Two people meet for the first time and have an immediate attraction for one another. This scene requires 'a lightness of touch'. Which doesn't mean that nothing is at stake, on the contrary, meeting someone you are attracted to for the first time can feel like a 'life and death' experience. How each of us deals with this situation is all defined by our character (see: Situation Reveals Character). It is important the actors decide on what matters and find a way of working for what they want. Inventing a back-story may be important when establishing both characters readiness and willingness to get to know each other. A scene where people meet for the first time poses challenges of familiarity and pre-determination. Each time the scene is explored each actor must work 'as if' it's the first time they are meeting. Finding surprise is a challenge. As is letting go expectation. It is important for each actor to make choices that help find the surprise. And also support what the scene is saying and what the scene is setting up. If two people meet and are clearly attracted to each other from the get-go, then the choices the actors make about their characters must support this. These two characters are ready to meet some one. They are ready to look at the potential of a relationship when they meet someone they like. In other words their 'radar for relationship' is turned on. This is a key factor in the exploration of the character obligation. On top of other characteristics the clues in the script tell us about the characters. The actors need to explore the 'ready for relationship-vibe'. What does it feel like to be out there? Reading for clues in the script, what can we say about the character of Sylvie? She's fun, has a sense of humour, and is a little extrovert, opinionated, irreverent, bright, vivacious, cheeky and perhaps a little self-conscious. And for Andrew we have clues that tell us he's: caring, considerate, a bit clumsy, warm, open hearted, quick-witted, sensitive, engaging and perhaps a little unsure. All of these traits need to be investigated along with the attraction that happens in an instant for both characters. The challenge of this scene for the actors is finding the balance between the attraction and the play. How do we negotiate a first meeting that is totally unexpected on both sides? How do we negotiate the fine line between getting somethin g we want and not giving too much away? It's delicious, delicate and delightful. It's tense and exhilirating. Aint love grand? |