Heyy all!!
TOMORROW's MEETING!!!
4pm at the CAFE!!!
Don't be late people!!
We're gonna get some food before proceeding to a place (most prolly outside sc room) to rehearse. =D
Everyone fine with everything??
Heeheee!!
If not, tell me NOWNOWNOW!!! =D
Cheers,
Chenxing (Matthew)
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Post Showcase Suggestions for Improvements.
Okay, firstly, I'd wanna CONGRATS everyone!! =D
We all did a very good job as compared to previously. =)
A little hiccups here and there are inevitable given the "Performance" settings.
Now, know how it feels like up there, and deliever your utmost best on our actual performance day!
I've been believing in one quote that my friend said during one of the church musical's debrief that I took part in, and that's "Prepare yourself to give 200% on stage and you'll be left with 100%".
And that's so true! When we're on stage, maybe it doesn't show, or you don't think so. We'll be nervous in a way or another. Don't let this "undue factors" steal our chances to rock the theatre okay! =D We can do it man!!
Okay, lets get into things proper.
Starting with the comments they gave in the overall and how we should improve as a group.
"We need to work on our voice".
Yes this is SO TRUE. Especially for Benjamin. We must always keep in mind on the tension level on stage, and be very aware of our surroundings while focusing on what we're doing at every given time.
One point raised by Ruth was drawn towards Benny's expressions (tone) during his first monologue. Perhaps we all didn't bother or didn't notice, or rather, didn't know the impact of such trivial matters that we didn't go into it. The front few lines from "May I speak to the principal..." to "...don't give a fucking business who i am!" was mainly used to build tension for the play and to set the atmosphere... It was mostly well done UNTIL the joyful and... careless "oh, i see". It was said in a comical, yet tuneful tone that totally ruined the tension created earlier. We are doing Stanislavski people, NOT BRECHT ALIENATION!!! The laughter from the crowd changed the tension but it was quickly brought back. For that, I must congratulate you. =) Well done. But do watch out on potential anti-climax tone that'd break any tension. Same goes for EVERYONE. =(
Again, for tone. Mr Choy brought up a very good point. We should never strain our voices unless denoted in the script. Touchwood, no one should lose their voice in the middle of a play. That brings me to the next point that was also brought up by Mr Choy and that's "ANGER DOESN'T ALWAYS EQUATE TO SHOUTINGS / LOUDNESS IN OUR VOICES!!" We can make use of the T.H.O.S.E. aspects in our scene instead of forcing our voices to the limits.
Tension wise, in my opinion, was affected partly by the set and also the dryness of the third scene. The sudden change of tension and sequence can't really be changed or improved if we've given our best and we're purely following the script.
Talk about the set. It's angled in such a way that it gives audience an impression that the house is wide. With the wide spread of lights, and "long" set, it gives the audiences the feeling that the tension that we were trying to focus from where we were (slightly off center from the front of the sofa), were dispersed throughout the space. One direct approach we can take to change such a problem is to reduce the lightings to only on us. But it'll also restrict our movements later on. Otherwise, we can shift the set, redesign it. And that means, redrawing the stage-directions. D; We'll go further into detail during our next meeting, tomorrow.
Last point that I'm gonna raise up as a reminder, is to be very sure of the relationship between the characters in the play. Though it was stated in what we say, the idea wasn't conveyed apparently. Maybe we should work on that.
I've no idea what time are we meeting tomorrow.
Guess it's 4pm at Esplanade lobby open performance area.
Seeya there for the TSD MEETING!! =D
Don't be late!!
I'll try to rush down from Choir alright?? =)
Cheers,
Chenxing (Matthew)
p/s: Ruth have tried to book the bbox on Monday 4 - 6pm and Thurs 6 - 8pm for rehearsals and tag run. =) Try to clear your timetable to suit that slot first. Details / Confirmation to come SOON!! =D
We all did a very good job as compared to previously. =)
A little hiccups here and there are inevitable given the "Performance" settings.
Now, know how it feels like up there, and deliever your utmost best on our actual performance day!
