Character Development: First Gentleman
Laban Efforts
I initially had some difficulty deciding the Laban Effort that best physicalized the First Gentleman. I have concluded that Light-Slow best physicalized the First Gentleman. The First Gentleman holds himself in high regard with an arguable element of arrogance and so he'll move in a light manner, careful to maintain his composure in all situations. Additionally, because of his arrogance hell be sure to always move in a slower manner, as he would not believe he would need to move quickly for anyone and to once again maintain his composure and perception by other characters.
Costume
I initially only liked the costume purely for its vibrant design which I feel stands out and is just a generally "fun" costume. However I now feel that the costume relates well to my character as I believe it captures his arrogance and inward regards towards himself. I am impressed how the costumes are pretty much the same but incorporate slight differences in one another to highlight the differences in each character. The costume holds a very 70s element to it.
Character Summary
The First Gentleman is a fop, who spends a fair deal of time in brothels but is certain he has not caught any diseases there. He knows his clothes and his types of fabric very well, and has no desire for the King of Hungary to impose his policy on Vienna.
Lesson 4/4/2017
We began the lesson recapping all of our rehearsal processes so far, including the "Head/Heart/Guts/Groin" exercise, Use of space-proxemics-thinking about a three-sided space, Ben's movement/directional classes, research and videos regarding rave scenes during the 80's and our analysis of scenes by synopsis. We also explored the world of the play and those that are connected to or are a part of the plays structures such as its government, its religion/church, the law, the court and the upper-class/gentry. We discussed how these structures build the base of the play and how each character is connected to and how that character influences those structures. To help with our character analyzations Simon asked us to write down facts and questions regarding our characters so that we would cement what we do know about them and then realise what we need to further explore about them. We then began rehearsing the play in chronological order. Simon said that we should ensure that we understand the context of our character's scenes and what are the driving objectives of the scenes.
During the first scene with the two gentlemen and Lucio, I learned that the first gentleman is a mercenary/sword for hire and that they are discussing the conflict in Hungary. The first gentleman is trying to make a point that the soldiers fighting in Hungary are not adequate and are of a low standard. The scene's topic shift when Mistress Overdone enters which results in Lucio and the gentlemen mocking her and reminiscing about their experiences with the Mistresses' Brothel and the diseases that they had contracted, as well as the price.However their fun is cut short when in a moment of frustration the mistress reveals to them that their friend Lucio has been arrested and has been sentenced to death. This exchange shows me that the first gentleman genuinely cares for Lucio as he is first in a state of denial and refused to believe and adhere to the mistresses' proclamation regarding Lucio. Simon directed me to ensure that I maintain a casual feel during the chat while still appearing firm regarding my points during the conversation. I found that the First Gentlemen to be the most passionate regarding his opinion on the integrity of the soldiers in Hungary.
I found the First Gentleman to be somewhat "snobby" and he clearly holds himself in high esteem due to the manner in which he speaks about the soldier's in Hungary. To me its fair to call him slightly arrogant to a degree. I feel that as a result of this he tries his best to present himself in a slightly regal manner but this doesn't work as well due to the fact that he is a mercenary and so I feel that there is a small "rough" element to him. Despite the way he tries to present himself and his arrogant nature, which is further highlighted in the way he speaks to and mocks Mistress Overdone, he presents his true feeling once he is told of Lucio's predicament. He shows that he truly cares for Lucio and that he is greatly affected by the news that he has been arrested. Although I feel that it is mainly because of his strong relationship with him, I feel that its possible that the First Gentleman actually hold Lucio in high regard and respect as he is initially in complete disbelief hearing that he has been arrested.
Lesson 11/4/2017
This rehearsal made me question my initial thoughts and opinion of the First Gentleman being and I now wonder if he is instead just more outspoken and more confident than those around him. Now there is no denying his elements of arrogance, bit another explanation for the reason that he is presented in the way that he is may be simply for the Second Gentleman's lack of confidence or just simply being not as outspoken as the First Gentleman. This can be considered evident due to the fact that during the whole exchange between the three of them, the Second Gentleman asks more questions or simply agrees with the others instead of stating his own opinions, and furthermore where he does, he does not go into as deeper detail as that of Lucio or the First Gentleman.
