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Wheeller Plays Exemplified |
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Written by David Farmer
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Monday, 02 June 2008 |
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 This DVD uses extracts of Mark Wheeller's plays for young people and interviews with the author to illustrate a number of dramatic and theatrical devices. The DVD is aimed at Drama GCSE and AS level candidates in the preparation of performance work. These issue-based plays are performed by TIE companies across the UK and are regularly used for study in schools. The extracts are performed by drama students and a voice-over introduces each scene and the device or technique which is to be highlighted.
The 18 scenes selected for the DVD represent a number of Wheeller's plays, including Too Much Punch for Judy, Arson About, Hard to Swallow, Kill Jill, Chicken and Sweet FA. These cover a range of issues including eating disorders, road safety, alcohol misuse and sexism. Techniques covered in the scenes include rhythm and pace, the use of the actor's body as a prop, symbolic objects, projected images, monologue, mime, song and flashback. The scenes are well-performed and cleanly recorded, with clear sound throughout.
The DVD serves as an excellent introduction to the punchy writing of Mark Wheeller, with lively language and strong energetic performances that communicate well to young audiences. The use of each scene to illustrate a technique serves as a useful tool for introducing students to techniques to use in their own work. The interviews with the author give an insight into the writing of the scripts and the purpose of the techniques within the scenes.
The DVD costs £40 +VAT and can be obtained from EG Products website, where further details and reviews can be found.
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