Artistic Vision for Ariel

Ariel is not a man to be reckoned with. In order to play this role it was my intent to develop a character that could be feared yet simultaneously understood in the hopes that he is viewed as a man who has nothing in his life with the exception of his job. I found that Ariel grew up in a military family, his father was a general during the civil war and it was he who instilled his legacy onto his son, who finds a just cause as a detective in the totalitarian state that formed near the date of his birth. In every decision and judgment Ariel makes an attempt to gain the acceptance of his departed father which is considerable delicate since he was molested by the ‘General’ during his youth. He possess very few memories of his mother, among those are vision of her drinking and the horror of finding her dead body after an apparent suicide. He had no friends growing up and constantly found himself harshly judging others while at the same time wanting the closure that accompanies a friendship.
As for his job, he takes the rules and regulations seriously and the unspeakable act of breaking the law to him is a deed punishable by death. He has made no friends in his department with the exception of his partner Tupolski, which he has secretly had a lustful desire towards for the past five years they have worked together. Their relationship has been damaged due the Ariel’s consistent attempts to control every situation the two have had together, his controlling personality is one of great hardship for the two, but it is the weakness in his character that he relinquishes control over to Tupolski in the hopes that he can give up such an addiction.
Ariel has undergone much training over the years and the lesson that continues to drive him is that no writer can be trusted; no theme can be entirely comprehended. Hidden messages run amuck anytime some author or journalist places ink to paper. He is forced the read the ‘garbage’ that comes across his desk and he finds himself question his belief and the ideologies of the state that he represents. However, his training and the punishment that follows such thoughts brings him back to his own standards of thinking.
During this particular scene Ariel knows that Kuturian is responsible for the murder. He feels that her brother is somehow connected to the crime as well, however, he cannot connect the pieces as of yet. He hopes to get a confession from her during the interrogation regardless of the methods used. Ariel does not respond well to Kuturain’s smart remarks which further drive his hatred toward the accused. He feels that he deserves the respect of all citizens and his badge grants him the authority to command such respect. Nothing will stop him from what is right.

Antigone

The set for Antigone looks wonderful. I can see the director’s image as described by the student designer. As you see the process unfold, you can sense the classical aspect of the set along with the effect that layers will have on the production itself. I am also looking forward to the costumes as discussed in class. I would not have imagined Antigone in a blue number, but I suppose that works as well. The reasons for it I understand, but I can’t think of a color that would better suit her. I am sure the production will be a big success and I look forward to seeing it performed. I also wish to thank the Set Designer and Costume Designer for speaking with us.

Movement Theater

First of all that was a top rate performance and I truly am thanking for Professor Tanglao-Aguas for introducing me to this art form. I found it very interesting, the movement and the incorporation of everyone’s energies needed in order for the performer to move. I wish I could see more of this art from produced here in the upcoming semester…maybe I can take part in it myself.

Philosophy

The philosophical realm of the play is a concept that I have been struggling with in my own script. The past two days I have seen how important it is to use the devices of Dramatic Action Sequence in the development of my production. First, I found that the developments of my characters were lacking certain elements in their objective. It wasn’t till I pinned pointed their objectives that I was able to find the philosophical realm. Now, how do I express this realm using my dialogue, costumes, and design of the set? Well, now that I think of it all that stuff is up to the director and his/her team. All I need to concern myself with is the dialogue and whatever stage directions I feel need to be incorporated to express this philosophical real. Something I am toying around with is the idea of having a Conga line dressed in various doll outfits come on stage and circle the actors during one of the pivotal moments in the scene. Music and dancing…what more could one ask from a play? May be some decent dialogue and a well thought out and smooth plot line. Trust me it is all in the making.

Playwriting 101

So, we have this play thing that we have to write and I find myself hearing this voice inside me that is begging me to put her on stage. She is not one to be trifled with and I found there are times when I down out right loath her but, as told by my professors I must treat her fairly, for I am a fair god. I have spoken to her briefly from time to time and she is ready, willing, and able to lay on my paper like some whore who doesn’t do it for the money, only for the fix. Her goal is to get this young male to succumb to her desires, or love, her twisted for off love. He, whoever he is, wants her to stop being who she is. Is this an impossible task for him? Yes, he will not succeed. But he will do what is needed to accomplish this task well after he realizes his failure to do so. Here task on the other hand is quite easy; get him to succumb to her love, desires, sexual gratification. For that is all she knows, all she feels, all she lives for. Will she accomplish here task? Yes, it is not an entirely difficult end to reach, but how will she reach it is up to me? All of this is up to me.

Character is action. I closed my eyes and before the curtain even opened there she was. Her fat ass squeezed so tight in her red leather domineering sex dripping costume. Only it is no costume for her, it is here regular dress. She dances around this gurney type contraption to some distorted conga music. The door knocks and she only turns the music up loader. The lights are turned off and there is another knock. This time she runs for the door to let the stranger in. Then there he is expressing concern and frustration. He wants an explanation and ask for more explanations only to find that he has been strapped to this gurney, she ignores his speech. She continues her dance ripping his clothes of writing ‘mine’ on various parts of his body. “Stop it Rachel, I can’t”. The dance continues.

Post-mortem

It was a great treat to see the performances of the other groups. I am not entirely sure what the layout for the assignment was, but I thought the directors of each of Professor Fusi’s lab did a great job. The blocking of each piece made fit the motivation of the characters and gave a clear interpretation to the audience of the characters dynamics. The design of each piece was done very well, however I would like to have seen more costumes for some of the characters, may be that was a creative choice I do not know. Once again I have to shout out to the Friday Tanglao-Aguas’ Lab for their performance as they brought their artistic and creative energy to this, their second performance.

Jason's Lab

I hope that everything turned out for the best Friday with Professor Tanglao-Aguas and his family; we all missed him on Friday.

I am glad that we had the chance to work with each other on the exercise. It gave me a chance to see the creativeness of the others in class. I found that developing a character on the spot for a particular situation can be extremely helpful in terms, other than acting. When discussing the development of our plays, it is important to listen to the voice that speaks to you, while at the same time avoid favoring the dialogue or successfulness of the other characters. Also I enjoyed reading Jason's play. Not only was it a great read, it also gave me some ideas and the direction I wish to take my own one-act.