SUPERFISH, is essentially a confrontation scene for two male actors. The structure of the scene requires both actors develop a strong and clear inner life (inner monologue). Confrontation scenes require the actors become completely reactive, they are a good antidote for actors who might have the habit of pre-planning a scene or preparing what they are about to do next. Superfish is not without pathos. Both Adam and Travis have their moments of reflection and vulnerability. This means the scene is not all on one level and gives actors an opportunity to develop the arc of the scene, observing natural gear changes and turning points. The scene is immediate and deals largely with present circumstances. Some external stimuli integral to the scene for the character of Travis are; the memory of last night's race, his relationship with the other swimmers and his public commitments. For the character of Adam they are largely based around his experience of Travis's change of attitude and form over the past few months. Exploring the relationship between coach and swimmer will not only unlock shared goals and passions but may also reveal areas of personal tension and disagreement. Is it possible that swimmer and coach have not had any confrontations before this? Travis obviously feels comfortable to express his feelings towards Adam. Does Travis expect that he can just dump it out and that there be no consequences for the way he speaks and for his actions of late? Both characters also view the Manager 'Steve' in a very different light. It is important that the character of Steve (unseen) be clear to both actors. One method for achieving a clear attitude to Steve might be to use the approach of Substitution. Success at the highest level in sport is clearly a precarious place to be, it is easy to fall off the pinnacle. Expectations run high and disappointments run deep. Travis is not ready to fail on any level. For him, coming third place is an incredible humiliation and represents a loss of fame, fortune and lifestyle.
The scene can be set beside the pool or in the dressing room. It is a public space but allows the characters to engage on a private level. The actor playing Travis will need to explore strong emotional obligations of disappointment and failure. These feelings lead to expressions of anger and frustration. How self possessed is Travis. Does his fear of losing feel like an question of survival? How deep does this fear run? Travis aims a great deal of anger towards Adam, who at first demonstrates a lot of patience for the younger man. While Adam can be played as an older person, the scene would also work if Adam was roughly the same age as long as Adam's character obligation involved greater emotional maturity. At the beginning of the scene we do not know about Adam's concerns over Travis. Something twigs for Adam and part way through the discussion he returns the anger. Why does Adam choose this moment to give Travis an ultimatum? How long has it been brewing? Has Travis just exhausted Adam's supply of patience. The secret to unlocking the power of this scene may revolve around both characters being shocked and surprised at what transpires. Neither expected it would come to this. Travis doesn't see it coming. Adam finds that enough is enough and says so. |