Lesson 18/4/2017
I find it interesting that the First Gentleman appears to hold onto elements of Honor or even a sought of moral high ground despite that fact that he is a mercenary. The "occupation" of a mercenary requires a portion of a person's morality to be sacrificed or in the very least ignored in order to carry out the jobs offered.. I also find it interesting that he somewhat looks down on the soldiers in Hungary and views them as low and without Honor, even going as far as to say that their is a soldier in all men and therefore Honor but not within those particular soldiers. The First Gentleman's true lack of morality is further expressed when he makes it clear that he indulges in the practices of having sexual with prostitutes. This all further reinforces my interpretation that the First Gentleman is a kind of "scummy" or "Rough" character despite trying his best to maintain a level of honorable appearance or conduct while in the presence of others, even those who know him.
Lesson 25/4/2017
When analysed with the other characters within the scene, the First Gentleman presents himself to be a character that is very confident in his ideologies and views regarding whatever matter he is discussing. This is made evident by the fact that he presents the main opposing argument to Lucio as the Second Gentleman is mainly just agreeing or asking question all the while the First Gentleman reinforces his ideologies and points that he is driving across to Lucio. This also presents a picture of the character statuses within the scene, showing the First Gentleman to be perhaps a of a slightly higher status than the Second Gentleman but all the while still viewing himself as somewhat equal to Lucio, at least in the sense of their knowledgeability regarding the conflict in Hungary. This further highlights the presentation that the First Gentleman holds himself in high regard and how his arrogance dictates and drives many of his choices.
Approaching the Script
Page Line Fact Opinion
5 “Heaven grants us its peace, Y
but not the King of Hungary's!”
5 “I think, or in any religion." Y
6 "I think I have done myself wrong, have I not?" Y
7 "Claudio to prison? 'tis not so." Y
7 "But, most of all, agreeing with the proclamation." Y
6 "Ay, and more" Y
5 "Well, there went but a pair of shears between us." Y
Evaluation
I was satisfied with the presentation of the first gentleman in both performances. I felt that his arrogant and somewhat self righteous nature was clearly shown to the audience. During the first performance I felt that the comedic nature between him and Mistress Overdone was far stronger and that the audience had a stronger connection this and this was not as strong during the second performance. Despite this i feel that both performances accurately presented his character.
I initially had some difficulty deciding the Laban Effort that best physicalized the First Gentleman. I have concluded that Light-Slow best physicalized the First Gentleman. The First Gentleman holds himself in high regard with an arguable element of arrogance and so he'll move in a light manner, careful to maintain his composure in all situations. Additionally, because of his arrogance hell be sure to always move in a slower manner, as he would not believe he would need to move quickly for anyone and to once again maintain his composure and perception by other characters.
Costume
I initially only liked the costume purely for its vibrant design which I feel stands out and is just a generally "fun" costume. However I now feel that the costume relates well to my character as I believe it captures his arrogance and inward regards towards himself. I am impressed how the costumes are pretty much the same but incorporate slight differences in one another to highlight the differences in each character. The costume holds a very 70s element to it.
Character Summary
The First Gentleman is a fop, who spends a fair deal of time in brothels but is certain he has not caught any diseases there. He knows his clothes and his types of fabric very well, and has no desire for the King of Hungary to impose his policy on Vienna.
Lesson 4/4/2017
We began the lesson recapping all of our rehearsal processes so far, including the "Head/Heart/Guts/Groin" exercise, Use of space-proxemics-thinking about a three-sided space, Ben's movement/directional classes, research and videos regarding rave scenes during the 80's and our analysis of scenes by synopsis. We also explored the world of the play and those that are connected to or are a part of the plays structures such as its government, its religion/church, the law, the court and the upper-class/gentry. We discussed how these structures build the base of the play and how each character is connected to and how that character influences those structures. To help with our character analyzations Simon asked us to write down facts and questions regarding our characters so that we would cement what we do know about them and then realise what we need to further explore about them. We then began rehearsing the play in chronological order. Simon said that we should ensure that we understand the context of our character's scenes and what are the driving objectives of the scenes.
