Attempting to do one of River's monolouges...need support. by LadyKnight

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Attempting to do one of River's monolouges...need support.

POSTED BY: LADYKNIGHT
UPDATED: Thursday, April 6, 2006 13:16
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Wednesday, April 5, 2006 12:48 PM

I'm in an acting/directing/playwriting class...and I've been, over the last several weeks, working to adapt River's conversations with Jubel Early into a workable monolouge. It's been painful, cutting into the sheer genius of the scene to make it stage presentable and capable of standing alone. It's been nerve-wracking thinking of even TRYING to do something that Summer Glau already did more then brilliantly, and above all, it's been frightening thinking of what some of you might thing about this decision.

But now, the final version is out. I've cut more then I ever wanted to, and the worst part is, I've got another monolouge that's actully from a play just knocking on my brainpan...I really want to do this, partly as promotional for Firefly, and partly because I want to combine my two greatest passions...Theater and Firefly...

So...I'm here for support, oppinions. Should I even be doing this? Should I have written this post as a blog? How can I make it more...stage-presentable? This browncoat needs help guys...I've tried running, I've tried walking, and now I'm getting to need someone to carry me for a bit.

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Wednesday, April 5, 2006 1:39 PM

STDOUBT

Before you actually perform it, have someone
read it, or read it aloud to someone who can
give you feedback. The thing to look for is
does it actually make sense, and if so, does
it carry any meaning.
I also have to say that if there's another
monologue knocking on your brainpan, that could
be a sign to do it and not the River monologue.
You do seem fairly unsure. If you decide to go
with the River scene, screen it, practice it and
nail it before presenting it in class.
Break a leg!

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Thursday, April 6, 2006 1:54 AM

NUCLEARDAY

Sounds like an interesting idea. If it's something you feel strongly enough about doing, then I'd say go for it.

I never did any theatre myself, just hung out with that crowd (that's where all the cute girls were at :) So there's not much advice I could give you.

Anyways, I always liked that part, and I think I can see it making a good monologue.

The thing I always liked about Summer's portrayal of River is that some of those lines Joss wrote for her could easily have come out kinda cheesey coming from another actress. I always admired how she totally committed to the dialogue, no matter how odd it was. So that'd be my advice. Just give it your all. Like so much of the series, if you put enough of your heart into it, it can't help but move people. :)

Break a leg.

________________________________________________
You can take my hope when you pry it from my cold, dead fingers.

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Thursday, April 6, 2006 9:43 AM

MILFORD

Do it to it! If you can take a couple of things you love and combine them, the by all means do. I know I've never been the same since someon encouraged me to take the strawberry preserves I love so much and pair them with the crunchy peanut butter that was my passion....

Seriously, do it. Working on something you are interested in not only makes working more fun, but it also keeps you working, which is tough when faced with a large assignment like this.

The main thing to remember is that you're writing for the ear, not they eye. I like the advice someone already gave. Read it aloud, especially to someone with zero FF/S knowledge, that way you know you're getting across what you want to get across.

Let me know how it goes. If you need any help don't hesitate to shout.

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Leaning into the wind that used to carry me-Stavesacre
That's why I don't kiss'em on the mouth- Jayne Cobb

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Thursday, April 6, 2006 10:18 AM

LITTLEALBATROSS

I think a lot of it depends on the dialogue itself - as STDOUBT posted, it should have some meaning on its own (kind of like the 'To be or not to be' monolgue from Hamlet, even without the context of the play it still has meaning).

It might help to either tape yourself saying it, or get someone else to read it (either to you or just to themselves) to see how the words hold up on their own. Sometimes a second opinion can be realy helpful in figuring out what doesn't/does make sense.

I had to do several of these in high school (in character stuff was very big among the English and History teachers) and just from performing them and watching others perform theirs, found that the easiest and better performed ones came naturally. So if you are really unsure about River and have another option, go for the other one.

On the other hand, if you really want to do the River one, don't just study the dialogue, study River. It may help with the stage presentation as well - a lot of River's character comes down to presence - she's just different than the other characters and a lot of it's subtle (the way she turns her head, walks, etc). Try not to think of Summer Glau's performance as intimidating, try thinking of it as a starting point

Anyway that's just my $0.02 - I'm not sure how much it's worth, I don't have much experience, just the high school projects and some time in a youth theatre group.

Break a leg!

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Thursday, April 6, 2006 1:16 PM

LADYKNIGHT

Thanks for the support guys.

Well...I presented the monolouge...and the director gave me instructions on how to play it. I'll work on making it more River in style and movement though...hardest part is, I have to play it as though she were in the room with Jubal at the time. Kinda brain-twangey but...I have it.

The best part is...this monolouge has already given me the oppurtunity to introduce TWO fellow students to Firefly. One of them wants to borrow disc 2. (already lent him disc one...got it back safe and sound.)

Thanks again for the advice and the support. I'll keep you posted.

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