Developing characterisation through research, script analysis and mental preparation is a vital element of acting. Actors must choose dramatic elements and conventions to realise the dramatic action and themes of their production. The Shifting Heart is the Australian drama I have studied this term. It is set in the 1950's in Collingwood and is about an Italian family trying to fit into Australian society. The main themes of The Shifting Heart are xenophobia and racial hatred. .
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In preparation to characterising my chosen character, I must research the historical context of the play. By doing this, I went to the library and on the internet and research the 1950's. I researched what they wore and chose an appropriate costume, which suited the historical context of the play. Researching made my characterisation even more credible as I was using the style of representation - where I truthfully portrayed a character from the 1950's. .
My chosen character from The Shifting Heart is Clarry. He is an Australian, kind, loving 36 year-old that knows that being a foreigner is something to be shameful about. During the play Clarry has to publicly accept, without shame, the Italian heritage of the family into which he is married. After much conflict with himself and other characters, Clarry faces up to his prejudices and has a change in heart by naming his new-born child: Gino, the name of his dead Italian brother-in-law. .
I have chosen to focus on the conversation between Clarry and detective-sergeant Lukie in Act Two, Scene Two. During this scene Clarry has been drinking and is cleaning up the remains of a party when Lukie appears in the sideway entrance. Script analysis is under standing the script and working out character's objectives and motivations in particular scenes. Clarry's objective in this scene is to defend his Italian family. Using the eight basic methods of movement I will create Clarry with the movement of slashing.
