Necessary Targets: Performers' physical interpretation of character (build, age, height, facial features, movement, posture, gesture, facial expression)

Necessary Targets: Performers’ physical interpretation of character (build, age, height, facial features, movement, posture, gesture, facial expression)

Understanding Physical Interpretation of Character in ‘Necessary Targets’

• A performer’s physical interpretation of character can be integral to conveying the storyline and developing a believable persona in ‘Necessary Targets’. Actors need to demonstrate the characters’ personalities not just through lexical dialogue but through their physicality.

Varying Characteristics

• Physical attributes, such as build, age, height, and facial features, help to visually differentiate the characters and create variety on stage. For example, the apparent physical differences between J.S. and Melissa, and the Bosnian women help to establish their different cultural and professional backgrounds.

Movement, Posture, and Gesture

• Movement, the way characters walk, run, or remain still, is a crucial part of their physical interpretation. Movement can be used to show a character’s emotions, age, health, and socio-economic background.
• Posture can be used to portray a character’s confidence level, social status, and even their overall mood. For example, J.S.’s confident posture might stiffen under stress, reflecting her inner turmoil.
• Gestures contribute significantly to non-verbal communication on stage. Smooth, controlled gestures suggest calmness and confidence, while abrupt, large movements might indicate anxiety or fear.

Facial Expression

• Facial expressions are powerful in conveying the characters’ emotional reactions. The distress, fear, or peace experienced by the characters can be shown through their facial expressions. For example, the Bosnian women might often wear expressions of sadness, pain, distrust, or hope during their therapy sessions.

Physicality Reflecting Internal Changes

• As the characters in ‘Necessary Targets’ go through internal changes, these should be reflected in their physicality. A previously stiff and formal character might gradually appear more relaxed or vice versa, symbolising their internal transformations.

Impact of Physical Interpretation on Audience’s Understanding

• The performers’ physical interpretation helps audiences in understanding the underlying themes and dynamics in the play like cultural clash, psychological turmoil, and the war’s impact.
• By paying attention to physical details, audiences can gain a comprehensive understanding of the character development and the narrative progression in ‘Necessary Targets’.