AAU28D: Set Reading 3- How can we connect to language in dramatic text?

Corrigan (1997) has mentioned that there is the relevance of the teaching of voice with psycho-physical techniques when it comes to speech production. A physical activity can induce a mental correlation in the same way language can bring out the urge to act in you. This is especially evident in class, where we play engaging games that are fun for any age and get everyone excited and running about. The inhibitions that we placed on ourselves are released when we get caught up with having fun and focusing on the game at hand. Similarly, famous speeches inspired feelings of pride, righteous anger, patriotism and more with them and it was for that which the speeches were remembered for.

The dramatic text is written specially so that they could be delivered in a dramatic context, and what helped delivery the drama in the text was by the emotions that are infused into each word. In the poetry recitation of Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll, the words do not make sense. When delivered by someone with a full understanding of the story of the Jabberwock, the gibberish words came to life and became a full story that everyone could understand.

Stobierski (2018, May). Desperation picture.

This relates to how we pick up non-verbal signals in body language; what we picked up instead was the emotions and intent that resides behind the way a word is pronounced. You don’t have to understand a foreign language when someone is shouting at you until their face turns red to know that you have upset them. You will not mistake a face full of helplessness and desperation trying to hold your hand while talking frantically as an over-friendly handshake. You will not mistake language in a dramatic text which, therefore, becomes a universal language just like facial expressions and body language.

Corrigan, M. (1997). ‘Psycho-Physical Techniques and Their Relevance to Voice and Actor Training’, in Hampton, M. & Acker, B. (Eds.), The Vocal Vision: Views on Voice by 24 Leading Teachings, Coaches & Directors. New York: Applause, pp. 93–105.

Stobierski, Tim (2018, May). Student Loan Desperation: My Crazy Student Loan Repayment Story. Retrieved 2018, November 13, from http://studentdebtwarriors.com/students/student-loan-desperation/