Overall, Anne Frank's role in "Dreams of Anne Frank" is central and dynamic. She is the heart and soul of the play, providing a poignant and powerful narrative that continues to resonate with audiences, highlighting the themes of hope, resilience, and the enduring human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.
She come across as a mature character who is managing a very had situation.
After the End - The process involved in Creating Each character
g. Breaking down the words
i. Because I find memorising lines hard
h. Learning more about the character
i. To learn about why the character would do certain things
ii. To understand a wider knowledge of the character.
i. Watched the monologue
i. To get an understanding of how the scene could be performed
ii. To get inspiration for my scene
j. Learnt the monologue
i. To be able to have time to practice and make it easier to block
k. Blocked the monologue
i. To make the words flow and give time to adjust it
b. Role on the wall
i. Created a stick man and used that to help created the character
ii. Thought about how to show this character
l. Thought about reasoning for the facial expression and actions
Helps to create a character.
After the End - Louise’s role in the context of the play as a whole
In the play “After the End” by Dennis Kelly, Louise is one of the two central characters, alongside Mark. The play is a psychological thriller that delves into themes of survival, power dynamics, and human behaviour under extreme circumstances. Louise’s role in the play is multifaceted and critical to the unfolding of the plot and the exploration of its themes.
Louise is presented as a survivor of what she believes to be a nuclear attack. Along with Mark, she is confined in a fallout shelter, and much of the play revolves around their interactions and the psychological tension between them. Louise can be seen as the protagonist, whose perspective the audience aligns with. Her journey and struggle for autonomy and truth drive the narrative forward. Initially, Louise appears to be a victim of the circumstances and Mark's control. However, she gradually challenges Mark's authority and the reality he presents, questioning his motives and the truth of their situation. Louise often serves as the moral compass of the play, representing a more humane and ethical standpoint compared to Mark's increasingly erratic and authoritarian behavior. Her reactions and decisions highlight the moral and ethical dilemmas faced in extreme situations. Through her persistence and resistance, Louise becomes the catalyst for uncovering the deeper truths about their situation and Mark's true nature. Her interactions with Mark reveal his manipulative and controlling tendencies, as well as the psychological complexity of their relationship. Louise's role is crucial in exploring the power dynamics between her and Mark. The play examines how power shifts and is negotiated within confined spaces and extreme circumstances, with Louise's character embodying the struggle for power and autonomy. Overall, Louise's role in "After the End" is essential for the development of the plot and the thematic exploration of survival, control, and the human psyche under duress. Her character's evolution from a perceived victim to a strong challenger adds depth to the narrative and engages the audience in the psychological drama.
Who is Konstantin Stanislavski?
A Russian actor, director, and theatre practitioner renowned for developing the Stanislavski system.
What is Konstantin Stanislavski’s acting principle?
Stanislavski believed that an actor needed a sense of isolation in order to produce a characterisation and avoid unnecessary tension.
Explain Konstantin Stanislavski’s key acting principle?
They encourage actors to approach their craft with depth, honesty, and a deep understanding of human behaviour, leading to more compelling and realistic performances.
How did Konstantin Stanislavski’s acting principle influence the process of acting?
Konstantin Stanislavski’s acting principles revolutionized the process of acting by introducing techniques and approaches that emphasize psychological realism, emotional truth, and a deep understanding of characters. His influence reshaped how actors prepare for and perform their roles, leading to a more naturalistic and immersive style of acting.
Question3 : The Key Principles and Influences in the process of acting for the practitioner Konstantin Stanislavski
He is a Russian actor, director, and theatre practitioner renowned for developing the Stanislavski system. Konstantin Stanislavski’s acting principle is primarily cantered on achieving psychological realism and authenticity in performance. His methodology, often referred to as the Stanislavski System or Stanislavski Method.
Stanislavski believed that an actor needed a sense of isolation in order to produce a characterisation and avoid unnecessary tension.
They encourage actors to approach their craft with depth, honesty, and a deep understanding of human behaviour, leading to more compelling and realistic performances.
Konstantin Stanislavski’s acting principles revolutionized the process of acting by introducing techniques and approaches that emphasize naturalism, emotional truth, and a deep understanding of characters. His influence reshaped how actors prepare for and perform their roles, leading to a more naturalistic and immersive style of acting.
