I really liked our opening scene; I think singing followed by the Narrator's speech helped to really introduce the Joad family, create an atmosphere as well as set the scene for the time period.
Thursday, 5 December 2013
The Opening Scene
I really liked our opening scene; I think singing followed by the Narrator's speech helped to really introduce the Joad family, create an atmosphere as well as set the scene for the time period.
Scene Analysis: Al leaving
Al leaving, pg103-104
Al is one of the few Joads remaining towards the very end. He now has hopes of leaving the family as there is much use for him any more whereas on his own, he can jump for so many more opportunities, however he wouldn't have to jump alone as he has met and fallen in love with Aggie Wainwright, more seriously than with girls before her, and now has the life experience bringing about more maturity to Al so he too can be serious in the relationship.
Al enters the Family's newest home with:
"Hullo.I thought you'd be sleepin' by now."
At first, I thought Al would say this cautiously however Al actually enters with power and confidence, a 'swagger', much like his first ever entrance. Al has hopes of leaving the Family and so this line shows he would have hoped his Family weren't all wake to create a scene because he still feels they think as strongly of the Family as he did at the beginning (but for them they see the Family's deteriorated aswell). However he is eager to talk to them as he takes clear pride in his decision.
Al then has to explain his decision to the Family:
"Well, me an' Aggie Wainwright, we figgers to get married, an' I'm gunna git a job in a garage, an' we'll have a rent' house for a while, an'--(They stare at him.) Well, we are, an' they ain't nobody can stop us!"
The speech truly reminds me of the Al at the beginning of the play, although Al is rarely sad through out, here he doesn't have a worry in the world and looks to a much brighter future. He has a new found Happiness within Aggie, aswell as new ambitious and confidence, not through power, but through the sure future with Aggie and the likely-hood of settling down.
The Family are proud of their son doing the right thing for himself and letting the Joad name move on but Ma begs that Al stays for awhile longer but he knows what's right for him and what he needs, so he tries to move around her asking.
Al is one of the few Joads remaining towards the very end. He now has hopes of leaving the family as there is much use for him any more whereas on his own, he can jump for so many more opportunities, however he wouldn't have to jump alone as he has met and fallen in love with Aggie Wainwright, more seriously than with girls before her, and now has the life experience bringing about more maturity to Al so he too can be serious in the relationship.
Al enters the Family's newest home with:
"Hullo.I thought you'd be sleepin' by now."
At first, I thought Al would say this cautiously however Al actually enters with power and confidence, a 'swagger', much like his first ever entrance. Al has hopes of leaving the Family and so this line shows he would have hoped his Family weren't all wake to create a scene because he still feels they think as strongly of the Family as he did at the beginning (but for them they see the Family's deteriorated aswell). However he is eager to talk to them as he takes clear pride in his decision.
Al then has to explain his decision to the Family:
"Well, me an' Aggie Wainwright, we figgers to get married, an' I'm gunna git a job in a garage, an' we'll have a rent' house for a while, an'--(They stare at him.) Well, we are, an' they ain't nobody can stop us!"
The speech truly reminds me of the Al at the beginning of the play, although Al is rarely sad through out, here he doesn't have a worry in the world and looks to a much brighter future. He has a new found Happiness within Aggie, aswell as new ambitious and confidence, not through power, but through the sure future with Aggie and the likely-hood of settling down.
The Family are proud of their son doing the right thing for himself and letting the Joad name move on but Ma begs that Al stays for awhile longer but he knows what's right for him and what he needs, so he tries to move around her asking.
Scene Analysis: BookKeeper Scene
BookKeeper Scene, pg 91
The BookKeeper scene takes part during Act two when Al has lost the majority of his power, and by this point his family too, meaning that has little to aim for except from to be optimistic and try and get with girls like he's used to doing, where ever he happens to be in the country.
Tom wants to find out why there are strikers around the store and asks Al if he'll join to which Al's reply is:
"Guess I'd look aroun' in here, first."
Expanding on my earlier point, Al is bored of moving around the country, especially now that the Family have reached their goal of California; at this point Al is thinking about new goals, settling down again and getting a piece of land for the Family like they've briefly talked about through out the play, or even getting land and a Family of his very own. Al would hope for the meantime to spend more time in one place and isn't too sure that the Book shop will be that place so isn't worth him wasting his time doing a great deal of exploring like Tom. However Al may keep an eye out for girls, like usual, hoping to for fill his greater goal of settling.
Tom later asks Al again to which he replies similarly further showing his boredom, he doesn't try to change or hide his views, his ambitions are very different to the start of the piece and now he is set in his ways. Tom replies:
"Lookin' for girls, huh?"
