Feedback on the Group 3 Drama Performance

“A mesmerising and extraordinary piece of drama that able to project different emotions.”

1. Props :

• The use of props was creative and effective. There were multiple kind of props, especially in different scene, there were different props. Each of the props played a different role, and they served the emotion and story of the play. For example, the cauldron that had been used was very creative, as it showed only half the body of the actors, indicating that they were actually in the cauldron. However, some props were difficult to handle, and it was distracting from the performance. For example, the cage needed to be held by the actors for it to be more effective, and sometimes it was falling down.

2. Voice Projection :

• The voice projection that had been used was engrossing to some of the characters, especially with the unique vocalisation that was added to the character. For example, the most memorable was the character of the Witch. The actor used higher notes from his usual voice to suit his character. However, since the actors wanted to portray an eerie and scary persona through his voice, some of his words are not clear. Not only that, there were also overlapping voices, which made it hard for the audience to understand the conversation. For example, when Willy Wonka conversed with Hansel, the Witch also conversed with Ompa Lompa. So, it was hard to listen to which conversation.

3. Blocking :

• Through the performance, the actors exhibited excellent visibility. Each actor had their own position. However, there were a lot of movements that sometimes blocked other characters. For example, when Willy Wonka was shocked by Ompa Lompa's actions, she actually blocked the view of the Witch. In my opinion, there should be fewer movements to help with the visibility of the actors.

4. Costume :

• The costume design for each character had noticeable features to indicate their personality, effectively capturing the characteristics of each character. For example, the Witch wore all black clothes with his pointed hat to indicate he was the Witch and Willy Wonka wore her iconic hat.

5. Stage Direction :

• The movements of the actors showed that they were able to demonstrate an excellent grasp of stage direction and a well-prepared performance. Each actor knew where and when to enter the stage, indicating their understanding of their roles. For example, Hansel and Gunther enter the stage from stage left and exit to stage right. When they enter a new scene, they still enter from stage left to indicate they are actually walking in the same direction.

6. Sound Effects and Lighting :

• The choice of sound effects was minimal, and only a few sound effects had been used. Not only that, the sound effect was so minimal that the emotions of the performance depended on the voice of the characters. For example, the noticeable sound effects only exist in a few scenes, like when the Ompa Lompa character appeared. Apart from that, the lighting used suits the timing, as it was used as a transition of the scene. For example, when the scene wanted to transition between Scene 1 and Scene 2, the teams used lights on and off to indicate the new scene, also with the help of props.

(GROUP 2)

Feedback on the Group 3 Drama Performance

"Behind a Curtain of A Playful and Fun Performance"

1. Props 

The props used by the production group are very creative and clever. This is because most of the items used to create the props seem to be recycled, such as boxes, used paper, and plastic sticks. The props are very colorful, which is suitable for the genre and vibes of the drama. Even though they are colorful and attractive, they don't distract me too much from the drama plot. I can still focus on the acting rather than on the props. Each part of the props enhances the characters' characteristics, such as the stick used by Willy Wonka. However, some of the props are not efficiently used because they seem to lack some parts, causing them to almost fall onto the actors, such as the cage. Willy Wonka, Hansel, and Gantel should not have to hold the cage to show that it is trapped; it should be able to stand by itself to demonstrate that it is actually a real cage.

2. Voice projection 

The voice projection is very clear for each character. I can hear their voices clearly despite their unique vocalizations, which makes it easy for me to understand the plot of the drama. However, there is one character who uses their unique vocal style excessively, which partially hinders my understanding of what they're saying. For instance, the witch character. While the higher pitch of their voice adds to the scary effect, some of the words in their dialogue are quite difficult to understand.

 3. Blocking

The actors excel in preventing any of the characters from blocking each other during the performance. However, there is one scene where the Oompa Loompa was blocked by a stage prop. I could only hear the voice without being able to see where she stood on the stage because she was behind a prop. Overall, throughout the entire performance, none of the actors blocked each other. They all gave each other ample space to perform, making it easy for the audience to see all the actors.

