Genesis

As part of the course at York each person is given the task of creating a character to present to the rest of the group. About ten weeks are allowed for its growth but hardly any of the preparation for it is done in course time. The character must dress, bring what props, use whatever dramatic style its character feels to be appropriate. It is presented by “living” in public a short scene from its everyday life. Then the character is interviewed by the audience and must reply in rôle. It is hoped that people will remember and refer to what Constantin Stanislavsky has to say about building a character. (His books “Building a Character” and “Creating a Rôle” are both published by Methuen.) The following is an account of the creation of one such character. (Ed.)