A creative investigation of character through socio-linguistic experimentation in dialect acquisition in the play Blue Orange by Joe Penhall
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Research Statement
Research Background
This project involved a new approach to my acting technique, by engaging with various UK based dialects to access the most believable and responsive approach to character development. The performance was the WA premiere of the play Blue Orange by Joe Penhall. The play deals with the moral, ethical and social dilemmas faced by psychiatrists and explores the connection between ethnicity and mental health particularly illuminating the way psychiatry can be politicized. The role of Richard posed significant challenges due its complexity leading to the research question of how can evaluating accent dialect acquisition be a useful tool for character development such as bravado masking prejudice and socio-linguistic traits revealing character history.
Research Contribution
The research included several sociolinguistic experiments (Rosseel & Grondeleurs, 2018) bringing together the theories of H. Ashton (2014) on the politics of pronunciation, in relation to dialect and environment in an innovative fusion. Ultimately, an Estuary accent proved most effective in its incorporation of appropriate character traits & class inherent in the script. The dialect assisted in intuitively accessing the character whilst adding a blend of humour and authority. The rhythms & nuance of the accent added extra resonance to the performance & subsequently informed teaching practises.
Research Significance
This production was funded by a competitive WA Government grant, produced by Theatre 180, and written by acclaimed playwright Joe Penhall. There was strong critical acclaim (eg. Arts Hub; Stage Whispers). The novel approach has built on the findings from my previous CARO in 2021, Output #43561 and fed into research-led teaching offered by myself and colleague Luzita Fereday in Unit3004. Transmitting knowledge in the deployment of dialect as a tool for character development is impacting acting pedagogy.
Non-Traditional Research Output
Live Performance
Document Type
Non-Traditional Research Output
Date of Publication
2022
Publisher
Theatre 180
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
RAS ID
55433
Event Title
Blue Orange
Event Dates
August 20–September 3, 2022
Event Venue
Burt Hall, St George's Cathedral
Duration
2h:20 mins
Comments
Smith, A. (2022). A creative investigation of character through socio-linguistic experimentation in dialect acquisition in the play Blue Orange by Joe Penhall. Theatre 180, Burt Hall, St George's Cathedral.