4. Costumes

The costume used for each character shown noticeable elements that conveyed their personality, capturing the essence of each character. For instance, the Witch wore all black clothes with a pointed hat, clearly indicating his role, while Willy Wonka donned her iconic hat. Similarly, Hansel and Gunther wore boys' shirts, and the Oompa Loompas' attire reflected elements from the movies. Overall, all the characters were outfitted correctly, mirroring their counterparts in the movie. This heightened my excitement and comprehension of the performance because I didn't need to spend too much time guessing the characters; just by looking at their outfits, I felt a sense of familiarity since they closely resembled those from the movie.

5. Sounds effect and lighting 

The production employed minimal sound effects, relying heavily on the voices of the characters to convey emotions. While some scenes featured noticeable sound effects, such as when the Oompa Loompa character appeared, they were brief, providing only a fleeting enjoyment. Additionally, the lighting used was well-timed, serving as a transition between scenes. However, when the lighting was too dim, it posed challenges for the crew in arranging items and props for scene changes. Nonetheless, the transition from scene 1 to scene 2 was enjoyable to watch when the lights were switched off.

(GROUP 2)

Feedback on Group 3 Drama Performance.

"A mesmerizing tale of magic and adventure on stage, leaving the audience spellbound and amazed."

1. Stage Direction:

The stage direction for group 1 is excellent. The way the actors moved around on stage are really good. Each actor knows where exactly the direction they need to enter the stage. They changed scenes smoothly, and it helped us follow the story easily. For example, Hansel and Gunther enter the stage from the stage left again after the first scene to show that they are continuing their journey.

2. Lighting, and Sound Effects:

The use of sound effects in this performance is not varied, only a few sound effects are used in the performance. However, the use of suspense and eerie sound effects in the scene where the witch is getting boiled was good that it helps to enhance the dramatic effects in the performance. The lighting used in the performance was good, especially in the scene of the witch getting boiled. The use of red light in the scene helps the audience to understand the scene better. It also created a visually captivating atmosphere, drawing focus to key moments.

3. Blocking:

Overall, the actors maintained excellent visibility to the audience. However, in the scene where Willy Wonka, Hensel, and Gunther are in jail, Gunther's movements are blocked by Willy Wonka and Hensel. The blocking in the scene prevents the audience from seeing some of the movements of Gunther.

4. Voice Projection:

The actors in the performance use a clear pronunciation that can be understood by the audience. All of the actors deliver their lines confidently and clearly. Even though, the witch uses a high-pitched voice to show his character, the audience still can understand him clearly.

5. Costumes and props

The costumes used are exquisitely designed, capturing the essence of each character with remarkable attention to detail. For example, both Hensel and Gunther wear white shirts to show that they are related. The props used in the performance are relevant to the setting and storyline of the story. The props used in the performance are creative, it helps the audience to understand the meaning of the scene better. The use of candy props scattered around on the floor helps to represent the chocolate factory. However, some props in the performance is not practical to use, such as the use of cage that need the actors to hold it in order for it to stand. This prevent the actor’s movement in the scene.

(Group 2)

Feedback on Group 3 Drama Performance

"A hauntingly atmospheric drama that captivates audiences with its eerie ambiance."

1. Stage Direction:

The group members were exceptionally adept at stage direction. They did not scatter around aimlessly but rather created a well-coordinated flow throughout the performance, indicating thorough preparation. This was evident in their seamless entrances and exits, demonstrating a clear understanding of timing and spatial awareness.

2. Music, Lighting, and Sound Effects:

Regarding the music, while it was interesting and enjoyable, its brevity limited the audience's ability to fully immerse themselves. Additionally, the choice of music during prop preparation seemed incongruent with character immersion. Nevertheless, the overall selection of music was commendable, despite a lack of substantial sound effects. The lighting design was particularly noteworthy, with precise cues enhancing dramatic moments, such as the eerie red light during the witch's demise. While sound effects were predominantly generated vocally, incorporating more diverse sound effects could elevate the viewing experience, adding depth and excitement.

