Character research

During the process of finding my true character I identified key moments my character is in involved with. These include being pregnant, giving birth, being a mother figure, noticing members of the nation dying and being a solicitor/lawyer type figure. Within these key moments I must remain natural character choices that allow the audience to understand my sustained character.

I researched how native Americans give birth. I chose to use native Americans as they are close to tribal figures similar to the characters created in Nation. In my scene where I am giving birth I am loud and giving birth similar to an animalistic figure such as a cow. To fulfil this I practised deep outbursts of breath and screams (much like a cow). In contrast to the modern way of giving birth I used interesting character choices to squat giving birth rather than being on semi supine.

In other key moments of the play such as showing the audience a relationship with my growing baby I ensured there was a clear character bond between mother and son. To reach the full potential of this I took hard evidence from experienced relationships I witness with mothers. Much like the term 'mothers instinct' I was able to show this. For example when feeding my baby it is clear I am able to mother the baby correctly by holding him and hushing to relax him. Furthermore when Twinkle has grown up, I ensure I remain a maternal figure by holding my child's hand and guiding her through the atmospherics the ensemble bring to life.

Additionally, in the key moment of noticing Ataba's dead body I have to ensure that I am strong in character choices. As I am with Twinkle in this scene I have to be a supportive figure, by doing this I use a soft line "Don't worry twinkle" and comforting actions by hiding his face from the body. I found this character choice quite challenging to make as I also have to show emotion to the audience from my perspective. To do this I make sure I look shocked and horrified by what I see in front of me. Following this interpretive action I will then say my name and remember to comfort Twinkle beside me.

In the final key moment Cahle plays in Nation is the court scene. The character choices I made for this scene were dominating and defensive of Daphne. When doing the research for what character choices I should make I instantly thought of a solicitor/lawyer working as a defendant in court. To fulfil my character choices in this I watched and listened to the speech and gestures made by a lawyer. The speech was slow and sustained and a domineering manner came across. Gestures used were highly formal and sophisticated. Although I am still Cahle in this scene, I believe the character choices made above are still suitable for this role.

A large variety of character choices are to be made throughout Nation. However doing research on choices to be made in key moments has ensured that character choices are fulfilled to the best potential.