This scene gives two female actors the opportunity to play a confrontation scene. The writing is strong and doesn't pull punches. By the end of the scene emotions have run the full gamut. 'Not As I Do' will test the actor's levels of extremes. Both characters are suffering in their own way for the loss of their mother. It appears that their relationship has been good up until now. But Helen is starting to act in a self destructive way which Jennifer is doing her best to remedy. The actor playing Jennifer has the challenge of experiencing a level of grief and loss while working hard to uphold the mother's values. Does Jennifer feel the need to protect her little sister in a way that she would wish to be protected? Is she aware of this? Does she resent her situation? Does she take out her frustrations by imposing her will on Helen? Many questions can be asked by the actor playing Jennifer. The levels are complex and need to be discovered organically. This scene gives actors ample opportunity for rich interpretation. The actor playing Helen on the other hand may discover that she less complex needs and is simply more reactive. Is she reacting to grief through defiance, through the distractions of drugs and alcohol and through the social distractions that a heavy party life offers. There is no doubt that any teenager worth their salt wants independence, but at what price? The actors playing this scene will work with strong emotions and will need to explore the nuances of sibling relationships, which are always multi dimensional. The key to this scene might be to find the reasons for restraint. |