3. Blocking:

In terms of blocking, the actors effectively maintained audience engagement by minimizing instances of turning their backs. However, some characters, notably the Oompa Loompa, tended to position themselves too far stage right, obscuring visibility for certain audience members due to microphone stands. This could be addressed to ensure equal visibility for all audience.

4. Voice Projection:

Impressively, the actors demonstrated excellent voice projection, particularly noteworthy in the portrayal of the witch, whose distinctive pronunciation added authenticity to the character. However, clarity was occasionally compromised during eerie scenes, where comprehension was hindered by exaggerated vocal alterations.

5. Costumes:

The attention to detail in costuming was exceptional, with each actor embodying their character convincingly. Willy Wonka's hat was particularly evocative, unmistakably representing the iconic character. The Oompa Loompa's use of yellow face paint effectively captured the uncanny essence of the character. The portrayal of the witch was notably chilling, instilling genuine fear in the audience. Additionally, the costumes of Hansel and Gunther effectively conveyed their roles as ordinary individuals lost in the forest, contributing to the narrative clarity of the play.

6. Props:

The effort invested in prop creation was exemplary, with props enhancing the immersive quality of the performance. The prison scene was rendered remarkably realistic through the use of confinement bars, effectively conveying the characters' plight. The depiction of cooking the witch was captivating, despite space constraints, with props lending authenticity to the scene. Moreover, the addition of vibrant and sizable props ensured clear visibility for the audience, enriching the overall visual experience.

TESL 4 (Group 3)

Feedback on Group 1 (The Cursed Slumber)

"Tale of two princesses merged seamlessly with unexpected captivating twist"

The props

• I think the prop that was used is very effective although the number was minimal. Throughout the play, the props were utilised fully by the characters. For example, the tree is used by Princess Aurora to hide when she is stalking Maleficent and Cinderella. She is also used that to sneak on Cinderella to get her glass slippers.

• In terms of costume, I feel that all of them were very appropriate with the characters. For me, the costumes really describes each of the character effectively. The king with the crown, the queen and princess with tiaras and beautiful dresses, maleficent with the horns and black outfit.

Sound effects

• There are a few sound effects used in the play. I find that the sound effects were appropriate and not off timed. For example, the opening of the first scene the sounds of trumpet are played for the entrance of the king and queen. In the scene where prince charming and Cinderella are dancing in the ball, a classical music was played accordingly to the setting of the play.

• Some objects like the bell, spoon and glass are used to create sound effects.

  
  

The main story and plot

• In my opinion, the merge between the story of Princess Aurora and Cinderella with many unexpected twists really leaves an impression for me. As an audience, I can follow the story and it gives me a message that the evil way is never an option, even if it's for restoring the justice, and the good ways always prevail the best. I personally think that the playwright is really creative when they change the curse of Princess Aurora. Instead of being asleep because of a spindle, Princess Aurora are now becoming a princess that are full of hatred and boiled with envy as she is cursed to not be able to sleep. This change made the character of Princess Aurora to be jealous, implement hatred and doing bad things to satisfy her envy. I found it merged appropriately with the story of Cinderella which the playwright takes a lot of consideration taking some specific plots that are merged with the modifications made in the main plot of Princess Aurora's story. The plot did build up nicely for a children’s drama as in the end, we could take the lesson that we need to be good to our friends, and we need to be forgiving to our friends.

  
  

  Voice projection

• Overall, all actors have project their voice very clearly and the diction is clear too. Personally, I like the voice projection of Princess Aurora the most as her voice is very very clear throughout the portrayal of different emotions of the character throughout the play. The voice which varies depending on the play script either it should be projected loud or soft can be hear clearly by the audience. Other characters such as the royal guard, the king's servant, the king, the queen, Maleficent, Prince Charming and Cinderella also projects their voice accordingly to the characteristics of the character played. For example, deep voices are used when voicing characters that are male and higher voice when voicing female characters. The also use the intonation well that conveys the emotion or mood carried by the characters.

Positioning and blocking

• I think that the characters are well- positioned because as an audience I can see them very well when they are giving their lines and also when they are not. When their characters are not giving lines, they position themselves behind the ones who are giving the lines. This shows the voice priority of characters during a scene.