I've been believing in one quote that my friend said during one of the church musical's debrief that I took part in, and that's "Prepare yourself to give 200% on stage and you'll be left with 100%".
And that's so true! When we're on stage, maybe it doesn't show, or you don't think so. We'll be nervous in a way or another. Don't let this "undue factors" steal our chances to rock the theatre okay! =D We can do it man!!
Okay, lets get into things proper.
Starting with the comments they gave in the overall and how we should improve as a group.
"We need to work on our voice".
Yes this is SO TRUE. Especially for Benjamin. We must always keep in mind on the tension level on stage, and be very aware of our surroundings while focusing on what we're doing at every given time.
One point raised by Ruth was drawn towards Benny's expressions (tone) during his first monologue. Perhaps we all didn't bother or didn't notice, or rather, didn't know the impact of such trivial matters that we didn't go into it. The front few lines from "May I speak to the principal..." to "...don't give a fucking business who i am!" was mainly used to build tension for the play and to set the atmosphere... It was mostly well done UNTIL the joyful and... careless "oh, i see". It was said in a comical, yet tuneful tone that totally ruined the tension created earlier. We are doing Stanislavski people, NOT BRECHT ALIENATION!!! The laughter from the crowd changed the tension but it was quickly brought back. For that, I must congratulate you. =) Well done. But do watch out on potential anti-climax tone that'd break any tension. Same goes for EVERYONE. =(
Again, for tone. Mr Choy brought up a very good point. We should never strain our voices unless denoted in the script. Touchwood, no one should lose their voice in the middle of a play. That brings me to the next point that was also brought up by Mr Choy and that's "ANGER DOESN'T ALWAYS EQUATE TO SHOUTINGS / LOUDNESS IN OUR VOICES!!" We can make use of the T.H.O.S.E. aspects in our scene instead of forcing our voices to the limits.
Tension wise, in my opinion, was affected partly by the set and also the dryness of the third scene. The sudden change of tension and sequence can't really be changed or improved if we've given our best and we're purely following the script.
Talk about the set. It's angled in such a way that it gives audience an impression that the house is wide. With the wide spread of lights, and "long" set, it gives the audiences the feeling that the tension that we were trying to focus from where we were (slightly off center from the front of the sofa), were dispersed throughout the space. One direct approach we can take to change such a problem is to reduce the lightings to only on us. But it'll also restrict our movements later on. Otherwise, we can shift the set, redesign it. And that means, redrawing the stage-directions. D; We'll go further into detail during our next meeting, tomorrow.
Last point that I'm gonna raise up as a reminder, is to be very sure of the relationship between the characters in the play. Though it was stated in what we say, the idea wasn't conveyed apparently. Maybe we should work on that.
I've no idea what time are we meeting tomorrow.
Guess it's 4pm at Esplanade lobby open performance area.
Seeya there for the TSD MEETING!! =D
Don't be late!!
I'll try to rush down from Choir alright?? =)
Cheers,
Chenxing (Matthew)
p/s: Ruth have tried to book the bbox on Monday 4 - 6pm and Thurs 6 - 8pm for rehearsals and tag run. =) Try to clear your timetable to suit that slot first. Details / Confirmation to come SOON!! =D
Sunday, April 5, 2009
REHEARSAL!
hey all!
since we have a workshop on monday(6/4) at 5.30pm,
our rehearsal will be on (6/4/2009)
from 4.00 pm-5.30 pm.
meet at cafe at 4.00 sharp.
don't be late!
bring script and whatever props that has not been brought!
see you!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Hahahahaaaa!!!
TOMORROW'S MEETING!!!!
9AM OUTSIDE THE SC ROOM!!! =D
Isaac, don't come at 9PM okay?? x)
9AM OUTSIDE THE SC ROOM!!! =D
Isaac, don't come at 9PM okay?? x)
Cheers,
Chenxing.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
rehearsals again!
27 march 2009
blackbox
full attendance
2-3pm
6-7pm (stacy has choir in between)
AGENDA
1) full run through
2) finalise lightings
3) dv discussion
we arrived right on the dot.
stacy brought such a huge cage that we think that it just would not be good to be in the set, fortunately, rachel offered to bring us a smaller cage. YAY!
