The following is a transcript of the ‘sample answer’ that was done in class.

As you read it be aware of the What/How/Why structure; how quotes are dropped in to provide examples & justifications.

Notice also how the majority of EACH paragraph is HOW: you are writing a Drama essay which is about the text in performance and not an English Literature essay which would focus on the text alone.

Questions: As a Director, how would you direct the actors in Act 1 Scenes 1 & 2 (So2M) to reveal their essential characteristics, relationships and any sub-textual issues at the start of the play. Make reference to the audience and your aims as a Director.

*This a very broad question: you MUST be selective and NOT write about every character. Just the ones who you think will answer the question.

Mr Jones’ example:

As the curtain rises on Act 1 Scene 1, I want the audience to see 2 clear groups and to understand some key relationships (WHAT). The Lombardo family (Dr L. and Silvio his son) will be centre stage right (CSR) and Clarice and Smeraldina will be Down Stage Left (DSL). Pantaloon (the host and Master of the house) will be shuffling between both groups and a servant (up stage) who will have a tray of drinks. Brighella will stand further off Stage Right. {a quick diagram could have been used with characters labels if you could do that quicker than writing} (HOW) By using proxemics, the audience will understand that Silvio is related to Dr L., that Clairce and Smeraldina are very close, despite their class differences, that Pantaloon is an old slightly fussy man and that Brighella is a new friend who is present as a witness so therefore stands away from the main groups. (WHY)

Class written example:

An essential characteristic of the Lovers is that they are , “in love with themselves being in love” (Rudlin). As a Director I will direct them to have exaggerated gestures and movement and to share their focus between the other Lover and the audience. (WHAT) Silvio will glide gracefully and balletically centre stage, drop to one knee and offer an engagement ring to Clarice. Clarice will gasp and clasp her hands to her heart. On her line, “Dearest Silvio…promise to be your wife..” I will direct her to use a breathy R.P accent as she floats dreamily towards Silvio. (HOW) This will show the audience their melodramatic characteristics, how they publicise their love and how they have been given an expensive education (illustrated by the way they speak and move). (WHY)

Mr Jones’ example:

Later in Scene 2, when Beatrice (dresses as her dead brother Federigo), arrives suddenly in the room, I will direct the Lovers to show different aspects of their character. (WHAT) My interpretation {Relationship} of these young Lovers is that they have been childhood sweethearts as their fathers are old friends. Both are surprised to be marrying for love as opposed to an arranged marriage for social advancement. I will cast Silvio as a 19 year old who is just starting to make his way in adult society. When facing Beatrice/Federigo, Silvio will puff out his chest, stand will strong legs and a wide stance and place himself between Clarice and Beatrice with his arm thrust out in a dramatic protective gesture. On the line, “…you are mine and I will let no man tear us asunder.” he will look out to the audience and drop his pitch to emphasise his strength and masculinity. (HOW) All this, when delivered with exaggerated conviction and forcefulness, will make the audience laugh at him and reveal some of his sub-textual issues: namely his hot-headed, violent tendencies. (WHY)

• [Analysis: Each paragraph has a structure WHAT/ HOW / WHY and addresses an aspect of the question.
• Each paragraph takes around 7-8 mins to construct (therefore in 50 mins of writing time you could expect to create 5 of these and stiil have time for a brief introduction.
• This is well on it’s way to achieving a Top Band grade (A or B)