IB Theater Journal
So this past week or so we have been looking at the Brectian style. Today while watching, Caberet, Morello asked us to look at the "transitional scene" where the lead female character, what's her face, sings the solo about 'maybe he'll stay'. This piece within the show was the first of it's kind. The past musical acts had all been ensumbles, even if they were more one person titles. There was hardly any dancing, the camera used different angles, less emphasis on her body and more on her face. She played it up differently, less sex and more emotion. During class someone mentioned the lighting technique. There was the defined spotlight on her throughout the entire number, which gave it that stop and have her be taken out action which gave the piece it's emphasis. The number of people in the audience, also was different. Normally the club is packed, but now there is hardly a seat filled. I am trying to decide if that is due to the political nature that is happening outside the club, or if it is due to a downfall within the Caberet. I shall find out when we finish it. Anyway, there is a noticeable absence of an audience. The other performers back stage have lost their gusto. They are all looking drab and unenthusiastic about their performances, and complete opposite from previous numbers. It's interesting to note that although the rest of the club seems dismal, she is still high as ever. She is not letting the outer influence get to her. The song is reflecting her emotion which are obviously powerful to her and within her. I believe that Bob Fosse did a good job of taking this personal, transitional moment and giving it that focus that it needed to stand out. Using all the techniques that I have discussed above I think that he did a fine job.