I broke the wine glass but will bring a new one next monday!
the rabbit was still missing and isaac wanted to buy a more believable rabbit but we still have not decided yet.
i asked Priscilla to bring the trophy to school cause i don't have one=)
reminder, to write stuff on the display board to make it more believable.
there were some changes made to the settings.
first off, mattie's display is now under light 20 and we decided that we need to use the flood lights as we need to be able to see his face, thus the living room setting can now be seen whivh does not add much effects to the presentation scene=(
but what to do?
next, we rehearsed but both me and isaac did not really get into character because of som unknown reasons. Stacy showed us - or mabe let us hear -the sound effects for the applause and the theme music. we went through the play once and some comments from mark on how to improve the lightings and then stacy had to leave for choir!
sooo,
isaac and i did our character analysis as stacy had met up with a senior and told him several tips to improve the play, such as prolonging the scene where ruth comes in with the dead rabbit and such. also, she told stacy that MAttiE's scene actually represents the whole play and the impact has to be there and also stacy added that the sounds of the electronics was sort of to put him back to reality in which his presentation was dreamy surreal.
While waiting for stacy to come back, Isaac emo-ed for a bit to sort out his character's history and we helped the lucky ones with their play by giving comments.
Lights 13&14 got busted for no apparent reason and were felt that we were so screwed. the mood was gone for a while but it picked up.
so, the lucky ones finished of and MARIGOLDS group part 1 came. Hamid also stayed back to help with the lights.
thus, stacy came back and we had the rehearsal again, this time with more excitement and we could get into character. Stephanie gave us some comments and i realised my fits were not good! must practice.
we practised some more and got the lightings fixed(it is with Stacy) and then we decided to stay back and help the other group.
DV
we went into the dressing room to do dv and the agenda was as such
1) character analysis
2)sub-text in which we have to do our motivations and the place we are standing and our actions at each part
3)re-do our crap dv at home
4)meet up after winter's tale to discuss
ok, so
just A FEW REMINDERS.
SUBMISSION OF DV BY TUESDAY, 31 MARCH
MEETING ON MONDAY 30 MARCH to finalise dv @ 4 sharp at library.
PROPS TO BE IN BY WEDNESDAY LATEST!
finalise lightings and sounds!!!
love,
ruth
blackbox
full attendance
2-3pm
6-7pm (stacy has choir in between)
AGENDA
1) full run through
2) finalise lightings
3) dv discussion
we arrived right on the dot.
stacy brought such a huge cage that we think that it just would not be good to be in the set, fortunately, rachel offered to bring us a smaller cage. YAY!
I broke the wine glass but will bring a new one next monday!
the rabbit was still missing and isaac wanted to buy a more believable rabbit but we still have not decided yet.
i asked Priscilla to bring the trophy to school cause i don't have one=)
reminder, to write stuff on the display board to make it more believable.
there were some changes made to the settings.
first off, mattie's display is now under light 20 and we decided that we need to use the flood lights as we need to be able to see his face, thus the living room setting can now be seen whivh does not add much effects to the presentation scene=(
but what to do?
next, we rehearsed but both me and isaac did not really get into character because of som unknown reasons. Stacy showed us - or mabe let us hear -the sound effects for the applause and the theme music. we went through the play once and some comments from mark on how to improve the lightings and then stacy had to leave for choir!
sooo,
isaac and i did our character analysis as stacy had met up with a senior and told him several tips to improve the play, such as prolonging the scene where ruth comes in with the dead rabbit and such. also, she told stacy that MAttiE's scene actually represents the whole play and the impact has to be there and also stacy added that the sounds of the electronics was sort of to put him back to reality in which his presentation was dreamy surreal.
While waiting for stacy to come back, Isaac emo-ed for a bit to sort out his character's history and we helped the lucky ones with their play by giving comments.
Lights 13&14 got busted for no apparent reason and were felt that we were so screwed. the mood was gone for a while but it picked up.
so, the lucky ones finished of and MARIGOLDS group part 1 came. Hamid also stayed back to help with the lights.
thus, stacy came back and we had the rehearsal again, this time with more excitement and we could get into character. Stephanie gave us some comments and i realised my fits were not good! must practice.
we practised some more and got the lightings fixed(it is with Stacy) and then we decided to stay back and help the other group.
