Dominic is a fallen hero. At school he was the football wonder kid. Every girl's dream date. But he blew it when he took advantage of Shelley. His past imperfections have etched a scar on his self esteem. He sits in a bar at closing time listening to depressing music on the jukebox; he is a dark and brooding character. Dominic carries deep regret from his past and either doesn't want to or can't shift from under its weight. Nicole is friendly and compassionate. She works him out quickly and deals with his inappropriate behaviour in a neat and controlled way. Past Imperfect is a challenging scene, as it requires actors to invest heavily in the past. They must have a clear connection to their past relationship and their teenage experiences. Shelley is a character they both know well and although we don't meet her she is referred to extensively. Each actor will need to develop their own relationship with the fictional Shelley. The exposition of this scene deals heavily with past events and past regrets. It is a scene about pain and past mistakes. Yet within it are moments of tenderness and hope. Nicole's sensitivity to Dominic is possibly a reflection of indication of his better self. If Nicole can offer compassion then perhaps redemption is possible down the track. It is difficult to sympathise with the character of Dominic and herein lays the challenge for the actor who plays him. Obvious or cliched choices need to be avoided. If Dominic is played as sad or depressed there is not much of a journey or struggle in the scene. Dominic needs to struggle within himself and with the outside world. He is or was a strong guy. Up to the point where he took advantage of Shelley did not know defeat or shame. The fallen hero character is an archetypical tragic figure. His inner struggle with the world he has created for himself is immense. The actor exploring Dominic's character obligation needs to find both his strength and his weakness. His inner life is deep and painful. For us to have any empathy for Dominic at all the actor must find an emotional truth. The obligation of regret and loss must be real if we are to believe him at all. He has been drinking. He makes a move on Nicole. She handles him well and this says a lot about her character. Is it true that past mistakes must act as a life sentence against our well-being and happiness? Dominic seems to think so. Where is the hope in this scene? Does it sit with Nicole? Is it her sensitivity to him that makes the difference? Nicole is friendly and open. She puts up with She speaks honestly to Dominic and feels for him. Nicole tells Dominic that Shelley had wanted him to come to her 18th birthday party, which indicates that Shelley has forgiven him. This makes the pain even greater for Dominic and Nicole senses this - she doesn't try to fix things but offers compassion and understanding. |