• Most of the characters were placed in the center during scenes which emphasises the main event during the specific scene. However, some characters such as Princess Aurora who is planning something devious in the back of Cinderella always placed upstage behind a prop which for me tells her evil intentious in the form of action.

FEEDBACKS ON (THE CURSED SLUMBER) 

“An enthralling production that skillfully evokes a spectrum of emotions through its excellent realistic sound design and captivating plot twists.”

PROPS & COSTUMES:

• The amount of props used in the play are minimal. However, they are effective and appropriate with the amount of scenes and settings of the story. Some of the props are multipurpose, for instance the tree that is put at the Upstage Right which is used during two scenes which are when Aurora is hiding and eavesdropping at Cinderella and Maleficent, and also during the ball when Cinderella lost her slippers. 

• However it is noticeable that the two main props which are the tree and the castle remained static for the whole play. In my opinion, it is hard for me to understand whether there are changes of scene and setting in the story or does it only take place in one setting which results in confusion to the audience. I wish the props were moved around throughout the stage based on the scene. 

• The costume design for each character is true to their personality except for Aurora. From the beginning, it is expected that Aurora with her pink and white flowy dress is a character that is kind and innocent but turns out to be the other way around. She is ironically hot-tempered and envious of her friend due to her unfortunate fate/curse she needs to endure. For other characters such as the Prince and the Guard, the cast is very clever to minimally change the details of their outfit to show off the different character they played. For instance, holding a sword (Guard)  and not wearing the horn (Prince). The minimal makeup also helps in changes of characters by the cast.

SOUND EFFECT, BACKGROUND MUSIC & LIGHTING:

• The timing of the sound effects and background music was impeccable, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the play. What I especially admired was the use of live materials instead of heavy reliance on digital resources. For instance the use of everyday objects like a cup and spoon, a bell by the Messenger, and even the actors' stomping feet, the production created a captivating soundscape that truly engaged the audience. This intentional choice not only captured attention but also contributed to a more authentic and realism to the performance.

• Personally, I love the part during the announcement because the synchronized gasps from the other characters added a sense of realism and excitement to the scene. Their collective reaction created an immersive atmosphere which makes the audience be part of the play as well. This  also heightens the tension and makes the moment more impactful and engaging. The unity in their response amplified the significance of the announcement which in my opinion, enhanced the overall theatrical experience

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• The selection of the songs and sound effects fits with the scene and the plot of the story. They are appropriate with the moments that are being portrayed by the characters. The variation of lighting is minimal which prominently can be seen during the scene at Aurora's bedroom, the lighting is dimmed to show that it is at night.

VOICE PROJECTION & INTONATION:

• In terms of voice projection and intonation, the actors’ voices can be heard which is the most important aspect of a play. The words are articulated nicely and can be comprehended by the audience.

• I love the dynamics of vocal loudness of the characters. They don’t need to always be speaking loud to make the audience listen to what they’re saying. A good example of this is portrayed by Aurora when she is battling her feelings after being cursed for not able to sleep. She started speaking in lower volume and gradually being loud to show the soaring of unpleasant emotions (sad, jealous and mad). Which then proceeded with a loud cry indicating a devastating and powerful sadness felt by Aurora. These minute details matter in showing the grandeur of the prominent scene and  in the effort to show an impactful portrayal of true feelings.

• However, some main characters, such as the King and Maleficent, could benefit from improving their vocal delivery. When Maleficent is saying “Ask your husband” I wish she would have screamed louder with a growl to show her stand. Same to the King when he wants to apologize, he could have played with the variations of tonality of his speech to convey dynamics of emotions towards the audience (civilians).

BLOCKING & POSITIONING:

• The characters notably occupied the central position in almost every scene, which is vital to anchor the audience's focus. Each character has their own position and shows great visibility. However, in one part of the scene, when Cinderella is conversing with Maleficent, I wish that I can see Cinderella’s face more or positioned forward so that I can understand what she is saying a little more clearly.

