First Impressions Performance Concept I plan to reshape

First Impressions?

Performance Concept I plan to re-shape Lysistrata through the London Riots of 2011. Having two different focus points will make my intentions obvious of the direction I am taking this concept in. When you think of riots negativity comes to mind or Mark Duggan. Within my concept I want to showcase the untold story within the riots, the voice that wasn’t heard, what was swept under the rug. “There are three sides to every story. His side, her side and the TRUTH. ”

Focus Points Social and Economic Inequality “Britain is less equal in wages, wealth and life chances than at any time since the last major financial upheaval, the great crash of 1929. ”- Mary Ridell High Youth Unemployment “Coming from low income areas where public housing is thick and job opportunities are thin could be a reason for a stand being taken”

Costume Youth will be dressed in a very informal manner to represent their rough style of talking and also their aggression in certain situations. Business class will be dressed formally to represent their higher status and power. Their simple yet effective approach to politics is represented through their choice of dress “Neat and Tidy”.

Props Jason Masks will be in use. The use of this as a prop will be representing the rioters. I will be using masks and the masks I will be using are Jason masks. Most noticed from Friday the 13 th. I plan for the masks to be used as an facade of an identity. Ties and Shirts will be in use. The use of these props will represent the business class and their status as class is usually likened to dress sense

Sound I only plan to experiment with two sounds which are “Grime” which has a gritty and heavy bass sound towards it, this will be a perfect fit for the lower class and their gritty and heavy approach The second sound I am planning to use is “Mac Demarco - Chambers Of Reflection”. This is a more soothing and mellow sound which reflect the persona’s of the business class perfectly.

Lighting The use of lighting is the make and break element within my concept. The business class will have a bright spotlight shown on them representing their smart views and visions as well as their general idiolect. Youth will have a dark colored light shown on them. Preferably the colour red. Over the course of the play the colour will change which will represent how their minds have changed throughout various events within the play.

Use Of Space My initial idea is to use a big space. Preferably a Drama studio. This can be useful as I plan for my piece to be performed in promenade theatre meaning everything is all over the place which represents my concept. While the riots were happening everything and everyone was all over the place. The rioters scrambling for their voices to be heard. The higher class scrambling to find a way to stop this travesty. My desired impact on the audience is to have them scrambling also so they too will be all over the place attempting to keep up with the action. This will not only keep them intrigued but also interested.

Presentation Of Comedy The presentation of comedy will be in a simple yet effective form. This will be shown in the use of language. The lower class are accustomed to using formal language and slang where as the higher class is strictly formal. I plan to swap both these languages between classes throughout various points within the performance. I intend to do this to showcase a form of humour as it is not often an someone like David Lammy uses words like “Fam” or “Init” so this can come across as a refreshing type of humour to the audience.

Presentation of Lysistrata From reading the play. One can infer that Lysistrata is a strong woman that can stand her ground also does not take no for an answer. Another woman who is built within this image is Pamela Duggan, mother of the late Mark Duggan. I feel that Lysistrata being represented in the form of Pamela is a perfect fit for my concept. Not only does it go well but both Lysistrata and Pamela were after the same thing which was justice. The impact this will have on the audience is that straight away they will gather an understanding of the direction the piece is going in with Pamela being the driving force behind it and as the riots was broadcasted on national news channels I'm positive the audience will know of her.

Presentation Of Chorus This is where things become a bit interesting. I intend to use the chrous' as a voice for both sets of class'. The old women will represent the lower class and the old men will represent the higher class. I plan for the chrous' not to be seen but only to be heard. As it is a chrous. . Right? This will be effective as the chrous' are a representation of thoughts and thoughts are spread through the mouth but not seen only heard. This will impact the audience as they will experience an different element to the piece. They are accustomed to everything being right in front of them throughout the piece. Strip that away from them and their only choice is to listen.

Presentation Of Themes The following themes will be represented in my concept; Witholding, War, Power, Stereotypes. Each theme will be visible to the audience, some easier to pick out than others. Witholding, War, Stereotypes will be the ones easiest to pinpoint where as Power will be harder due to it shifting between classes as the performance progresses. My choice of themes also reflect my political context with the coalition government being in charge at the time the lower class were prepared to go to “War” to be heard by the government.

Casting Pamela Duggan - Rochade Lower Class - Ryan Paris Daniel Business Class - Loredana, Zach Chrous of Old Women- Rochade Loredana Paris Chorus of Old Men - Zach Daniel Ryan

What is your take on Lysistrata?

Why choose Comedy as an influence?

Why your chosen stage space?

Rehearsals 1 st Technique – Understanding Of The London Riots 2 nd Technique - Use Of Movement 3 rd Technique – Use Of Transitions All these rehearsal techniques will involve tasks that will help the actors gain a better understanding of the concept chosen.