Evaluation

When I first was given this assignment, I was excited at the prospect of taking on a scripted play and getting into the role of another character. When we were first introduced to the play by our director jay,

I was interested in the whole idea of the sections and the whole view of how the government worked. This in itself helped me to go away and try to find research on the play. I immediately overcame a problem within the research because of the limited access of information on the play itself. There was also very limited information on the playwright Sue Townsend which made it hard to get some background research. This meant that the whole research process had to be done in sections, focusing on each piece of information to get to grips with just what the play is actually about. I thought about focusing on the whole idea of the sections and how everyone is separated, then I thought about the idea of the segregation and strict government. This would all help me to get a feel of the time in which the play was written, and Townsend views on what she imagined that the future of the 2000's would be like. 

When I was given my character I knew it was a character I wanted when I was given in when jay auditioned our parts. He seemed quiet out there and strange and I wanted to get to know the character and put my own spin on it. This really helped me to enjoy rehearsing and the whole development of the play and how slowly I began to create a character that I did love to play. 

At the start I struggled to break out of the barrier of being over the top with my character as it was something that I'd not usually have done. Previously playing the more quieter characters. It was only when we began doing the activities with Mr Langley and Jay in which we had to break the barrier and devise pieces which had to be very over the top. At first I was a little hesitant on what people would think, but when I did it once or twice I began to feel more comfortable and see a side to my acting that I could apply into the character of Alan, Who is very in your face and out there. From this point I found it much easier to develop my character to the best I could and when we began to start constructing and blocking scenes. I could see an improvement to my character. 

Within my first scene I am sitting at a table and chair. This in itself I found difficult because I was restricted in movement to what I could do. This is where I looked into character comparisons to help me. Comedian Michael McIntyre uses many OTT movements and expressions to convey his thoughts and tell a story. This is where I found that hand expression and facial expression can tell much more than when your standing on two feet. I could then apply it into my role in using hand gestures and occasionally facial expressions to really draw attention and to show exactly how I'm feeling and how I get on and react with characters around me. The scenes following on however where I have to be more over the top and in your face is where I could really apply what is learnt in more detail and I could really feel my character coming to life.

Within the development of my character it was more so the activities that we did with our director that really helped to push me in developing my character. In doing things such as improvisation and activities that put our characters in different situations. To simple games of using a piece of dialogue to be very neutral and boring to then go round our group and be very clown like and OTT. This helped to show contrasts in characters and get more of an understanding of what our characters suited. Without these activities i think that i would of struggled more to develop my character and i feel that this has really helped me to not only develop my character but to develop as an actor.

As a cast i feel that we all worked in the end really well. At the beginning of the project we all struggled to work together as a group. This was more of a confidence issue as we all have previously worked well in a previous performance. It was more to do with the fact this play made us all break barriers and become more ''Out there'' as actors. Ten tiny fingers required us to really explore humour in dialogue and movements and also just to be more confident as actors and in our roles. This proved a challenge for everyone including myself. It was when we all did the activities with Jay and Mr Langley that i felt there was a change in everyone, beginning to get more comfortable with one another and working as one in the group. This is when the play began to have more life in it and the humour began to show. I believe that completing this project has really helped to show exactly what we are capable of as a group and we have learnt things to take into our future work and new assignments in year 13.

If i was to complete this Project again, i just feel that i would be more confident in the development of my character and not be so reluctant to try new things out. I learnt this from when we all completed a contemporary dance routine as a group in which i learnt that trying things out is the best way to go about it, rather than thinking into to much detail about what to do.

As it got closer and closer to the performance it was more a case of separating into groups focusing on relationships of characters in different scenes. This would help not only the scenes to be more believable, but to make the characters show how the feel towards each other. Whether it be through the way dialogue is said, or through the mannerisms.

