Metamorphosis

Question 1

Intro-Performer

Answer 1

Berkoff’s “Metamorphosis” inspired by Franz Kafka’s novel that was written in 1915, was first performed in 1969. Kafka’s background was hugely influential on this classic modern piece of theatre. Kafka was born into a German-speaking, working-class Jewish family in Prague, growing up during a major class divide between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, within this, Kafka was in the subordinate position. As well as being a talented, creative novelist and short story writer, his main occupation was being an insurance broker, this was dull and time-consuming, leaving him isolated from humanity, almost as a “worker beetle”. Kafkas unfortunate position is explicitly mirrored in Metamorphosis, through Gregor Samsa’s life.

Question 2

intro-Director

Answer 2

Steve Berkoff is a British theatre practitioner, born in 1937, he is known for his experimental style. Berkoff’s ‘total theatre’ is a physical, exaggerated style, that involves using actors’ bodies as a replacement for props and furniture, making the set extremely minimal. He seeked to illuminate the text rather than depict it and the text/language is used economically and often with mime.The performances often involve a limited set and bare stages as well as little speech, to ensure that the focus remained on the physical movement. The aim of this style of theatre was to create total immersion and potentially strong or emotional reactions/response from audience members, leaving them overwhelmed with emotions such as shock or fear.

Question 3

Intro-designer

Answer 3

Metamorphosis was directed by a well-known theatre practiconer,steve berkoff.As well as ‘total thetre’, berkoff’s key concept is expressionism;, drama in which the director seeks to express emotion or inner feelings rather than external reality. The performances often involve limited props and costume to ensure the audience mainly focus onthe actors action such as synchronised,mechanical movements, making the costume minimal and monochrome so it succeeds at not standing out. Berkoff was also heavily influenced by Kabuki, which is a type of theatre that involves using Kumadori makeup to emphasize the actors’ underlying muscles and veins to evoke dramatic emotions and expressions.

Question 4

Chief clerk-intentions

Answer 4

authority figure,oppressor,reflect time period and wealth

Question 5

Chief clerk-costume

Answer 5

-black and white checked 3 piece suit
-narrow framed spectacles
-tapping shoes
-twilby hat(takes off)
-pocket watch
-bow tie

Question 6

Gregor-intentions

Answer 6

-amiable,smile,grin,bounce in step,genuine smile,naturalistic

Question 7

Greta-intentions

Answer 7

-innocent,hopeful,practical,helpful,tip toes,constant smile,clasped hands

Question 8

Mother-intentions

Answer 8

-nervous,stressed,worried,lowered eyebrows,wide eyes,down turned lips

Question 9

Father-intentions

Answer 9

-arrogant,selfish,self-important,snapping fingers,smoking pipe,toe tapping,reading newspaper