DV
we went into the dressing room to do dv and the agenda was as such
1) character analysis
2)sub-text in which we have to do our motivations and the place we are standing and our actions at each part
3)re-do our crap dv at home
4)meet up after winter's tale to discuss
ok, so
just A FEW REMINDERS.
SUBMISSION OF DV BY TUESDAY, 31 MARCH
MEETING ON MONDAY 30 MARCH to finalise dv @ 4 sharp at library.
PROPS TO BE IN BY WEDNESDAY LATEST!
finalise lightings and sounds!!!
love,
ruth
Rehearsals for 1st week of school.
23 march 2009
blackbox
full attendance
We managed to get the blackbox for rehearsals today due to the fact that the seniors were having exams.
THE AGENDA!
1) Lightings
2) Rehearse the whole play with the lightings and props.
3) check out where the sounds would come in.
4) comments from the rest =)
5) finalise settings of our play
ok so, first off, me and isaac set up the scene using our initial settings that we had planned weeks before, however, we realised that there was a lot of problems with that setting, so we turned the whole set around and the audience is now at the controls.
The settings is simple enough, for the first scene, the sofa woud be placed right under light 41, in the center of the black box(or close enough), beside the sofa, to the right is the table with the phone, wineglass and phonebook Chloroform bottle. The cardboard box would be placed at the other end of the sofa with the blue towel inside.
For scene 2, there will be no shift of set, however, Matthew's presentation would be at a corner of the blackbox, nearer the audience, we decided to place the tables under light 9, and on the tables was the display board and also the marigolds that our dear stacy had bought! Hamid commented that it so does not look like mutated marigolds, but, what to do? When there is no marigolds, we make do with cactus.
for scene 3, it is the original set minus the Chloroform bottle and the rabbit and towel. =)
ok, so on to the lightings.
we tried out the lights for the 1st scene with isaac and the problem was basically that the lightings that we used we not suitable cause isaac's face could not be seen, but sacy, our awesome tech man managed to make it work. I don't have the finalised lighting scheme with me so bear with it alright? it's with matthew so, i'll badger him to post it soon. =)
moving on to scene 2, there was much arguments over which side of the blackbox to place the presentation due to the limitations of lighting but finally we choose to use the yellowish lighting at 9. the setting will be such that the living room set won't be seen and only mattie and his presentation is seen. unfortunately, there was no music as stacy did not bring it with him.
the same is for scene 3 but with variations to the lightings at different parts of the play. again, will badger stacy to post later.
PROPS
ok, today, we brought most of our stuff but there were some missing items like the rabbit and the cage and the trophy. The rest will come in due time. We kept the props in the store room.=)
on to serious business, the actual acting of the play.
we had 4 rounds of acting(if memory serves me right) and i have to say that we were awesome! ok, not fantastic, but we improved and also, there was no major mishaps!!!! good job cows!!
haha.
ok, comments for scene 1.
Isaac needs to be more angry and display his anger in a more obvious manner.
good job for not smiling=)
then, his movements needs to be more fluid and obvious and needs to see his facial expressions when he wants to pick up the rabbit.
we also, timed the lightings and all that so, great job!!
fyi, there is no sounds for his monologue.
scene 2
ok, the first thing was that matt's expression could not be seen due to the lightings but we ignored that for now and just went on with the acting.
it was okay, matt needs to be more inspirational in the last part and need to memorise his script a bit more, other than that, it was good.
more hand gestures would be good.
the sounds for this scene is the gongs, applause and also the electronics.
last scene,
there were a lot of comments the firt time we ran through the scene.
Ruth: needs to know exactly where to pull matthew and needs to remember hre lines properly!!!
also, the moan must be more emotional and distressed. WZ helped...haha
comments from hamid that the fits was okay was such a relieve but still need to work on it to be perfected. scene with papa must be more dramatic.
