Evaluation

Evaluation.

 

A theme we tested in the early days was shadow play we did this by using torches in tents and against paper one idea that was created was the heart of the dragon pumping and then breaking in some way this idea is now being used in our final performance. I think using shadow play we could create a story on a bigger scale by using levels and distances because the closer to the light you go the larger and taller you appear this can be useful for creating monsters such as Grendal and his mother it can also make Beowulf appear taller and stronger than his men which then creates the idea that he is no ordinary man.

With the use of shadow play you create a moving animal like the shadow group Attraction do in the video I have looked at (YouTube, 28/02/14) in the time scale of 0:39 and 0:52 you can see how they create a panda that also moves it’s head, using shadows like this means we could create a scene with moving shadow play instead of just a still image of a scene. I believe having the creature move would create an atmosphere that draws the audience in, as you saw in the part of the video as well as the use of full bodies to create a moving image the background changes this reinforces any image that is in front of it and makes it more alive I think an idea can be if we had the dragon in moving shadow before it enters on stage with a certain music then re appear with that music it will make the audience know that it is the dragon at the same time bring it more to life and thus more engaging. An example of a dragon being done in shadow play is between the time period of the video at 2:00 to 2:09. Making a dragon like the one on the video we possibly couldn’t do as Attraction use full body and we tend to use singular parts.

A possible problem with shadow play is if it is not done right it could confuse the audience and may take either power away from the performance or distract the audience focusing on the actors on stage while people are doing shadow play in the back. A way we can fix this is by having intention so what we do in the shadows behind the actors on stage is emphasising and enhancing their scene a way to do this in my personal opinion is this, know the scene and perform it in the shadow play as if the actors where not there because that way no matter if the audience look away to see the tents it will be in sync and telling the same story. I think we need to be in sync so that if you just saw the shadow play you would be able to get the exact same story that you would get if you just saw the actors perform.

 

Bibliography

YouTube, Zoltán Szucs (last accessed 08/03/14) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTfqvP-Vzt0