Meeting More Characters as Rehearsals for ‘The Trial’ Continue
We joined students in Seckford Theatre this week for our second round of character/student interviews for this year’s Sixth Form production, The Trial.
Rehearsing a particularly challenging scene in terms of movement and tone, it was an ideal opportunity to see how the play is progressing, and how our students feel about their characters, ahead of performances on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 November.
Tickets are still available, so be sure to book via the following link: ticketsource.co.uk/woodbridge-school-drama.
In the meantime, let’s learn a little more about Year 12’s Ed, and Year 13’s Isaac and Phoebe R in their interviews below.
Year 12’s Ed – playing Guard 2 and Huld
“I play Guard 2 as well as Huld in the play, he’s Joseph K’s lawyer – and quite a character, in himself and to play! He’s serious and growly, which in itself is a challenge, the voice has to be consistent and in character obviously, so that’s going to take focus and concentration to ensure that it comes across throughout the performance; particularly as there’s also a lot of emotion to convey too.
Huld’s also quite a frightening character, in terms of how others in the play feel about him, he’s bold and forceful – but great fun to play. The Guard role requires something quite different in terms of tone of voice and stage presence; in contrast to Huld he’s quieter and speaks in a long and low voice. I’m really enjoying rehearsals, excited about performing, I’ve got some funny lines too and those are always great fun to deliver, particularly when the audience engages or responds.”
Year 13’s Isaac – playing Block
“Block, my character, is a very intense person. He has a lot of similarities to Joseph K in the play, who’s the protagonist. He’s a version of Joseph K further down the line, and further through his own trial process – Block’s been in that process for years and years. I’d say he’s frustrated and ground down by it all, he has very little information about his trial and so he’s become almost animalistic and insane about it all; he’s a really interesting character to play.
Projecting his low and nasally voice is a challenge, it’s got to be consistent. It is so easy to slip out of character when you increase the volume of your voice for example, so I’m being careful to focus on that. I enjoy the physical part of this character too, he moves like an animal, bounding across the stage – it’s not easy, but it’s so interesting.”
Year 13’s Phoebe – playing Leni
“Leni is completely outrageous! She loves being desired and loves desiring – and also loves having someone wrapped around her little finger, namely Joseph K. Vocally she’s very dreamy, a tone of voice that enables her to maintain her power, which she thoroughly enjoys using and holding over others in the play.
I’m so excited about performing, I do get nerves but I shake them out before I step on stage. This in itself is interesting in relation to my character, as Leni is quite still, not nervous at all; so I’ve got to be calm and prepared to be able to play her”.