Which is quite patronising for Al; he is bored and restless yet what's left of his Family, which meant alot to Al at the start of the play (but like most things has deteriorated through out), is insulting him and making him out to be a 'man slut'. It is more patronising coming from Tom as Al sees him to blame for the deterioration of most those things close to him at the start of the play which is why he snaps back with:
"Mindin' my own business."
Then Al "moves off" stage.
Later in the the Book store Tom further slates Al:
"Take my brother Al. He's out lookin' for a girl. He don' care 'bout nothin' else."
I believe this signifies, aswell as other comments in Act two, the brotherly jealousy feeling is now mutual between the two characters.
The BookKeeper scene takes part during Act two when Al has lost the majority of his power, and by this point his family too, meaning that has little to aim for except from to be optimistic and try and get with girls like he's used to doing, where ever he happens to be in the country.
Tom wants to find out why there are strikers around the store and asks Al if he'll join to which Al's reply is:
"Guess I'd look aroun' in here, first."
Expanding on my earlier point, Al is bored of moving around the country, especially now that the Family have reached their goal of California; at this point Al is thinking about new goals, settling down again and getting a piece of land for the Family like they've briefly talked about through out the play, or even getting land and a Family of his very own. Al would hope for the meantime to spend more time in one place and isn't too sure that the Book shop will be that place so isn't worth him wasting his time doing a great deal of exploring like Tom. However Al may keep an eye out for girls, like usual, hoping to for fill his greater goal of settling.
Tom later asks Al again to which he replies similarly further showing his boredom, he doesn't try to change or hide his views, his ambitions are very different to the start of the piece and now he is set in his ways. Tom replies:
"Lookin' for girls, huh?"
Which is quite patronising for Al; he is bored and restless yet what's left of his Family, which meant alot to Al at the start of the play (but like most things has deteriorated through out), is insulting him and making him out to be a 'man slut'. It is more patronising coming from Tom as Al sees him to blame for the deterioration of most those things close to him at the start of the play which is why he snaps back with:
"Mindin' my own business."
Then Al "moves off" stage.
Later in the the Book store Tom further slates Al:
"Take my brother Al. He's out lookin' for a girl. He don' care 'bout nothin' else."
I believe this signifies, aswell as other comments in Act two, the brotherly jealousy feeling is now mutual between the two characters.
Scene Analysis: Ma and Al
Ma and Al, pg35
This scene takes place straight after Grampa's funeral however we can assume it is about two or three weeks after.
The lights go up as "Al cocks his head as he drives"; after rehersing this I putting the stage direction into context, I feel as if it represents Al's restlessness after the loss of his Grampa, it is the first real tragedy for Al and as he is only sixteen, it really takes a knock to him; for this scene he drops the pride and 'swagger' for a while and shows his maturity as he is a young adult and considered responsible, especially for the time period. Although he is restless, he still makes small talk as he wants to move on, being emotional wasn't considered 'Manly' in the 1930s:
"Makes a racket, but I think she's awright."
Al chooses the truck as topic of conversation as it is something he can take pride in and feels comfortable talking about, especially to take his mind away from Grampa. The fact that he is talking to his Mum is also significant as he too can find comfort in her, Ma even realises this and say that the Family "all depen' on" her.
Al then suggests the Family "shouldn't a brang that preacher". This is because Casey is a direct link to Tom whom Al is quickly developing a brotherly jealousy against; Tom's return means Al is being moved down in the Family hierarchy and is loosing his power and position of 'Man of the House' (Not helped as they have been removed from their house), and so Al thinks without Casey, Tom may not be as strong or influential, as the Family is strongly religious. However Ma feels differently and her word means that that topic is no longer conversation.
From the start of the performance we see Al is doubtful about California, and this opinion is really expressed during this scene:
"Ma, you scared a goin' to a new place?"
The trip to California is two and a half thousand miles long and it is really going to be Al to blame if the Family don't 'get across' as he picked the truck and so takes responsibility for it. Even though Ma says otherwise, Al sticks to what he's said and continues showing his strong belief. Al's dialogue in this scene is highly influenced by the loss of Grampa; his doubts are amplified and he realises that maybe California itself won't be so great, the trip has already brought death and tragedy to the Family but due to his deteriorating power and restlessness, Al can't voice his opinions aswell as his may have been able too previously.
Through this scene, there is little movement which conveys the character's emotions perfectly however when Al does move, it's to comfort Ma showing his sympathy and love as her child which is nice for the audience to be able to see and also shows their relationship.
