Journal Entry 4

This week I read a book of scenes for young actors, and seven short plays (Enigma Variations, The Mystery at Twicknam Vicarage, Babel’s in Arms, Soap Opera, Lives of the Saints, Arabian Nights, and Captive Audience.) I chose two scenes to direct this trimester (one from Little Women, the other from The Diary of Anne Frank), and I have cast one. I am currently trying to decide the short play that I will direct at the end of the year.
I am really excited about the short play. I think it will be a great chance to practice casting from an audition and difficult blocking. The play I am currently leaning towards is Enigma Variations by David Ives, though I plan to read more plays before deciding. Enigma Variations is about two Bebes and two Doctors and their attempt to figure out what is going on in their world. One Bebe complains about never being alone, while the other complains of having done everything before.
I think it might be a good play to direct because it requires precision and accuracy in the blocking, but it could be really neat if it was well done. In one scene, one pair talks while remaining completely still while the other pair gestures and moves as if they were having the same conversation.
The other play I am thinking about doing is Captive Audience, by David Ives, because it is about a couple who can no longer resist their malevolent TV, and eventually become sucked into it. It appeals to me because in one scene, the husband is trying to pay attention to his wife, but the TV keeps pulling his mind away. It reminds me of when my family goes out to restaurants and the TV is in my sight line. Mo matter how hard I try to resist, I am inevitably distracted by the moving colors and lights, and have to move to where I cannot see the set so that I can complete a sentence.
Both plays would present a blocking challenge in that they would take a long time and a lot of dedication from the actors, but if it was done right, the plays could both be wonderful.