Mattie: needs to be more worried about his sister when she is having her fits. also, he needs to be more scared of his father as the "bury Peter" part. Also, his last monologue must be more impactful. But the last line that he did was perfect! there was trouble with the movement for the moologue but we mananged to work it out!
PAPA: ok, papa needs to look more drunk, someone commented but basically, there was not mush comments for his part. GOOD JOB!
the sounds in the last scene is the theme music and stacy added the disco ball in his monologue to make it look more dreamy.
all in all, it was a good rehearsal albeit a hot and stuffy one.
we got to go through our play without interruptions and thanks to the lucky ones for helping us out.
Love, Ruth
blackbox
full attendance
We managed to get the blackbox for rehearsals today due to the fact that the seniors were having exams.
THE AGENDA!
1) Lightings
2) Rehearse the whole play with the lightings and props.
3) check out where the sounds would come in.
4) comments from the rest =)
5) finalise settings of our play
ok so, first off, me and isaac set up the scene using our initial settings that we had planned weeks before, however, we realised that there was a lot of problems with that setting, so we turned the whole set around and the audience is now at the controls.
The settings is simple enough, for the first scene, the sofa woud be placed right under light 41, in the center of the black box(or close enough), beside the sofa, to the right is the table with the phone, wineglass and phonebook Chloroform bottle. The cardboard box would be placed at the other end of the sofa with the blue towel inside.
For scene 2, there will be no shift of set, however, Matthew's presentation would be at a corner of the blackbox, nearer the audience, we decided to place the tables under light 9, and on the tables was the display board and also the marigolds that our dear stacy had bought! Hamid commented that it so does not look like mutated marigolds, but, what to do? When there is no marigolds, we make do with cactus.
for scene 3, it is the original set minus the Chloroform bottle and the rabbit and towel. =)
ok, so on to the lightings.
we tried out the lights for the 1st scene with isaac and the problem was basically that the lightings that we used we not suitable cause isaac's face could not be seen, but sacy, our awesome tech man managed to make it work. I don't have the finalised lighting scheme with me so bear with it alright? it's with matthew so, i'll badger him to post it soon. =)
moving on to scene 2, there was much arguments over which side of the blackbox to place the presentation due to the limitations of lighting but finally we choose to use the yellowish lighting at 9. the setting will be such that the living room set won't be seen and only mattie and his presentation is seen. unfortunately, there was no music as stacy did not bring it with him.
the same is for scene 3 but with variations to the lightings at different parts of the play. again, will badger stacy to post later.
PROPS
ok, today, we brought most of our stuff but there were some missing items like the rabbit and the cage and the trophy. The rest will come in due time. We kept the props in the store room.=)
on to serious business, the actual acting of the play.
we had 4 rounds of acting(if memory serves me right) and i have to say that we were awesome! ok, not fantastic, but we improved and also, there was no major mishaps!!!! good job cows!!
haha.
ok, comments for scene 1.
Isaac needs to be more angry and display his anger in a more obvious manner.
good job for not smiling=)
then, his movements needs to be more fluid and obvious and needs to see his facial expressions when he wants to pick up the rabbit.
we also, timed the lightings and all that so, great job!!
fyi, there is no sounds for his monologue.
scene 2
ok, the first thing was that matt's expression could not be seen due to the lightings but we ignored that for now and just went on with the acting.
it was okay, matt needs to be more inspirational in the last part and need to memorise his script a bit more, other than that, it was good.
more hand gestures would be good.
the sounds for this scene is the gongs, applause and also the electronics.
last scene,
there were a lot of comments the firt time we ran through the scene.
Ruth: needs to know exactly where to pull matthew and needs to remember hre lines properly!!!
also, the moan must be more emotional and distressed. WZ helped...haha
comments from hamid that the fits was okay was such a relieve but still need to work on it to be perfected. scene with papa must be more dramatic.
Mattie: needs to be more worried about his sister when she is having her fits. also, he needs to be more scared of his father as the "bury Peter" part. Also, his last monologue must be more impactful. But the last line that he did was perfect! there was trouble with the movement for the moologue but we mananged to work it out!