I feel that the final performances went really well. I felt that everybody gave an even better performance than through the rehearsals and the reception we seemed to get from the audience was a good one. I felt that many of us were very nervous for the actual performance but we were able to apply this into our roles to give the best performances we could possibly give. I felt that when it came to my scenes i felt that they went really well. The reception we got from my scenes really helped and everything seemed to work. Including a moment in which Ralph and Lucinda hug, in which had many many awkward problems! I didn't change anything with my character other than i was more conscious and aware of how i was to react to other characters in my scenes and took in advice from what I remembered. This was to just really engage other characters on the stage and the people in the audience. Seeing as my character tends to act up to the camera or in this case the audience. The only thing that i feel could of been done better is the organisation back stage and at some points within the play, there could of been more energy and excitement given of from the cast as a whole.
I have really learnt many things in completing this project. Not only as an actor, but as a person and i have learnt many new skills that i can take into account in future performances and assignments.

Photographs of Ten Tiny Fingers

This is the beginning of my first scene. Lucinda and Ralph come to my characters office to buy a baby. Ralph here seems a little on edge and uncomfortable yet lucinda seems to loose her patience with Ralph as she is there to get the baby she so desperately wants, where as Ralph isn't really fussed.

This second photo is me (Alan Cathcart)! Looking rather posh and ready for business. Alan takes his job seriously at points, but does it very light heartily. I took my costume inspiration from the typical older man. With the name badge inspired by The Book Of Mormon cast who also have character badges. In this I look rather upright and more formal. But I do seemed more relaxed in my environment as the scene goes on.                                                                

This third photo shows the scene in which Ralph and Lucinda are buying their baby from me. I seem to be listening very carefully to what lucinda is saying. That's because Alan is thoroughly interested in what lucinda has to say, because he cares for helping her. Whereas Ralph shows he cares when he is just there because he's got the money and cheques in his pocket to pay.

This picture is during the next scene, the fertilisation ceremony. This scene changes dramatically from my first scene. This one baring more of a pantomime/television feel. Many of the characters playing up to the camera, Alan mostly. The priest, a camp man far expected from the typical priest we'd imagine today. There to join them together much like that of a wedding. Which seems rather odd and surreal. 

My characters assistant Orderly here applying lipstick to Lucinda through my demand. Because I want her to look good for a photo for advertising/flogging Babies. I practically insult lucinda, but because of my characters nature, it doesn't really matter.

Here this picture shows me trying to cheer them both up, as you can see in my rather strange posture and grin. Where as Ralph looking more ready for business and focused, which shows a nice contrast and difference between the two characters. 

Now these two pictures again looking rather odd. Let me explain! This part of the scene is just before Lucinda is Inserted with a syringe to make her pregnant. I begin explaining about Ralph and lucinda in a way much like sales programmes on television, very OTT. I also tell a story of how they meet each other and I go very pantomime in telling the story. Especially when I mention that "Lucinda was swept overboard by Ralph's overpowering personality" a line where I sweep my hand over my head.  

Here my characters assistant is shall I say advertising Ralph. Much like the sales programmes I previously mentioned. During this I am either bigging up Ralph or slating him because he "lacks capital" and is "ill-educated"

Writing in Role - Before the Class System

A few years back I never thought I'd be a criminal, life's tough. I'm sure you know that too. It calls for desperate measures and that's what happens. We've all got mouthes to feed, partners to help out and of course we all make mistakes!!!

My youngest son came to me and sat on my lap, made me feel like Santa, suppose I've got the belly to be! He asked me what I did for work. I had to lie to him. "I am a secret agent" I suddenly said, he's into that sort of thing. I spy on the worlds largest criminals and save the world from evil! Bit extravagant yes, but I'm a father, it's what you've got to do. The excitement in his eyes! Priceless. Of course I was lying to him. I was the criminal, just not as evil. I just do it to be a good father. I'd love a job, anything. I'm pretty creative I tell you! Portraits my sort of thing. Although once I tried to paint my  wife and pretty much insulted her by making her look like my ex, no I'm just kidding with you! She was impressed, well very impressed. My Inspiration to continue she was!

What's the government up too ATM, a lot of building work going on too, fences everywhere, tall concrete walls. Looks like our environments turning into a persons farm or zoo. They need to do something about it. If I worked for the government I'd just help people out as much as I could! I'm not just saying prance around throwing out gifts and candy. I'm just talking people in lesser conditions that mine. I suppose it's because of my past. I didn't get any help, I just ran and ran as far as I could, and I ended up here. 

