How can we use Stillness and Duration
to create a compelling scene?

Part One: Inhabiting the Character

What makes an interesting scene?
Sometimes the end, beginning and middle do not necessarily need definition IF the characters are maintained. It is more about the energy and commitment to the moment.
For example, Sankai Juko’s work is more about commitment to the moment and investing your energy but there is no feeling of beginning middle and end. So can drama students find this kind of focus….?

Daydream Assignment:
INHABIT THE CHARACTER 101-

Let’s watch examples of people who inhabit the moment through character-whether a puppet, a mime piece, a dance piece or a film
Essay One
Watch: ‘That’s my home’, a mime.
Every moment is committed to, every gesture is precise, every silence and stillness is filled.
 

Essay Two
Look at: Avenue Q “it sucks to be me”
Pay special attention to the tall woman who works the puppet with the other man.

All she does in the clip is point the puppet's finger, make a fist and iron twice back and forth. But she does it with conviction, energy and commitment to the moment. She is an indispensable piece of this puppet stage performance.
 

Essay Three
Watch: Buto performers

Buto performance has energy and commitment in the stillness and dedication to linking each moment to the next.

Essay Four
Watch: Steven Chau
Even when not speaking, he maintains his energy.
 
 
Exercise:
After looking at one of the above resources, give yourself an assignment to physically imitate one aspect of what you saw in their performance.
Remember:
EVEN IF NO LITERAL BEGINNING MIDDLE AND END, THERE IS STILL A JOURNEY.
All strong characters take a journey. There is a journey somewhere in a story, even if it is inward.


Next problem: creating an interesting character voice…. Coming soon!