Rehearsal 6 - Speaking with meaning

Throughout this weeks rehearsal speaking with meaning was the most prevalent direction given as throughout each scene actors (including myself) where saying their lines with no true feeling and understanding. I have learnt that each word that you say has to be understood and moments of importance highlighted through your body and voice. 

For example on page 303 the scene where Madame Ranevskya talks about her love for the orchard, Chloe began by speaking well but not feeling the passion and burning love that Ranyvskya would be feeling for the orchard. In particular the line "you're young and filled with happiness, and not abandoned by the angels". When performing it looked okay but there was a lack of sensitivity and truth, so when Chloe began to speak with boldness and understood the importance of the lines it made the performance 100x better and you began to understand the connection between the characters and the cherry orchard therefor leading us to understand why the characters are so attached to the orchard and find it hard to not only let go of the orchard itself but the precious memories that come with it. 

I admire Chloe's work in this weeks rehearsal as she took on the feedback she was being given in her stride and worked hard to change and understand her role.

Another useful tip that i have learnt this week is to be in character at least 4 steps before you get on stage. This really helped me because you have a purpose when coming on stage and bring energy straight on. It also allows you the time to think, focus and get into the mindset of your character instead of rushing on and not taking the time to ground yourself.

Key idea from today's rehearsal:

"The more you don't get into patterns, the more your piece will flow."