I do worry about my family in this world though. Everyone's fighting. Different races, different ages. Everybody hating on others. It's terrible! Can't everyone just get along. Suppose I'm dreaming again. I don't want my children to grow up taught to hate others because of the colour of their skin or sexuality or the way they dress. I do worry a lot though. That's not a bad thing, I just get protective over my children. They mean so Much to me, and my darling wife of course. I just hope life continues to get better and better, and I find a job to secure a future for my family. 

Genetic Engineering

Genetic Engineering basically is the modification of genes through biotechnology. It means you can in theory play with DNA of various things. It has been practices for centuries and advances in technology mean it is continuously getting better and better. Being used in medicines and other scientific advances.

It allows you to add and remove genes from organisms and make your own sequences of DNA. An organism that is created through genetic modification is known as a GMO (Genetically Modified Organism). The first known work of this was in 1974 and has since advances to genetically modified food that has now been selling since 1994.

There is much controversy in the use of genetically modifying. There are many ethical and ecological concerns to do with this. There are also concerns over the fact that humans are consuming food that has been genetically modified and worries that it may not actually be safe and natural to consume such products. There have been many debates and protests in most countries in the use of genetic engineering. 

This relates to my character because of course he designs babies for couples. He chooses what they look like personalities etc because the government within the play are very strict at standards set for all children and babies that are born. 

Rehearsal Progress

Rehearsals are going very well. Over the past few weeks we have been focusing heavily on building up various skills as Actors and as a group. We have been covering many areas from Improvisation to team work skills and devising. We have been participating in many games which requires us to work hard as a team and communication skills. This would simple be a game in which carrying one another from one end of the room to another. Although this sounds simple, it proved as a difficult challenge for most of the group. We all struggled to communicate in quick amounts of time under pressure and competition from another group. Even though this proved as a difficult task, it helped us to work together and solve problems, also bringing us closer as a group.

Improvisation I feel is one of my weaker areas in performance. I find it difficult to be able to think of a character and a scenario in a short space of time. Our director Jay really tested us on this skill by asking us to get into groups and stand in front of a class and begin improvising a scene. This proved as a difficult task and at the start I felt that I was being challenged a great deal. This however was a good thing because the more we kept improvising various scenes with one another, we began to identify many important aspects of performance, including use of space, dialogue and movement. At the start we all seemed to bundle up into small groups, but eventually we all began to make use of the space we had, making performance look much neater and less of a mess.

As we continued to complete tasks of improvisation, we all began to get more comfortable in what we was doing and go from one scenario to another. This required quick changes of character and other techniques such as the way we spoke and moved. This was a good way to learn how we can change ourselves into another character and use our movement to convey different characters.
After completing many of these tasks, it has made me far more confident in this area and I have learnt many things from it. Rehearsals are really helping me to grow as a person and as a character, am gaining more confidence, and learning new things within performance that I can then apply into my role in Ten Tiny Fingers.

I feel that being pushed as an actor is a very important thing to help me grow as a performer and learn new things. Jay made us try out something new to test us and see how we coped doing something completely new. We were given a song to listen too and then had to compose a piece of contemporary dance to match the piece of music and tell a story. When we first tried this, it was needless to say that each and everyone one of us was stuck on what to do, most of us just standing there listening to the music. This on its own taught us that trying something straight away is more likely to lead to something rather than standing there clueless thinking what to do. The first routine started well but then drifted off as the piece came to an end. We then was given a second piece and this made me realise that stepping in to take control of the group was a good idea and others did the same and this allowed us to all incorporate our own ideas. The second piece then worked as much more of a success. We all thought of a story together and our own ideas and each of us took the second routine more seriously, all of us seeming to learn from the first performance. We then seemed more comfortable and familiar with what we were doing, enabling us all to focus more and think of some creative ideas on how to use dance to tell a story. We then again split into groups and completed the same thing, again devising some nice performances that our director Jay was then to video. This has helped me to learn that you don't know what your going to be like at something until you give it a go and try new things. This has also helped to realise how powerful movement and music can be and how using movement can tell a story by itself without any dialogue.

