Monday, November 30, 2009
Lights, Camera, Action
If I were to direct a scene from act V it would be the arrival of Florizel and Perdita. I find this scene significant because it provides a good setup for the reunion of the 2 Kings. This scene really shows how sorrowful king Leontes is because he takes his former best friend’s son and wife and treats them with very good hospitality. What I found interesting was that despite the fact that king Leontes found out that Florizel was lyinig about why he was in Sicilia, he still treated him with respect and dignity. He acted like a noble king by reassuring Florizel that things would be ok and immediately pursuing king Polixenes despite having not talked to him in over 15 years. That being said if I were to direct this scene I would probably want the actor and actress that played Florizel and Peridta to show a lot of emotion and urgency because they were running away from Polixenes. I would also show King Leontes, looking at Florizel and seeing his best friend, which would explain his compassion. The scene would be a very important part of the play, and although it wouldn’t be the climax I would direct it so that it showed the true side of Leontes, and his loyalty to his long lost friend Polixenes.
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Since almost everybody, including myself, wrote on the Hermione passage, I find it refreshing to read your blog. If you were to really direct this passage, I believe I would have more sympathy for Leontes. This is because I still don’t believe that man has a real change of heart. Certainly he was remorseful and was, perhaps, having the desire to take back those years to make things better. However I believe that if Mamilius hadn’t died, he would have had Hermione executed and Perdita done away with and not look back. I strongly believe that his remorse was mainly because he was left without an heir. Moreover, it was the way the whole cascade took place is what made it seem more dramatic. Perdita would have remained a bastard to Leontes if mamilius didn’t die. Therefore, I appreciate your attempt to lighten up this scene and allow emotions to really speak for them.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Nancy that it is great you wrote about something other than the scene where Hermione comes back to life. Your direction of the scene is important so the audience will give King Leontes's a second chance. With him in good standing at the end of the play, no character is left as a "villain." He is quite remorseful, and I like that you pointed out he is kind and helpful to Florizel and Perdita even after finding out the two lied about their intentions. The lovers are essential to the reunion of the two kings, and so you are right by saying this scene is quite significant. I appreciate the direction you would give the actor of King Leontes to show his loyalty and nobility. He really does make an effort to welcome everyone to Sicilia again. How would you have the two actors for Florizel and Perdita show their emotion and urgency? With their dialect of words or maybe their facial expressions? Good Blog!
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