Reflection Journal 8 (14/10/12)

Lesson 8

We gathered on the 12/10/12 to discuss on the schedule, timings, goods claims, performance dates, logistics, props and whether we are meeting next Friday. The reason for meeting is to get the stuff settled and finalize everything. It is important because we meet face to face to discuss, so there will be no miscommunication. It is also faster that we discuss it face to face in a group rather than relying on messages or texts to relay the messages. If we did not come together, there might be confusion because it has been two weeks since we have seen the kids and the performance for the library is just a week away.

Roles

I volunteered for my group to be the one who will collect the receipts and pass them to Miss Angela. Though it is a minor role, but I feel that all minor roles are important as we work as a group. Every role is important, no matter big or small, so that it can be successful. Take the human body as an analogy; if we were to take away the small intestines, the human body cannot function because the minerals and vitamins are not absorbed into the body, the body will become weak.

Even in the Christian setting, the bible says in 1 Corinthians 12:12:

12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.

So no matter big or small, we all play a part.

It is the same for the analogy of roles in student’s performances. Some students may feel that their parts or verses are short, so they feel unimportant. And when they feel that way, they do not take it seriously. We, as facilitators, must then emphasize the importance of minor roles and explain it to them, using the ‘What if’’.Eg. what if the villagers are not there? It helps them to think the consequences, the cause and effect, instead of dismissing themselves as unimportant. That is why we had every student in our script to say a few lines. There were equal lines distributed among the students and so that the students have the chance to explore and experience the ‘limelight’ when it comes to their turn to speak.

Use of Props?

For the props wise, we feel that we do not need much props because it might distract the audience. We want to keep it simple also for the kids because it is their first time doing a real drama performance with live audience. We decided that simplicity is the basis so that they don’t have to think what to wear or what to do next with their costumes and props. Sometimes props and costumes may cause us to feel confused too. But we do still use simple props such as sword for the warrior, etc. Ahmad, Joanne and I decided how our performance was raw and it was good. We decide our performance to be raw is also because our students were weak in memorizing their lines and doing too much prop acting. Therefore, we emphasized on Theatrical, dramatic movements that requires alot of our bodies, movements and gestures to be in character.

Next week is a very hectic week for performances and practices with the kids. The practices are set according to how they are doing. Two practices before the performance is a must because we need to finish up the last part of the script and have a dry run of the performance. A dry run builds faith, confidence and encouragement as they go through the sequence and process.

props: Umbrella, kompang, chopsticks, pots and pans, walking stick, iron man mask