Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 12/17/2009

Question
Hello,

As part of my drama course at college, I have to play a lead boy who is deeply in love with a girl set in 1912 England. The girl playing the role is a very good friend of mine, so we are finding it a little difficult to make that connection. I was wondering if you could give any tips that would really allow our relationship on the stage to sparkle.

Also, in the play, I receive a letter of her death, and the director wants me to cry, but in a way that tears roll down my cheek. Very cinematic I know. I am performing in our studio which only holds an audience of about 40, and they are literally next to the actors (*there is no raised platform, it is simply like a class room). So I was wondering if you could advise me on how to really get into the moment and allow myself to let go...

Hope you can help,

Sebastian  

Answer
Hey Sebastian...Thank you for writing.

Regarding making the love connection, it is essential that you go back to the script of the story.  Look in the script for tips on why you love her and have your friend look at why she loves you as well.   What does the script tell you about the relationship?  What do they hold dear for one another?  If you take the clues out of the script rather than create them on your own, it will remain part of the story rather than become something that you have to conjure up - which ultimately will complicate your relationship with you and your friend rather than keep the play and your relationship separate.  

Once you find all the clues in the script (from what they say and other people say), then journal or meditate or think on those things.  And ask yourself how those things impact you and how they make you feel.  Draw from these clues in the script the emotional understanding of the connection.  And before you go into the play, then think on these things.  

See how that works.  

Once you have established why you love the girl in 1912, then receiving the letter of death may bring tears that much more easily.  The director may want you to cry, but those tears must come out of what you have lost rather than out of the desire to cry.  When we cry or mourn in reality, it is out of heartache and an understanding of the loss that we are experiencing.  THAT is what you need to be in touch with.

What I am saying is that your 2 questions are related.  If you analyze your script and are deeply in touch with what it says, you will be able to more fully show that through your acting.

Does that help?

Wanda
http://www.reinholdtproductions.ca