• Additionally, in some parts of the play, the positioning of the characters is smart and has implicit meaning. For example, in Act II Scene 1, Aurora is hiding at the upstage right of the stage which shows her evil intention to stalk Cinderella. While Cinderella who is innocent  is standing at the downstage left which shows the differences of the good and evil of both of the characters.

• Later on, when Aurora seeks for Cinderella’s forgiveness, she is walking towards Cinderella at stage left indicating the changes of emotion from devious and jealousy to hopeful and helpless. This is very creative to show the complex and ever evolving traits and emotions of a multidimensional character in a play which are beautifully shown by these two characters.

FACIAL EXPRESSION:

• The emotion portrayed by Aurora is visible throughout the play especially during the scene when she is in her bedroom. She shows multiple emotions, which notably (sad,jealous,angry and helpless). The complexity of emotions reflected through her acting and the dynamic of her intonation when speaking. Therefore, in my stand, these fusion of elements makes the scene the most engaging scene of all scenes during the play.

• Nonetheless, the facial expressions of the other characters are good, however they can be improved. I wish that Maleficent would have been more animated on her face to cover the amount of lines that she has. Same goes to the King, although her voice projection is great but it is not reflected in his facial expressions and body movement. Prominently, during Act 1 when he wants the words to be spread across the kingdom and Act 4 when he apologizes to the civilians.

All in all, this is a successful crossover of two princesses story with an unexpected twist of character and plot making it an authentic and inventive play I have ever seen.

(GROUP 1)

Feedback on the Group 2 Drama Performance (Twisted Betrayal)

“An unlikely brotherhood, a clever ruse or brotherhood betrayal?"

Costumes

• All of the characters are portrayed well using the costumes. The actors envision the characters they are portraying and I can see that they are well thought out. For example, in the character Puss in Boots, the actress wore a boot and mantle and even drew whiskers to portray the cat. The same goes with the character Captain Hook who creates a hook to wear on her hand. These small details can help the audience identify which character is whom. 

Props

• The props used are minimal and functional. In the scene when Puss is talking with Humpty Dumpty uses four boxes around them to indicate a bridge. It is also used in the next scene when Humpty is begging Puss to forgive him.

Lighting

• I like how they spotlight the narrator at the beginning of the story when she is telling the story as it brings the audience’s attention to the character. They also switch off the light completely when transitioning to the next scene. This can make the transition between scenes smoother. Plus, in the fight scene, they switch off the lights and only rely on the sword light to set the scene. In my opinion, it suits very well as it adds tension to the scene. Overall, I think the actors cooperate very well with each other as they know when to switch off the lights and when not to. 

Sound effects

• The sound effects used are compatible with the scene. When Puss felt betrayed by Humpty, the sound used is a sad song. The song is suitable because as an audience, I empathize with Puss and feel sad during the scene. I also think the song reflects Puss’s feelings about how Humpty whom he treated like his own brother but Humpty tricked him. I also like how they played the swoosh sound during the swords scene because it heightens the dramatic effects of the scene.

Voice projection, Intonation, Speaking Style

• All of the characters have clear voice projection. They also use good diction in most of the scenes. When the pirates sing the Captain Hook song, I hope it is more articulate as some words were slurred together. But, the song is very creative with catchy phrases. 

• For the intonation, they portray a good variety of it. For instance, the rising tone is used when Captain Hook asks ‘Hero of San Ricardo? Aren’t you the wanted man of San Ricardo?’ The tone is also used to provoke Puss in Boots into accepting his offer. 

• The speaking styles used are good but I hope Captain Hooks is more rough and rugged in terms of speaking. It can be improved using words like Arrrr or Ahoy to embody the character. 

Blocking 

• All of the characters are well visible in the performance and use the stage space effectively. This can be seen when important events use centre stage to highlight the importance of the scene. For example, when Humpty is left by Puss, lying on the ground. They also portray a great demonstration of blocking when Puss is talking to Humpty, Captain Hook can be seen in the centre upstage. It helped the audience to understand Captain Hook’s malicious intent towards the two brothers 

• They also use blocking as a way to show the power dynamics between Captain Hook and the two pirates. Captain Hook is the one who has more power, is always downstage meanwhile the pirates are at stage right or stage left as they are below him. I think this is a genius way to imply the character’s power.

