We delved into the play right from the start of the module, and initially, I found it quite perplexing, struggling to grasp its layout and setting. As we progressed through the book, we encountered two central characters: Cameron and Caitlin. They meet under peculiar circumstances at the play's outset, hinting at Caitlin's popularity juxtaposed with Cameron's solitude. Yet, both face ridicule and name-calling at various points, suggesting Caitlin's reluctance to engage with her peers and a preference for solitude. Throughout the play, Caitlin exhibits a strong affinity for drama and performing arts, while Cameron is inseparable from his camera, capturing moments incessantly. He received the camera as a birthday gift from his mother, shortly after Christmas, aligning with the play's early January setting. Early on, we encounter a character known simply as the "Weird Girl," never given a proper name throughout the play. Cameron first spots her as he photographs her through his bedroom window, revealing her quiet demeanor and her interaction with a teddy bear, seemingly controlling its movements. As the play progresses, snowfall becomes a significant motif, prompting various characters, including parents, teenagers, and children, to gather outside, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie. Ultimately, the play explores the intricacies of teenage life, friendship, and self-discovery, as Cameron and Caitlin navigate their shared experiences and challenges.
Following our reading of "It Snows," we transitioned to exploring the practitioner we would be focusing on: Frantic Assembly. Frantic Assembly specializes in physical theatre, emphasizing the importance of trust within the group. Given the nature of their work, which often involves risky physical elements, trust is essential to ensure safety and prevent injuries. We viewed some of Frantic Assembly's renowned performances and observed their techniques firsthand. Later that Monday afternoon, we were grouped together to craft a piece using extracts from the play we had read thus far
We deliberated extensively on the scenes we wanted to refine, ultimately settling on perfecting a snowball fight sequence among the characters. The decision stemmed from our collective enthusiasm for incorporating the dynamic element of a snowball fight into our performance, recognizing its potential to add depth and excitement to the narrative. A notable aspect of our performance was our successful implementation of slow-motion techniques, particularly during the pivotal moment when Cameron inadvertently strikes Caitlin in the head with a snowball. This symbolic moment, captured in slow motion, effectively conveys Cameron's instant regret and adds a layer of emotional complexity to the scene.
This audition had a unique twist because Liz informed us that we would engage in workshops throughout the week in different groups to determine what works best. At week's end, she would then finalize our performance groups. Despite having previously read the play, I still found myself somewhat perplexed by its storyline and concept. Given the brevity of today's session, Liz divided us into two groups and tasked us with performing and devising a section of the play. My group comprised Me, Grey, Georgia, Abi, Ruby, and Luca. We opted for the scene where characters awaken to snowfall, with Cameron and Caitlin dancing as Cameron walks her home. To be candid, I wasn't particularly fond of this excerpt, anticipating difficulties in ensuring everyone's involvement. As expected, during the performance, Ruby and Luca primarily danced while Grey and I focused on delivering our lines and movements, offering limited insight into the play's themes or acting style.
Overall, I wasn't satisfied with my performance, feeling disconnected from the scene. The devising process itself was unremarkable, mainly consisting of Ruby and Luca practicing their dance routine. Liz then announced that we would present our work to the class. However, personally, I felt that I didn't perform up to par due to personal issues plaguing me that day.