During the first scene with the two gentlemen and Lucio, I learned that the first gentleman is a mercenary/sword for hire and that they are discussing the conflict in Hungary. The first gentleman is trying to make a point that the soldiers fighting in Hungary are not adequate and are of a low standard. The scene's topic shift when Mistress Overdone enters which results in Lucio and the gentlemen mocking her and reminiscing about their experiences with the Mistresses' Brothel and the diseases that they had contracted, as well as the price.However their fun is cut short when in a moment of frustration the mistress reveals to them that their friend Lucio has been arrested and has been sentenced to death. This exchange shows me that the first gentleman genuinely cares for Lucio as he is first in a state of denial and refused to believe and adhere to the mistresses' proclamation regarding Lucio. Simon directed me to ensure that I maintain a casual feel during the chat while still appearing firm regarding my points during the conversation. I found that the First Gentlemen to be the most passionate regarding his opinion on the integrity of the soldiers in Hungary.
I found the First Gentleman to be somewhat "snobby" and he clearly holds himself in high esteem due to the manner in which he speaks about the soldier's in Hungary. To me its fair to call him slightly arrogant to a degree. I feel that as a result of this he tries his best to present himself in a slightly regal manner but this doesn't work as well due to the fact that he is a mercenary and so I feel that there is a small "rough" element to him. Despite the way he tries to present himself and his arrogant nature, which is further highlighted in the way he speaks to and mocks Mistress Overdone, he presents his true feeling once he is told of Lucio's predicament. He shows that he truly cares for Lucio and that he is greatly affected by the news that he has been arrested. Although I feel that it is mainly because of his strong relationship with him, I feel that its possible that the First Gentleman actually hold Lucio in high regard and respect as he is initially in complete disbelief hearing that he has been arrested.
Lesson 11/4/2017
This rehearsal made me question my initial thoughts and opinion of the First Gentleman being and I now wonder if he is instead just more outspoken and more confident than those around him. Now there is no denying his elements of arrogance, bit another explanation for the reason that he is presented in the way that he is may be simply for the Second Gentleman's lack of confidence or just simply being not as outspoken as the First Gentleman. This can be considered evident due to the fact that during the whole exchange between the three of them, the Second Gentleman asks more questions or simply agrees with the others instead of stating his own opinions, and furthermore where he does, he does not go into as deeper detail as that of Lucio or the First Gentleman.
Lesson 18/4/2017
I find it interesting that the First Gentleman appears to hold onto elements of Honor or even a sought of moral high ground despite that fact that he is a mercenary. The "occupation" of a mercenary requires a portion of a person's morality to be sacrificed or in the very least ignored in order to carry out the jobs offered.. I also find it interesting that he somewhat looks down on the soldiers in Hungary and views them as low and without Honor, even going as far as to say that their is a soldier in all men and therefore Honor but not within those particular soldiers. The First Gentleman's true lack of morality is further expressed when he makes it clear that he indulges in the practices of having sexual with prostitutes. This all further reinforces my interpretation that the First Gentleman is a kind of "scummy" or "Rough" character despite trying his best to maintain a level of honorable appearance or conduct while in the presence of others, even those who know him.
Lesson 25/4/2017
When analysed with the other characters within the scene, the First Gentleman presents himself to be a character that is very confident in his ideologies and views regarding whatever matter he is discussing. This is made evident by the fact that he presents the main opposing argument to Lucio as the Second Gentleman is mainly just agreeing or asking question all the while the First Gentleman reinforces his ideologies and points that he is driving across to Lucio. This also presents a picture of the character statuses within the scene, showing the First Gentleman to be perhaps a of a slightly higher status than the Second Gentleman but all the while still viewing himself as somewhat equal to Lucio, at least in the sense of their knowledgeability regarding the conflict in Hungary. This further highlights the presentation that the First Gentleman holds himself in high regard and how his arrogance dictates and drives many of his choices.
Approaching the Script
Page Line Fact Opinion
5 “Heaven grants us its peace, Y
but not the King of Hungary's!”
5 “I think, or in any religion." Y
6 "I think I have done myself wrong, have I not?" Y
7 "Claudio to prison? 'tis not so." Y
7 "But, most of all, agreeing with the proclamation." Y
6 "Ay, and more" Y
5 "Well, there went but a pair of shears between us." Y
Evaluation
I was satisfied with the presentation of the first gentleman in both performances. I felt that his arrogant and somewhat self righteous nature was clearly shown to the audience. During the first performance I felt that the comedic nature between him and Mistress Overdone was far stronger and that the audience had a stronger connection this and this was not as strong during the second performance. Despite this i feel that both performances accurately presented his character.
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