All in all, I enjoy the show very much! It gave me a rollercoaster of emotions as the drama played out with sadness, laughter and happiness. All of you have done a great job in conveying each character.

Feedback on the Group 2 Drama performance

( Puss in Boot: Twisted betrayal)

"Fun and witty plot twists that make the audience giggle until the end"

• Props and costumes

The props used by the production are creative and suit each scenes and characters. Each prop significantly indicate different scene and situation such as, the bridges from the boxes used when Puss leaves Humpty Dumpty alone, the treasure box from cardboard used when Captain Hook tried to lure Puss and sword as props for fighting scene. The props and costumes used help to create an adventurous atmosphere that enhance the audience experience. The all white clothing and oval cardboard wear by the actor suit her character as Humpty Dumpty. In addition, the scar makeup on the Smee and Mullins face and Captain Hook's hat costume show their pirate characteristics in common story. The use of swords, pirate costumes, and cowboy costumes suggests a blend of adventurous and exciting story that suit each characters.

•Sounds effect and lighting

The sounds effect used throughout the production are fitting with the scenes. The sound effect used such as police siren sounds, sad sounds, cowboy and swords battling sounds are suitable with the scene portrayed. The sad sounds effect played when Humpty Dumpty was sad when he get scolded by Puss truly create a giggle worthy scene. Not only that, the cowboy standoff sound effect when Puss and Humpty Dumpty met again truly create comedic element yet depicting a serious vibes between them. The production did excellent job in selecting good sound effect that perfectly fit the plot.

The lighting used also fit the scene and helps the transition between each scene went smoothly. When the light were off during the fighting scene, it create a dramatic effect for the sword battle and create suspense for the audience. The use of flashlight as the spotlight for narrator also creatively promote the audience to focus on the narrator.

• Voice projection and intonation

The voice projection by each characters is very clear and loud. They managed to project their voice loudly during the acting to make the audience understand their dialogues and contexts. I can hear each dialogue clearly and enjoy the performance. For example, the actor for Puss used a loud voice with a hint of anger in a scene where he was scolding Humpty Dumpty. This show the characters emotion and get the audience to immerse in the story. The variety of intonation use by each characters create unique differences between each character. For example, Captain Hook and his boy, Smee and Mullins use cheeky and persuasive intonation when they tried to persuade Puss to join them with treasure box. Not only that, the song sang by Smee, Mullins and Captain Hook are clear and entertaining which add bits of musical elements.

• Facial expressions

The actors are very expressive in showing their character's emotion throughout the dramatisation. The audience can exactly tell the emotions and mood of the characters in the plot by watching their face expression. For example, the frustrated face of Humpty Dumpty when he was left rolling alone at the bridge while calling Puss and in more scene. However, I wish the pirates (Captain Hook, Smee and Mullins) would be more expressive when showing the pirate's cunning, mischievous face expression such as smirking and more facial expression to show their tricksy and manipulative character.

• Stage direction

Each actors demonstrate good understanding of their stage direction based on their script. The characters move and perform the actions smoothly based on the script. For example, Puss was standing at the stage leave in rushing when police was chasing them by exiting through the stage left while Humpty Dumpty fell down at the center according to the stage directions. This show that they understand the details for their character's role and perform the actions smoothly.

• Blocking

The team did very well in managing their actors and props position in stage and avoid from blocking each other during each scene. They are able to show every characters in the stage when all of them are gathering together in the stage. Through out the performance, none of the characters blocked each other and keep managing their position well.

Overall, they did an amazing performance for Puss in boot: Twisted betrayal. I really enjoy the performance by this group as they filled the performance with exciting, fun and dramatic twist.

TESL 4 (Group 3)

Feedback on Group 1 (The Cursed Slumber)

"Powerful and serious performance of two princesses with unique playwrights"

The props

• The props prepared by the team is very creative and useful. They managed to potrayed the scene effectively using the props which enhanced visualization of the story. All of the characters used the props accordingly. For example, Princess Aurora used the bed in the scene where she throws them in anger and when she used the tree in the back to sneak on Cinderella and steal her shoes.

