Glory Days is a subtle scene. It presents a high degree of difficulty for the actor as much of the scene relies on the actor's ability to connect to past expectations and relationships. The characters of Danny and Zac share a common bond of the past. They have different talents and outlooks on life. They also share a sense of disappointment. Their expectations based on experiences from past school days, have not come to fruition. At first there is a reluctance to share the truth of the current situation. But as they share a beer and settle in to a game of darts, pretence begins to fall away. The subtlety of the scene lives in the subtext. What is being said is as important as what is not being said. At first both characters have resistance to greeting the other and there are some awkward moments getting the conversation started. But pretty soon they are sharing stories and information. Is it possible that they both find comfort in each other and that this comes as a surprise to both of them. Their respective disappointments and regrets are subtle and we know that men in particular are not known for there ability to openly share their feelings. But from the common ground of their past relationship and their present situation these characters find some hope and comfort in each other's company. Glory Days gives actors a tool for building the emotional truth of the character and the emotional truth of the relationship. Both Zac and Danny are going through the motions. Both pretending to be and do who and what they're not. At first they play this line with each other. But their relationship kindles a flame of recognition. The actors playing Danny and Zac will have to find what this is for both of them. Danny as we find out was the comic, the funny guy at school. Zac was more of the sporty type. And it seems that Zac might have given Danny a hard time now and again. But what is the recognition, when does the change begin and who initiates? Right at the beginning of the scene Zac stops Danny from leaving by offering him one of his two beers. Perhaps Zac did this on impulse and didn't know why. Glory Days presents male actors with an opportunity to explore subtle areas of relationship, need and recognition. This is not a highly dramatic scene with strong external conflicts. But there are internal conflicts. And this presents a key acting challenge. Find the truth of the emotional obligation and we find the scene. |