Noughts and Crosses: Performers' physical interpretation of character (build, age, height, facial features, movement, posture, gesture, facial expression)

Noughts and Crosses: Performers’ physical interpretation of character (build, age, height, facial features, movement, posture, gesture, facial expression)

Physical Characteristics

  • Noughts and Crosses demands the performers to accurately represent the characters’ unique physical attributes such as their build, age, height, and facial features. Performers might need to change their natural body language or appearance.
  • It describes Sephy, a Cross, as having long, black hair, a slender build, and extreme beauty. She is also expected to carry herself with confidence, reflecting her upper social status.
  • In contrast, Callum, a Nought, is said to be tall and lanky, with red hair and freckles. The actor portraying him should try to replicate his physical aspect along with his insecure posture and hesitant movements, suggesting his lower social status.
  • For younger characters like Callum’s sister Lynny, performers may need to alter their physicality to appear more childlike and energetic. This could be conveyed through lively movements, a playful demeanor, and a high, youthful voice.

Movement and Posture

  • Physical interpretations do not exclusively rely on the characters’ physical characteristics but also actors’ movements and gestures. The privileged Crosses might move with more refined and elegant gestures compared to the oppressed Noughts.
  • The portrayal of Sephy involves a confident, upright posture that reflects her high social status. On the other hand, the character of Callum should project a more subdued and timid image, indicating his lower standing in society.

Facial Expression and Body Language

  • Facial expressions are vital for expressing the characters’ emotions throughout the play. Sephy’s expressions could vary from stern to vulnerable, embodying her strong but compassionate nature. Callum’s expressions could portray his constant struggle between hope and despair.
  • Performers need to use expressive body language and facial expressions to convey the perpetual tension between Noughts and Crosses. This could involve intense eye contact or avoidance of it, stiff postures, clenched fists, and more.