Our Country's Good: development of pace and rhythm

Our Country’s Good: development of pace and rhythm

Pace and Rhythm in ‘Our Country’s Good’

Pacing of the Plot

• The storyline in ‘Our Country’s Good’ experiences a deliberate buildup of pace to intensify the climax, before gradually ebbing away towards the resolution.
• The early scenes establish the characters and their circumstances at a modest pace, creating an empathetic bond between the reader and the characters.
• The middle act speeds up with the planning and rehearsals of the play, creating rising tension and resulting in a climactic confrontation with Major Ross.
• After the successful performance, the pace slows, allowing space for the aftermath and reflections on the transformative process the characters have undergone.

Rhythm Within Scenes

• Individual scenes reveal Wertenbaker’s skill at alternating rhythm to emphasise emotional weight or comedic relief.
• Dialogue often shifts between short, punchy exchanges to longer, more profound speeches – this dynamic change in rhythm serves to heighten the atmosphere.
• The pacing and rhythm within scenes can act as a mirror for the emotions or state of mind of the characters present.
• The rehearsal scenes are particularly noteworthy for their dynamic rhythm, reflecting the chaotic and transformative journey the convicts undertake.

Pace and Rhythm Through Staging

• Wertenbaker utilises cinematic techniques to manipulate pace and rhythm visually, which amplifies the textual cues within ‘Our Country’s Good’.
• The frequent scene changes and minimalistic sets allow for a quick pace, conveying the sprawling nature of the penal colony and the constant change the characters experience.
• Staging directions further influence the rhythm. For instance, the blocking of actors within a scene can create a rapid-fire, energetic dialogue or a hesitant, slow-paced exchange.

Effect on Character Development

• The pace and rhythm have a significant effect on developing and revealing character arcs throughout ‘Our Country’s Good’.
• The varying pace allows for deeper introspection into characters’ motivations and changes.
• It provides a framework for characters to evolve: the slower pace at the beginning allows for foundation-building, the swifter pace in the middle reflects upheaval and change, and the slowing down towards the end signals resolution and understanding.

Pace and rhythm in ‘Our Country’s Good’ are instrumental devices for Wertenbaker. They guide the narrative, enhance character development, and regulate the emotional intensity of the play, leading to a profound exploration of social constructs and human potential.