Drama - Day 1

Masks: 

As part of our first introduction into various mask types, we learnt the correct ways of how to wear a mask along with participating in many different activities in the lesson that helped us become more comfortable with the concept of masks.

As it is very difficult to speak when wearing a full mask, we all participated in the 'No Air' book exercise. In this activity, we were in a circle around the rom, resting on walls, as they were the only places where there was oxygen; we had to pretend that in the middle of the classroom (where the book was placed) there was absolutely no oxygen. In this activity, we had to take a deep breath and pick up the book on a random page and attempt to read a line within a single breath; this was very difficult.

For the second activity, we were told to choose a partner and participate in the 3 books exercise; in this exercise one of the partners wants the books to be in the middle and the other partner for the books to be on the side. This consisted of walking fast paced as we were trying to complete our indiviual interests with the books. After a short while, the whole class became a group and had to argue with everyone else whilst attempting to place the books either on the sides or the middle of the classroom. This meant that we were multi-tasking as we would possibly have to do this with the masks while performing.

For the final exercise, we were given three scenarios and had to adjust our expressions according to the events that were taking place.

1.  For the first scenario, we had to pretend that our house was on fire and we were only able to save one item, the book. In this scenario I was scared and started panicing, was I going to survive or not? Additionally, my pace was rapid as I was attempting to get out the the fire with my most prized possession ALIVE. 
2. In the next scenario, we assumed that we were leaving our beloved house, this house was filled with several memories, so it was natural that we would slow down our pace and take a moment to ponder. In this activity, I imagined that the book was a photo album and I slowly and happily looked through it reliving so many memories again. 
3. In the final scenario, we had to pretend that we were burglars! Slowly tiptoeing around the house hoping not to get caught. In this scene I was very quiet as I knew that if I made a single sound it would be game over...