Ideas For Locaha

Locaha is a very abstract character representing everything supernatural and gothic within the play. Therefore the physicality and vocal characteristics of Locaha are not going to be the same as other 'human' characters. Therefore it is very important to work on her physicality and vocal qualities to make the character unique and recognisable for both the other actors and the audience.

Voice is a very important element of a character as it can expresses a deeper emotional layer to your character compared with just saying your lines in the same tone you always use. When experimenting with voice you have to think about the connotations and effect the voice has on the audience and make a decision on whether the voice suits the character and if it has the desired effect. When experimenting with the vocal qualities of Locaha I had to think about the effect I wanted it to create. I needed it to be scary without necessarily being loud and intimidating. I instead strived to find a voice that was understated, yet still chilling. As a group we decided to all choose voices based around gothic/horror stereotypes. Then individually we were able to make choices as to what voice to work with. I decided to work with a high pitched, almost childlike voice. I think this voice, if applied in the right way, will unnerve the audience, as it is unnatural to mix a sinister voice with that of a child. I think this will keep the audience on edge and will achieve the effect I originally wanted.

We developed our voices as a group by brining all the voices  together as an ensemble. This creates a powerful atmosphere that highlights the dominance of our character. As all of our vocal choices are very distinctive, they can be heard in the ensemble whilst complimenting each other as individual voices, a compatibility we have been looking for in every aspect of our character. We made choices as a group when to say the lines together and when to split them up, allowing us time to work as an ensemble and individually. I believe the arrangements we decided on has worked very well as it allows us to showcase all of our skills.

We also looked at Locaha's physicality. Physicality is just important as voice; if not more so, as all text depends on the physical elements of the piece- the text rides on the action. With physicality being important anyway, the addition of Locaha's supernatural qualities meant we really had to think hard about a specific way she moved, both individually and as an ensemble, maintaining the gothic aspect to the performance whilst making her graceful, a combination I found hard to master. I was able to work around this by taking inspiration from the voice I had chosen. I decided to adopt a childlike stance, with raised shoulders, arms hanging low and meeting when hands join and moving, leading with my shoulders. I thought this allowed me to compliment my voice, making it more shocking to the audience by also adopting the physicality of a child. In addition leading with my shoulders allows me to move gracefully, yet practically.

We brought our physicality to life as a group, similarly to our voice work, by finding a way to move together that complimented us a both an ensemble and as individuals. We allowed ourselves to do this by keeping our individual stances but moving us a group. For example, we would us different heights, but move round someone in a circle together. I think this allowed as the stability of an ensemble whilst still letting us be creative as individuals.