What really goes into putting together a great performance? Is it the constant rehearsals, the elaborate props, or simply the talent of acting? We delve behind the scenes of our A Level Drama and Theatre Studies’ performance of extracts from the play ‘Love and Information’ to find the answer.
Love and Information is a play written by the British playwright Caryl Churchill, first opening at the Royal Court Theatre in September 2012. The loose structure of the play allows each director to create their own version, placing the scenes in whatever order they want.
After two months of intense rehearsals and character development, the students performed the modern play on 21 November for members of the public. We spoke to some of the students to hear about the story behind the show.
“The play is about modern-day society and the different things that we question on a day to day basis and how they have an impact on our lives,” said Grace Barritt.
“We have all got a lot of characters, as there are new characters in every scene of this particular play. For example, there’s a scene looking at dementia and a relationship between a husband and wife, looking at how that issue affects people in this day and age.”
How does an actor prepare for a play with multiple characters? Grace explains.
“Leading up to this play you have a lot of character build up,” she added. “You have to develop the character and put yourself in their shoes – you have to physically become them and think about how you can use your vocals to produce that character.
“To do this there’s a lot of warm ups and research into the character and the play itself.”
But it hasn’t just been the rehearsals that have prepared this group for their performance.
Student TJ Hayward said: “We started rehearsing in September, but we have been working on other components as well.
“For instance, we have made a presentation on the performance. We do have to make a PowerPoint about every scene because each scene has a different character. Most of the scenes have at least two characters so there’s a lot of characters to analyse.”
The second-year students were clearly confident for the show, having performed two plays already in their first year. Student Willow Moss explains how they overcome the pre-performance nerves.
“We do a lot of rehearsing and we know a lot about the play, so we are ready for it,” she said. “Research helps a lot for the characters we are playing. We have developed as a group since last year and our confidence has really grown.”
Speaking to Lecturer Jimmy Ryan-Sheddon, he said: “It’s been brilliant working with this group, they have been a joy to teach.
“Advice I would give to future students it to see as much theatre as you can – and be brave with your interpretations.”
Find out more about our Drama and Theatre Studies A Level here.