Mixed Week

November 9-13 2009

This has been the most interesting week. I started off with a powerpoint presentation on Commedia Dell'Arte. Mr. Smeed said it was a good one as my group had included all the important elements related to the subject. I think I spoke clearly but I could improve on my presentation skills by speaking a little bit louder. 

Valerie and I are now working on a script for our radio talk show. She plays the role of the hostess while I am the Commedia Dell'Arte expert. We have difficulties coming up with funny lines to make the audience laugh. This is made harder by the fact that the audience will not be able to see our facial expressions and body language, so it boils down to the tone of our voice. However, this does not mean that we did not have any fun. We have to disguise our voice and change our tone so dramatically that it is impossible for us to laugh at ourselves. 

The class is privileged to meet and play games with the Zen Zen Zo physical group from Australia. Through these activities, I come to appreciate the various levels of physical energy; the importance of focused observations and the effect of over exaggeration. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am sure I will be able to use these techniques in my future performances.