SORRY is a scene that portrays a very sad aspect of human experience. In some way perhaps both Rachel and Ryan have been very naive or careless in practising birth control. Exactly how Rachel became pregnant is a matter for discussion as the back-story develops through the rehearsal process. What is important is that the actors decide on how their characters feel about it. Becoming pregnant holds a great deal of fear for Rachel. Her actions indicate that she is terrified of the prospect of having a baby - this speaks of her character - and the actor playing Rachel will need to decide where that fear resides for Rachel. (see: Situation Reveals Character) For her to not tell Ryan indicates that she was afraid he would not let her go through with it - perhaps they had discussed the prospect - perhaps he was OK with the idea and did not understand the depth of Rachel's concern. These are all elements for discussion and discovery in the rehearsal process.
This scene challenges actors to make such discoveries. There is very little exposition or direction that answers these questions, and therefore the scene is open to a number of interpretations. One thing that is clear is the depth of the emotion of both the characters. As he enters the house the actor playing Ryan will need to explore the feelings of anxiety and worry turning to relief and then anger in only a few moments. His inner monologue must be strong and clear. He goes from not knowing where Rachel is to knowing, then from not knowing what the problem is to knowing. The scene has several strong transitions based on Ryan receiving information that is audial and not visual as Rachel never comes out of the room. The scene is also challenging as both actors must create a believability that they are separated by a locked door - this scene has been performed for example with lighting states marking the division - making it theatrically interesting and challenging at the same time. The actor playing Rachel must also develop a strong and clear inner monologue as she processes her predicament. As Ryan comes home she listens intently, reacting off all he says and does on the other side of the wall. She is going through an emotional roller coaster - feelings of shame, regret and pain course through her. She wants comfort but can't bring herself to face Ryan. She knows he will be very hurt by not telling him or giving him the opportunity to discuss her decision. What does Ryan feel in the instant he comes to understand what has happened? Why did she keep it from him? How deep does Rachel's fear run? Does Rachel blame Ryan or herself? Questions that will be answered in due course on the rehearsal process. SORRY requires actors build a deep sense of empathy for their character's in this situation. Empathy will hold the way open for the actors to build understanding and assist their ability to access and embrace each character's states of torment and inner conflict. |