Monday 5th - Saturday 10th January
During our lesson on Tuesday, only 3 members of the group were present. We discussed themes, ideas and anything else we wanted. We wanted to be certain on our intentions in the play, and we discussed how each of us interpreted the message the ploay was trying to convey. We reached the decision that we wanted to show the impact of an event like 7/7 on a civilised city. We wanted to show how every life depicted in the seven sections of the play intertwined with one another, including that of a terrorist. We really want to bring home the gritty reality that is modern day life and views, and how "our words are dead until we give them life with our blood". All this was real.
We discussed the underlying themes we wanted running through our play and considered sets. We wanted to base our performance around urbanisation and London, and reached the idea of having a set suggestive of London Underground. We wanted one piece of set to always remain onstage and to convert between a bed, a train, a sofa and whatever else is required. To begin with we thought of using a table to transform into the objects, but then we decided we wanted to use something to tie in with our theme of urbanisation. We considered using a bench, maybe one similar to what are in London's Tube stations, but we still are not sure how practical this suggestion will be, so will look into possibilities. One member of the group suggested using blocks which we can customise to appear urban, e.g graffiti. We also considered having litter strewn about the set. Also, if we used hollow blocks, additional props can be stored inside the blocks.
We then thought about the parrallel of the London underground map; each line going it's own route but still connecting and intertwining with other lines, and the intertwining lives of the characters.
So we then thought about having this map somewhere on set, to symbolise this parallel and to help suggest the setting. We then thought that each character could draw in their own line, and we could place a canvas on the floor to do this. We then considered using ribbons but decided this was impractical.
On Friday, the group members came to my house to discuss the play and maybe run through sections. We had more or less distributed parts to each member, but the most poignant and contraversial scene was still to be cast. We decided that the process should not be rushed and therefore left casting to another time. However, members read through the scene.
We considered the introduction of the play and discussed how each member interpreted the line; "our words are dead until we give them life with our blood". We decided that it was the words of the terrorist; his words mean nothing and his opinions are not voiced in this chaotic city unless he takes drastic action by spilling both his blood and the blood of others. We decided it would be effective to repeat this introduction at the start and at the end of the play for impact, especially because the line will be much more relevent at the end of the play.
We picked up from the idea of an underground map, and decided to put our feet in paint and wherever we walk, our paths will be on a canvas on the floor, linking with each other. Every member's paint would be a different colour. We considered beginning the play as if we were on a train, taking inspiration from Complicite's A Dissapearing Number. We considered having the introduction recorded and played with tube sound effects, as if it was an announcement.
On the final scene, it was suggested we used red paint on our hands, as the blood of the terrorist is on us and will remain with individuals and with the nation for years. We then thought that the actor playing the role of the terrorist should stand up and speak part of the introduction again, making it clear who was the terrorist.
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determined
sad
calm
lethargic
pleased
aggravated
amused
rejuvenated