This scene takes place straight after Grampa's funeral however we can assume it is about two or three weeks after.
The lights go up as "Al cocks his head as he drives"; after rehersing this I putting the stage direction into context, I feel as if it represents Al's restlessness after the loss of his Grampa, it is the first real tragedy for Al and as he is only sixteen, it really takes a knock to him; for this scene he drops the pride and 'swagger' for a while and shows his maturity as he is a young adult and considered responsible, especially for the time period. Although he is restless, he still makes small talk as he wants to move on, being emotional wasn't considered 'Manly' in the 1930s:
"Makes a racket, but I think she's awright."
Al chooses the truck as topic of conversation as it is something he can take pride in and feels comfortable talking about, especially to take his mind away from Grampa. The fact that he is talking to his Mum is also significant as he too can find comfort in her, Ma even realises this and say that the Family "all depen' on" her.
Al then suggests the Family "shouldn't a brang that preacher". This is because Casey is a direct link to Tom whom Al is quickly developing a brotherly jealousy against; Tom's return means Al is being moved down in the Family hierarchy and is loosing his power and position of 'Man of the House' (Not helped as they have been removed from their house), and so Al thinks without Casey, Tom may not be as strong or influential, as the Family is strongly religious. However Ma feels differently and her word means that that topic is no longer conversation.
From the start of the performance we see Al is doubtful about California, and this opinion is really expressed during this scene:
"Ma, you scared a goin' to a new place?"
The trip to California is two and a half thousand miles long and it is really going to be Al to blame if the Family don't 'get across' as he picked the truck and so takes responsibility for it. Even though Ma says otherwise, Al sticks to what he's said and continues showing his strong belief. Al's dialogue in this scene is highly influenced by the loss of Grampa; his doubts are amplified and he realises that maybe California itself won't be so great, the trip has already brought death and tragedy to the Family but due to his deteriorating power and restlessness, Al can't voice his opinions aswell as his may have been able too previously.
Through this scene, there is little movement which conveys the character's emotions perfectly however when Al does move, it's to comfort Ma showing his sympathy and love as her child which is nice for the audience to be able to see and also shows their relationship.
Scene Analysis: The Family scene
The Family scene, pg20-21
This scene establishes many of the character's relationships, especially with the family.
The Family scene is Al's first appearance in the production; he is previously talked about in the scene as "a young smart aleck" so before he even enters, the audience are given a good impression of him. He is also said to have been "a-billy goatin' aroun'" implying he has a way with women which, in the way Pa phrases it, can be protray as either good or bad by the audience. When Al enters, he walks "with a swagger" which shows his pride; pride in himself and in his status as 'Man of the House' amongst the family (although this is to change as Tom as returned from Jail). He may also be taking pride in his "billy goatin'". When Al first replies to his brother, he seems blunt and uses monosyllabic words, at first I thought this was because he doesn't want his position in the family hierarchy to change due to Tom's return however after developing the character since then I've realised Al wouldn't realise that so soon, especially not after being away from the Family for two weeks, and so believe it's out of shock and happiness that his brother's home; these emotions would come from the fact that Al believes Tom has busted out of Jail, which is admired by all of the Joad Family. This is why Al is "disappointed" when he finds out otherwise and so moves away from his brother showing that he isn't too interested in Tom besides the prison reputation, possibly hinting towards the distant relationship to come. At this point Al moves towards the truck for a quick look over as I thought it'd be a good way to show his character, being a mechanic and taking pride over the truck and alittle bit possessive.
Al interacts with Winfield instantly and takes his chair showing the higher level of authority and power, yet is not more central at the table as there are guests and as he was late to dinner, he feels no need to make a fuss (little knowing that his power will soon deteriorate). Al then ruffles Winfield's hair showing their caring brotherly relationship. When Noah, who suffers a mental disability, laughs alittle too loud, Al calms him and makes sure he's alright which shows him as a caring brother but also subliminally suppresses Noah's personality meaning Al can take more power for himself.
Later in conversation Pa nods "at Al" showing his inclusion in the big family decisions and rank in the family. Then Winfield goes to take Al's plate when cleaning up, but Al shoves him off as he was late to dinner and wants to eat, especially as he is "wore out" from "billy goatin' aroun'" but soon Uncle John asks for Al's help, further including Al in the family affairs but still wants to eat. Despite this, Al looks up to Uncle John and so feels obliged to give a hand. Al then makes Noah tag along too knowing he has a similar influence over Noah.
This scene establishes many of the character's relationships, especially with the family.
