Monologue 1

MY CHARACTER HAS: Schizophrenia -is a long-term mental health condition that causes a range of different psychological symptoms, including: 

• HALLUCINATIONS – hearing or seeing things that do not exist
• DELUSIONS – unusual beliefs not based on reality that often contradict the evidence
• muddled thoughts based on hallucinations or delusions
• changes in behaviour

Doctors often describe schizophrenia as a psychotic illness. This means sometimes a person may not be able to distinguish their own thoughts and ideas from reality.

JANEY

I want to be alone - I can't be around other people -

(Pause. Looks up, afraid)

I get really scared - I almost feel like I can't breathe -

(Panics a little)

I just need to be alone, Doctor -

(Angry)

You don't really care - you're simply doing your job - once I'm "better" you'll be through with me - then it's on to another person -

(Gives a mean look)

You're just like everyone else -

(Speaking viciously)

- you probably haven't cared about anyonne in years - that would be unprofessional - and a burden you don't need for yourself -

(She pauses. Calms a little)

Please, just let me go - I know what I need better than you -

(Angry again)

You're not God, you know - you don't have the powers to cure everything - I know what you can and can't do -

(Screams)

Go on - get out now!

(Long pause and silence. Cries)

No one really cares, do they -

(Struggles to talk through her tears)

You think you can help me - change me -

(Pause)

People should only fix what's broken -

(Furious)

I said I don't want to talk anymore! Leave me alone! I don't have to tell you anything! I'm not a little kid.

(Bends over and buries her face in her hands. Cries for a bit and then is much calmer)

There's so much you don't know -

(She looks up at the sky)

- if only I could fly -

(her eyes look in wonder)

I'm leaving all the Earthly matters to you - I belong near a different sun -

(Points to a star)

I wish I were a star - part of some constellation so I would never be lonely.

- it's so free out there - no one can toouch you or hurt you - you can simply shine -

(Pauses)

People don't like it when you shine - that's why stars are up there and not down here - humans think the brightness is offensive -

(Pause - looks and smiles at the stars)

My mother is a star now -

She always seemed like one to me - but stars don't like it very well where they can't be stars anymore - so they fade away - never shining again -

(Pause - grows sad)

I want to be a star - stars having meaning - stars I understand -

END OF SCENE

Theartre-term 1 Konstantin Stanislavky

While I was reading this book I must say I was quite confused about what exactly I was reading, I found it challenging to understand the reason behind the text and why I was reading it myself. When I was reading the book simple topics such as improvisation was not summed up in once sentence such as "improvisation helps you think on your feet to prepare you for..etc" it was explored more in depth and how we can improve on our characters and meaning of being an actor.

Additionally, about how female actors were just given lead parts because of the measure of their closet or how well off they were, paying little mind to their acting ability was truly stunning as it didn't give the ladies of a lower class who may have more of a passion for acting to have a shot. I additionally felt that when the gathering of people called out an actor in mid part just to applause them was truly inconsiderate and it demonstrated no appreciation for alternate characters as it separates the performer from the part and may harm their performance.

With the idea about utilizing dictatorship as a director this could be an advantage to the actors and in some ways a disadvantage, as they're attempting to make a feeling within them which they don't have therefore the acting won't be exact as they are conflicting with what they feel as the "part" and attempting to see something totally distinctive which Stanislavsky needed to make, but using this method could also teach strong discipline by listing and trusting in their director to do whats right for their character. As being a professional actor as a career you will one day have to face the reality that you may have to do something you don't feel is right or have no control over but simply believing in your directors judgement.  

The exercise called "The sense memory and feeling memory"  I think is an extraordinary approach to get the actors/actresses involved/enganged. This activity allows the actors to feel more involved in their feelings, furthermore makes them give careful consideration to what is going ahead around them. In spite of the fact that I do think investigating the script is a smart thought to get a comprehension of the part you are given it can be extremely tedious, which is the reason I think experimental and practical work is better for the actors as it is anything but difficult to end up separated when you are sitting before a content and a great deal of research/info is being shared, while with a more energized method of connecting with individuals and learning with the plays they're given all the time your attention is centered around your activities and what is going ahead around you helping the actors turn out to be more acquainted with the part and play.