We then completed some more activities. Such as a game in which one of us went out as a character, acting very over the top pretending to build a house, then one after the other each of us would join as an individual character and ask to help. This was again a good way to develop characters and using over the top movement and voice, is a good thing that some of us can apply into our characters for the play that we are working on. We again focused on some activities that required us to feel more comfortable with one another, using eye contact to take focus and follow one another's movements and being able to communicate in various ways, with over the top movement to restricted use of fingers to have conversation. This helped us all to work together and feel more comfortable. We then completed some team building exercises in which we had to create objects in short amounts of time using more physical theatre and arrange ourselves into various orders such as age, shoe size etc. This tested each of us as a team and helped to use our communication. Finally we completed trust activities such as getting into a circle and holding a person in the centre up from falling. This tested each of our trust on others within the group.

Overall Rehearsals are proving extremely beneficial. Our director Jay has made us complete many activities that I feel are really benefitting and enhancing us as a group. I am also learning many new skills and trying new things that I never thought id be comfortable doing. I feel than now we can continue rehearsing on our Play and apply many new skills into it to improve it and each one of us can apply some new skills that we have learnt such as the use of space and movement that help to give an impression of various characters and what they are like.

The Status of Being Apart - Apartheid in Africa

Apartheid in South Africa means the Status of being Apart. It was a system organised by the National Party who ruled in africa between 1948 to 1994. This means that people are segregated and categorised into different groups. Native, White, Coloured and Asian. This would mean that the residentual areas would be segregated and apart from one another. Within this govornment.



They would be seperated in many other ways for example, Education, medical care, beaches and other public services. Black people would also get priorities over white people and they were provided with many more services. From the start, there were rules beginning that seemed very strict. An example of this is that marriages between white people and other raced people were banned and banned sexual relations between black and white South Africans. In many cases, the govornment also split families apart, because their races may differ slightly. Within the 1920's black people were also restricted to getting jobs and they would be immediately sacked from their jobs, and these would be given to white people. Meaning many white people would be earning five times as much as Africans.

This applies well to the laws within the play that we are currently working on. In looking at these laws that are put in place it gives an actual realistic view of what life would be like if people were to be categorised. The rules here seem very strict and it is hard to imagine what our life would be like if we were to suddenly be segregated from eachother, possibly including family. This Law was only rid of because many people protested and the amount of people against the Apartheid Law increased greatly. Forcing the govornments to gradually remove these laws. There were many violent riots in which many people died, and many people protesting against the segregation of Africans.

Rehearsal Progress

So far rehearsals are going very well. We have participated in many activities that are helping me to grow as an actor and as a person when in drama. We first looked at working well as a group. We completed many activities to build our confidence around eachother and feel more comfortable when rehearsing. We completed games to build our use of character and conveying emotions through a simple word, and other activities to build up trust and relationships. These are really helping to build us up as a company and cast as a whole as there are many moments within the play where we need to all feel comfortable together and some relationships need to shine through.

At first i thought that id take to these tasks with hesitation and feel at many times uncomfortable, but i was surprised to feel comfortable in what i was doing and it really helped me to grow. This could then really help me apply most of this into my character and each rehearsal i am really developing my character like i havent before.

Ever since i read through the script i was excited at the prospect of working on and performing this play and when i was given my character, i was excited at what i could do with it as it is an interesting and exciting character to work on.
We completed devising excersises as our characters with another member of the class and i felt that this really helped me to learn how reacting differently to other characters is important and i got out of it how my characters movements are important to this play and getting my character across to an audience. When beginning to work on each scene in seperate groups, it gave me a good chance to work on my relationships around others and getting my character across. At first i was reluctant to really go for it with my character, but as rehearsals progressed i have began to really go for my character and feel is is progressing well. This is from expression to movement. It is also the constant use of activities with our class that is helping me to progress and develop as an Actor and us all as a group.

When working on the first scene where i sell a baby to Ralph and Lucinda. I had to really think about how i was going to convey my character to an audience as i am restricted from movement as i sit in a chair. At first my character here just seemed normal and simplistic. This made me realise how expression and dialogue in this scene is particularly important rather than just sitting there speaking. I felt that when i sat down and looked closely at my lines in the play, the more i read them, the more i began to understand them, and this managed to get across the humour more as the play itself has many humurous moments, and this is important that it gets conveyed to an audience watching. When we began to see the humour. I think it not only helped me, but everybody to work on their character more and i began to get many more ideas to contribute to my character, as well as looking at comedian Michael Mcintyre as my characters comparison for developing ideas further.