The Family scene is Al's first appearance in the production; he is previously talked about in the scene as "a young smart aleck" so before he even enters, the audience are given a good impression of him. He is also said to have been "a-billy goatin' aroun'" implying he has a way with women which, in the way Pa phrases it, can be protray as either good or bad by the audience. When Al enters, he walks "with a swagger" which shows his pride; pride in himself and in his status as 'Man of the House' amongst the family (although this is to change as Tom as returned from Jail). He may also be taking pride in his "billy goatin'". When Al first replies to his brother, he seems blunt and uses monosyllabic words, at first I thought this was because he doesn't want his position in the family hierarchy to change due to Tom's return however after developing the character since then I've realised Al wouldn't realise that so soon, especially not after being away from the Family for two weeks, and so believe it's out of shock and happiness that his brother's home; these emotions would come from the fact that Al believes Tom has busted out of Jail, which is admired by all of the Joad Family. This is why Al is "disappointed" when he finds out otherwise and so moves away from his brother showing that he isn't too interested in Tom besides the prison reputation, possibly hinting towards the distant relationship to come. At this point Al moves towards the truck for a quick look over as I thought it'd be a good way to show his character, being a mechanic and taking pride over the truck and alittle bit possessive.
Al interacts with Winfield instantly and takes his chair showing the higher level of authority and power, yet is not more central at the table as there are guests and as he was late to dinner, he feels no need to make a fuss (little knowing that his power will soon deteriorate). Al then ruffles Winfield's hair showing their caring brotherly relationship. When Noah, who suffers a mental disability, laughs alittle too loud, Al calms him and makes sure he's alright which shows him as a caring brother but also subliminally suppresses Noah's personality meaning Al can take more power for himself.
Later in conversation Pa nods "at Al" showing his inclusion in the big family decisions and rank in the family. Then Winfield goes to take Al's plate when cleaning up, but Al shoves him off as he was late to dinner and wants to eat, especially as he is "wore out" from "billy goatin' aroun'" but soon Uncle John asks for Al's help, further including Al in the family affairs but still wants to eat. Despite this, Al looks up to Uncle John and so feels obliged to give a hand. Al then makes Noah tag along too knowing he has a similar influence over Noah.
Evaluation of Dress Rehersal
For our Performance of John Steinbeck's 'Grapes of Wrath' we had our Dress rehearsal on the 26th November, the same day as our first performance. This was also our tech rehearsal and so alot of pressure was on; this wasn't helped by some of the members of cast not knowing lines, where and what to do, and some missing costume. Despite this there wasn't too many mistakes, the main thing that worried me was that a full run through was taking nearly four hours and so it would be ridiculous to put a production on for that long.
However the two shows went really well, I think all the doubt and worry made us on form and so we all performed well; everybody knew what to do, say and wear, and we also managed to perform within two and a half hours with a fifteen minute interval. During rehearsals, we joked that my character was always on stage but had little to say, although I found this useful for developing Al's character as it meant I had alot more time to think about movement and truely become the character. There was one scene that was nearly skipped however we improvised and from the feedback I've heard from the audience, no body had noticed. Furthermore, I really enjoyed both the performances, and rehearsal process, mostly because it was our first performance as a theatre company and I feel we were all brought closer by it.
If we were to improve, or have done something differently, I think it would have been better if the cast was better organised. I also would have liked to properly rehearsed the final rain scene as the first time we actually used water was on the night and so it was hard to judge how much to use and how much time I had to do so. Personally, if I could change my costume, I would have liked to have more boot-like shoes, because I think the pair I used may not have looked as I had thought they would; a heel on your shoes also affect your posture and so this may have helped with Al's character work, although I believe my posture still worked well.
However the two shows went really well, I think all the doubt and worry made us on form and so we all performed well; everybody knew what to do, say and wear, and we also managed to perform within two and a half hours with a fifteen minute interval. During rehearsals, we joked that my character was always on stage but had little to say, although I found this useful for developing Al's character as it meant I had alot more time to think about movement and truely become the character. There was one scene that was nearly skipped however we improvised and from the feedback I've heard from the audience, no body had noticed. Furthermore, I really enjoyed both the performances, and rehearsal process, mostly because it was our first performance as a theatre company and I feel we were all brought closer by it.
If we were to improve, or have done something differently, I think it would have been better if the cast was better organised. I also would have liked to properly rehearsed the final rain scene as the first time we actually used water was on the night and so it was hard to judge how much to use and how much time I had to do so. Personally, if I could change my costume, I would have liked to have more boot-like shoes, because I think the pair I used may not have looked as I had thought they would; a heel on your shoes also affect your posture and so this may have helped with Al's character work, although I believe my posture still worked well.