PAPA: ok, papa needs to look more drunk, someone commented but basically, there was not mush comments for his part. GOOD JOB!
the sounds in the last scene is the theme music and stacy added the disco ball in his monologue to make it look more dreamy.
all in all, it was a good rehearsal albeit a hot and stuffy one.
we got to go through our play without interruptions and thanks to the lucky ones for helping us out.
Love, Ruth
Elaborations on Matthew's complicated emotions and the Stage Direction for him.
Stage directions (Scene Two)
Scene two begins with Matthew, standing towards the left of the display (instead of the right) due to some lighting angle problem in the blackbox. He shivers as he tries to catch his breath. He refers to his cue cards and started reading off it, "The Past".
In fear, he crosses to the right of his display board. There, he gains confidence in speech as he begins on "The Present". He gains speed as he recite his points. He will move further right, pointing at the different degrees of mutated plants that was behind him.
He started gaining confidence and allowing his passion to out rule his emotional ability as he enters a dreamy state of mind. With lots of inspiration and confidence, he exclaimed that he believes in a day when mankind will thank God for the strange and beautiful energy of the atom. The outburst of energy engulfed the whole of him.
As the distant applause is heard, he was stunned by the presentation that he gave. Holding back his ego, he takes deep breaths and tries to calm himself down. A smile can be seen on his face as a symbol of success. This didn't last long. He was forced into the realization that he's father wasn't there for him. Everyone (audience) supported and acknowledged his success, he thought. Till he remembered about his father and established the link between the effect of gamma rays on marigolds and his family. He've lost his sense of success at this point of time after being drawn back to reality by the electronic sounds; becoming very helpless.
Stage Directions (Scene Three part: A)
Still overwhelmed by his ego, he smiles at his victory as his sister, Ruth, attempts to report it to Benjamin, their father. With the sense of satisfaction starting to fade, the scene turns into a quarrel between Benjamin and Ruth. Matthew stood in the middle, as if he's a mediator; helpless. He knows not what to do to calm down and tries to say something but was interrupted everytime the other two shouted at each other. He finally got a chance to ask about the situation and raised a question "you didn't kill it, did you?" (line 253). But Matthew question was ignored when Ben insisted that, "Nanny goes tomorrow". Being in a state of fear, he knows not what to do for he don't want to go against his father. He took a few wary steps back.
The tension was disrupted by the moaning of Ruth over the dead rabbit. Not knowing what happened, Matthew ran over to bottom of the stairs to check out on Ruth, asking if she's alright. Concern and confusion creeps in as he checks on Ruth, but Matthew still shows bravado as he doesn't want his family to be affected by him.
"Shall I call the doctor?" (Line 270)
Matthew as lost all of his enthusiasm for his success in his science presentation but was irritated by the scene created at home. He rushes to call the doctor but was stopped by his father (line 273). Frightened and upset, he suggested on burying the rabbit. Being stuck in a mental hodgepodge, he then changed his mind to bury the rabbit in the morning. He then moved over to Ruth and comforts her...
Stage Directions (Scene Three part: B)
Approximately 5 - 8 seconds will be set aside in silence as the theme music fades in slowly. Tension on stage will slowly build up during that period of time in preparation for "The Conclusion". The conversation between Benjamin and Matthew from line 281 - 285 will be filled with pauses as if they're both in a lost for words due to depression and upset over the World (family matters) they live in. The entrance of the vocal part serves as a cue for Matthew to start his monologue. Initially, it'll be rather monotonous from line 287 to 292. Then Matthew will slowly start to indulge in his own emotional World of fantasy where there's hope in ever thing from line 293, where his passion engulf him. All these passion will then fade away as he returns back to reality. He looks at his hand, and placed them on his heart as he says, "The atoms of our hands, the atoms of our hearts..." It symbolizes whatever he do to help change Benny, may affect him. And that whatever that made up his own hand, his own body, is actually the exact same atoms that made up Benny and everything else in the Universe.
Line 305, "atom, atom, ..."
Matthew remains depress as he look down and chant the first word of atom to himself... He then look up, helpless, as he re-emphasizes the word atom. "What a beautiful word" literally translate to the his realization of the truth, the truth about the atom being so small yet significant in the World that we live in. It not only affect his Father, Benjamin and causes him to create so much damage to the family, but also himself for he knows that he is also a victim of this infectious "radiation" reality.
