Evaluation of 13 by Mike Bartlett

Evaluative report of ‘13’ by Mike Bartlett 

What were our strengths in the play ‘13’?

Overall I thought the whole product was a big success considering that it was our first play with that we had only known for a couple of week. Since the start of putting together ’13 everyone was getting as a group. I think this was a great advantage and our strength because ’13’ is all about linking together people who have the same dream. For example in act one scene two Sarah notices John and pauses because she recognises John from the dream.

Secondly, our professionalism throughout the performance made it more of a performance not a performance from 16-18 years olds. Professionalism such as being quiet backstage was good to see because of the support that it given towards other students. There was commitment in this play when rehearsals were taking place everyone attended which is a positive because then people won’t have to be filled in on what they had missed. Also by having a good attendance means that we could help each other out if a person was struggling etc.

I thought that the characterisation was a great expect to the play. Scenes such as Act four scene seven (Dennis and Sarah) gave a dark side to the play. It gave the play a sense of anger after the comedy expects of the play. I always enjoy watching this scene as it was blocked looking at the audience instead of the naturalistic approach by talking at each other. The way it was blocked was a lot better because the audience can see the facial expressions which can be disturbing. Also the facial expressions are showing contrast. For example Dennis is angry and the murder of his daughter whereas Sarah is begging forgiveness. Also most of the feedback was praise on the American accent from Ruby’s character. She completely wasn’t her normal self and she just changed to a nasty girl who whines her mother up. This is a hard thing to do and was presented so well.

Relationships was a key strength to this performance which was my character (Shannon) and Zia. The relationship was played as two young people trying to find love in a geeky way such as they both have something in common which is looking at the stars. For example in Act three scene four Zia got tried to strike up a conversation by saying ‘thirteen’ to talk to Shannon. The relationship gave the audience a reaction which is a good sign. This reaction was only heard from a younger audience therefore the younger people can relate to this because this is what they are going through which is love.

What were the weakness of the play ‘13’?

I think our weakness was the ensemble parts in the speeches. I think the cast weren’t thinking about what was being said. Instead there were an occasion cheering. I think if were to do those scenes again I think I would put some physical theatre and gradually reveal something in the last speech that is being said.

Our main weakness was pace of the play particularly with the speeches by John and the scenes with Dennis and Ruth. The pace is an important part of the play because the audience can lose concentration. If I did the play again I would work more on the pace and make everyone became aware on what is being said by John.

In conclusion I think that despite our weakness we did a great performance and I really enjoyed playing my characters Alice and Shannon.