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
Character Relationships
Relationships
Al really looks up to Grampa but isn’t greatly sure why; possibly because they’re both ‘hellers’. Grampa has looked after all the kids since they were young and Al has lots of happy memories with him which is why when Grampa dies, Al is upset.
Al→Granma
Al views Granma and Grampa quite similarly although after the death of Grampa, he’s stronger when it comes to her death. They have little relationship to show because they don’t talk to each other throughout the play.
Al→Pa
Al has a good relationship with his Dad, when Tom went away they would have bonded as Al became the man of the house, and more so bonded over dealing with the truck. Although when Tom comes home, Al gets moved down in the Family hierarchy and so the relationship isn’t quite as strong.
Al→Ma
Like Pa, Al would have had a good relationship with his Mum before the return of Tom. However, when Tom returns, Ma doesn’t try to hide that she prefers Tom; even at the end of the play when Al isn’t going with the family, their last conversation is about the return of Tom, and so I think Ma and Al have quite a neutral relationship, Al still tries to do more for his Mum but there isn’t much there, she doesn’t feel the same way.
Al→Uncle John
Uncle John and Al get on really well throughout the play; they both take an interest in the truck, in women and overall Al quite likes Uncle John because their relationship doesn’t change when Tom comes home. Al looks up to him.
Al→Noah
Even though Noah is older than Al, Al was able to become the man of the house because Noah has a disability, and so Al takes more responsibility and more of a manly role than Noah. Although, they are still brothers and so Al looks out for Noah, mostly because of his disability. When Noah leaves, Al isn’t too bothered, it’s just one less responsibility, and after the death of Grampa, Al sees the family deteriorating anyway.
Al→Tom
Al is annoyed by Tom’s return. Al was always the man of house since the age of 12 and so when Tom returns, Al is really shocked he’s so easily knocked down in the Family hierarchy so quickly, especially because he’s paroled and didn’t “bust loose” like the Joads expect him too. If they wasn’t brothers, I think there would actually be a point were they’d be willing to fight each other but it’s because they’re brothers, they stick together when they need too and Al is willing to help out when Tom knocks down the Deputy.
Al→Casy
Al and Casy don’t have much of a relationship, to Al, Casy is just a friend of his brother, Tom (and he’s not even that fond of his brother anyway); Al even thinks it’s best Casy doesn’t go to California with the Joads and tries to tell his Mum this. However Al finds respect for Casy when he kicks the Deputy, but this is short lived as Casy shouts him down for hanging around, to which Al thinks he’s a “fool”.
Al→Rose of Sharon
Rose is Al’s sister, he tries to look out for her, especially with Connie, and when Grampa dies but they live very separate lives; Rose of Sharon would spend a lot of time at the River’s house whilst Al would spend a lot of time out with girls. This is why they so easily fall out when Al over hears she wants him to work for Connie in the future however when Connie leaves, Al wants to comfort his sister and feels he must for fill his brotherly role again.
Al→Connie
Al’s quite edgy around Connie, he wants the best for his sister and wont let Connie mess her around, however in act 2, after all the Family’s been through, Al doesn’t really care about Connie’s exit; he has messed Rose of Sharon about enough and Al thinks it’d be best if he was gone, and Al’s thinking of leaving the Family any way if he can find a girl.
*(Al and Connie’s relationship may now change as Jake wants to play Connie differently)
*(The new way Connie’s played is below)
Prior to the play, Al is the man of the House and so defiantly feels more power over Connie, this feeling doesn’t change even on Tom’s return. Al’s quite edgy around Connie but only to keep him in his place, this is why when he leaves, Al feels he needs to comfort Rose of Sharon; Al thinks that maybe it was partly his fault for Connie leaving the Family, that maybe Al had given him too hard a time. However Al doesn’t over think this too much because of all the Family’s been through by this point, he has bigger things to worry about and so the best he can do is be there for his sister once more.
Al→Winfield
Winfield is the youngest of the Joads. Like the rest of the siblings, Al looks out for him but Al spends little time with him as he is normally out with girls and Winfield’s alittle too young to relate. Throughout the play the two bond, over Grampa’s death, and just in general. Winfield is also another character that doesn’t view Al differently after Tom’s return (this is because he would have been too young to remember Tom before he went to jail).
Al→Al’s girl
Al and Al’s girl are in a relationship (for alittle while). He goes on about how much he loves her but really he’s more in love with her body; to him, she’s just another girl, among plenty. They talk about marriage but it’s really a false promise and this wouldn’t have been the first time Al’s promised a girl marriage and so isn’t too eager to talk about it.
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