Cheers,
Chenxing.
Scene two begins with Matthew, standing towards the left of the display (instead of the right) due to some lighting angle problem in the blackbox. He shivers as he tries to catch his breath. He refers to his cue cards and started reading off it, "The Past".
In fear, he crosses to the right of his display board. There, he gains confidence in speech as he begins on "The Present". He gains speed as he recite his points. He will move further right, pointing at the different degrees of mutated plants that was behind him.
He started gaining confidence and allowing his passion to out rule his emotional ability as he enters a dreamy state of mind. With lots of inspiration and confidence, he exclaimed that he believes in a day when mankind will thank God for the strange and beautiful energy of the atom. The outburst of energy engulfed the whole of him.
As the distant applause is heard, he was stunned by the presentation that he gave. Holding back his ego, he takes deep breaths and tries to calm himself down. A smile can be seen on his face as a symbol of success. This didn't last long. He was forced into the realization that he's father wasn't there for him. Everyone (audience) supported and acknowledged his success, he thought. Till he remembered about his father and established the link between the effect of gamma rays on marigolds and his family. He've lost his sense of success at this point of time after being drawn back to reality by the electronic sounds; becoming very helpless.
Stage Directions (Scene Three part: A)
Still overwhelmed by his ego, he smiles at his victory as his sister, Ruth, attempts to report it to Benjamin, their father. With the sense of satisfaction starting to fade, the scene turns into a quarrel between Benjamin and Ruth. Matthew stood in the middle, as if he's a mediator; helpless. He knows not what to do to calm down and tries to say something but was interrupted everytime the other two shouted at each other. He finally got a chance to ask about the situation and raised a question "you didn't kill it, did you?" (line 253). But Matthew question was ignored when Ben insisted that, "Nanny goes tomorrow". Being in a state of fear, he knows not what to do for he don't want to go against his father. He took a few wary steps back.
The tension was disrupted by the moaning of Ruth over the dead rabbit. Not knowing what happened, Matthew ran over to bottom of the stairs to check out on Ruth, asking if she's alright. Concern and confusion creeps in as he checks on Ruth, but Matthew still shows bravado as he doesn't want his family to be affected by him.
"Shall I call the doctor?" (Line 270)
Matthew as lost all of his enthusiasm for his success in his science presentation but was irritated by the scene created at home. He rushes to call the doctor but was stopped by his father (line 273). Frightened and upset, he suggested on burying the rabbit. Being stuck in a mental hodgepodge, he then changed his mind to bury the rabbit in the morning. He then moved over to Ruth and comforts her...
Stage Directions (Scene Three part: B)
Approximately 5 - 8 seconds will be set aside in silence as the theme music fades in slowly. Tension on stage will slowly build up during that period of time in preparation for "The Conclusion". The conversation between Benjamin and Matthew from line 281 - 285 will be filled with pauses as if they're both in a lost for words due to depression and upset over the World (family matters) they live in. The entrance of the vocal part serves as a cue for Matthew to start his monologue. Initially, it'll be rather monotonous from line 287 to 292. Then Matthew will slowly start to indulge in his own emotional World of fantasy where there's hope in ever thing from line 293, where his passion engulf him. All these passion will then fade away as he returns back to reality. He looks at his hand, and placed them on his heart as he says, "The atoms of our hands, the atoms of our hearts..." It symbolizes whatever he do to help change Benny, may affect him. And that whatever that made up his own hand, his own body, is actually the exact same atoms that made up Benny and everything else in the Universe.
Line 305, "atom, atom, ..."
Matthew remains depress as he look down and chant the first word of atom to himself... He then look up, helpless, as he re-emphasizes the word atom. "What a beautiful word" literally translate to the his realization of the truth, the truth about the atom being so small yet significant in the World that we live in. It not only affect his Father, Benjamin and causes him to create so much damage to the family, but also himself for he knows that he is also a victim of this infectious "radiation" reality.
Cheers,
Chenxing.
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