Performance Evaluation - 30.04.15

Multimedia aspect of your blog.

What is multimedia?

noun, ( used with a singular verb)1.the combined use of several media, as sound and full-motion video incomputer application)

In my own words, multimedia is the use of technology such as computers, sound and visual images or video to convey information or entertainment.

What is live feed?

Live feed is when you connect a camera to a screen or projector and convey video to the said screen. Some groups used live feed to portray a Court Room case and it was very effective. 

What is Garage Band and how can it be incorporated?

Garageband is a music software made by Apple. GarageBand is a whole music creation studio  with a complete sound library that includes software instruments, presets for guitar and voice, and virtual session drummers. An intuitive interface makes it easy to learn, play, record, create and share your hits worldwide.

Exploring the Promenade aspect of Antigone.

The site we were allocated was in a corridor at the top of the stairs. This was perfect for the promenade aspect of our piece as we managed to be able to split the audience into two different groups 

We used multimedia to add a certain element of modernisation. Also it can add things to the story that we miss out in the group's scenes. 

Even though our site was very useful, the performance space was much smaller and more limited than other groups so we had to make do with what we had. 

Exploring chorus.

Working as an ensemble to maintain a disciplined chorus proved to be difficult as the problem with working as such a big group, is that if one person was unfocused, the whole thing wouldn't work. During the majority of the rehearsal, most of us were disciplined and focused. We were however very successful in our work and we produced a really good piece for the performance. 

We used a recording of our voices to blast through a window in room 413 where a company of actors were outside in the courtyard and were performing physical theatre to the recorded words. 

•   Learning lines - reflect on challenges and how you will go about learning. The importance of speaking exactly what is written.

Learning lines was both important and unimportant as my group decided on a modern version of our scene so I had to know the whereabouts of what's happening, however I had much more creative roam on what I wanted to say. So for me, speaking exactly what was written was not crucial for me as I only needed to know the framework of the lines.

Evaluation of the performance:

List all of the multimedia used in the performance:

• Live feed
• Pre-recorded video
• Pre-recorded sound
• Music
• Lighting
• Mobile phone torch

Multimedia affected the audience because I think it made the performance look sleek and modern. This also appeals to an audience of 2015 because our society is so encircled by technology so they would find it more comfortable than if we performed the play as it is written. I think the most effective piece of multimedia was the live feed used in the court room scene. This is because I feel like it added a very abstract vibe to the piece.

Scenes from Antigone:	Multimedia used and locations	How did the multimedia in each scene enhance the performance?
1. Creon announces that Eteocles will be honoured and Polynices will be shamed and left un-buried.	Video to be shown on screen in reception.	This helps set the scene of the piece and build up a small background for Creon
2. Antigone goes to Ismene to persuade her to assist the burial of their brother. Ismene refuses.	By the tree - video shown of the thoughts of the characters.	Adds in nice modern twists. A more advanced version of thought tracking out loud. Also sticks to the religious theme.
3. Antigone goes to bury her brother.	Round of wooden stumps.	Sets a formal or kingly feel as the stumps seem to be surrounding something important.
4. Creon looks for the support of the chorus of Theban Elders in his decision to leave Polynices unburied.	Creon announces from fire escape door of 415 - chorus round the tree looking up. Audience looking up also.	Creon being in a high position shows hierarchy and how much power Creon has.
5. A Sentry reports the burial of Polynices. Creon insists that the Sentry finds out who or face death.	Filmed footage of event is shown on screen top of stairs. Sentry talking to Creon.	A looping CCTV film may portray Creon's thoughts going over and over the same thing.
6. Chorus sing about honouring gods.	From the yard up to windows of 413 Recorded chorus played.	The blasting audio makes it out that it is the Gods that is speaking to the people of Thebes.
7. Sentry returns with the Culprit: Antigone. Creon confronts her.	Burst into 413 - audience turn to see. Lighting used.	Lighting adds a certain mood of being sinister and evil.
8. Creon confronts Ismene. Ismene tries to confess but Antigone won't allow it. And in the end, the two sisters are imprisoned.	Still in 413 but Creon live speaks to a projected Ismene. Antigone is walked out the room and joins the real Ismene - escorted off. Lighting used	Live feed is used to portray that maybe even though Ismene is close, she can't quite reach out to Creon.
9. Haemon both pledges allegiance to his father, Creon, and asks that Antigone be spared. After the discussion deteriorate, Haemon storms out vowing never to speak to him again.	Traverse in 413 - iphone lights as the two talk. Throughout confrontation, lights go out, one by one.	The iPhone lights make the scene more ethereal and also make it more dark and sinister, layering on the evil and more grim side of the play.
0. Creon choses to spare Ismene, and to bury Antigone alive. As she is dragged out, the chorus express their Sorrow.	One light left on Creon's face. Sound of s body being dragged...etc.  Projection and video used	Again layering onto the dark side of the play, but keeping the play in context and modern.
11. Tiresias attempts to advise Creon that what he is doing is wrong and that the Gods are angry. The prophecy of a dead son is mentioned.	Tiresias never moves his mouth but what he says coupled with weird underscore is played through speakers of 415. Projected video played	Shows how real prophesies are and what they meant to the greeks. It also makes Creon much more distressed.
12. The chorus, terrified, begs him to take Tiresias' advice. Shaken, Creon agrees to release Antigone and bury Polynices.	As many chorus as possible fill cavities of 415 and urge Creon. Three doors and side grated window thing.	The chorus could be portrayed as if everyone could be different voices going through Creons head, disagreeing with each other which could drive Creon mad.
13. Chorus deliver a choral ode to the god Dionysus.
14. Messenger informs Eurydice of Haemon and Antigone's death.	Filmed footage on repeat of Haemon stabbing himself and Antigone hanging, swinging from a branch.	The looping footage gives a sort of grim and uncomfortable feel to the scene with the constant reminder of death and suicide
15. Carrying the body of his dead son Haemon, Creon is then met by a 2nd messenger informing him of Eurydice's death.	Audience back outside looking at tree. Creon walking through the courtyard, holding Creon, confronted by messenger at the tree. Chorus look down from 415.