• For costume, all of the characters dressed accordingly to their character. I really like Cinderella’s costume the most, where she’s using plastics to show her poor condition, and then quickly changed into beautiful princess, wearing tiaras and scarf with her glass slippers.

Background Music and Sound Effects

• The sound effects used is well timed and appropriate. They used a suitable trumpet sound during the opening scene which indicates the older eras, where the trumpet sounds is used to make an announcement.

• Also, the scene where Prince Charming and Cinderella dance, are also using appropriate music, which are classical music used during in dancing ballroom.

• Others sound effect used such as spoon and glass and actors from offstage also adds on variety of sound effects.

Positioning and blocking

• The characters applied good positioning during the play. All of the characters know their positions and able to position themselves well on the stage. When the characters are giving the line, they positioned themselves in front of others characters, to make sure they are not block, and allowing the audience to see the character clearly.

• Some of the characters also showed variety in positioning, for example Princess Aurora who places herself at the back stage behind the trees, emphasizing she is being secretive and having ill intentions towards Cinderella

Voice projection

• All actors able to project their voice clearly with concise pronunciation. Princess Aurora shows her clear voice and clarity and able to potray different emotions excellently. For example, when she is angry due to not be able to sleep, she shouted loudly which makes all the audience shook. When she is sad, her voice become soft, but still can be heard clearly. Cinderella also shows good voice projection. She ables to potray her emotions of happiness when receiving the blessing from Maleficient and the feelings of being betrayed when Aurora tried to steal her shoe.

• Other characters also projects their voice accordingly to their characters. For example, The guard, the king servant and the king make their voice deeper, reresenting the male characters.

The main story and plot

• The merger of both story are very seamless. The group make a good job of choosing two story with similar characteristics and values. The main theme of the story would be the power of friendship fights the cruelty of life and wickedness will always fall. Having Princess Aurora to be a bad person in this story is creative and out of the box. Aurora turned evil do to her curse of insomnia, which is also a creative addition to the story. Maleficient who potrays to side of a coin shows us that even a villian also has a good side, when she decides to help Cinderella, if we look in that perspective. But the truth is, she is using Cinderella against Aurora, to make Aurora jealous of Cinderella who used to be best friends. But, Maleficient failed to in her revenge as Aurora and Cinderella finally get together again due to the kindness and how caring Cinderella is towards Aurora, which allows Aurora’s cursed to be lifted due to the power of friendship.

FEEDBACK ON GROUP 2

(PUSS IN BOOT: TWISTED BETRAYAL)

‘’A Play That Leaves the Audience Smiling with Great Team Production’’

CHARATERISATION

📍 They did a great job in portraying their characters. Puss is serious but gets caught up in silly situations, Humpty is a bit clumsy and naive, and Captain Hook is overly dramatic and sneaky. Smee and Mullins are entertaining, they portrayed the character of Captain Hook’s vassal very well. There are some funny lines used by Smee and Mullins. For instance, “Smee is right, Captain. Are you actually blind?” To be honest, the line is not that funny, but the actress's intonation and delivery add a comedic touch that enhances the line's humour.

COSTUMES & PROPS

📍 The actors’ costumes effectively show their respective characters in the play. The attires are carefully thought to represent the roles they play. For instance, the actress who plays Humpty Dumpty, wore all white clothing and an oval cardboard shaped like an egg. Meanwhile, Captain Hook's attire, complete with a pirate hat and a hook on one hand, completely identifies her character. Smee and Mullins also wear bandanas with some scars on their face and ropes, emphasizing their roles as pirates. What I really love the most is the attention to details in Puss in Boots outfits. The actress wears a hat, a mantle with whiskers painted on her face, and a boot. These small details help me in identifying their characters from the moment the actresses step on the stage.

📍 The props used are minimal but functional. The box filled with gold coins is used when Captain Hook is trying to make an offer with Puss. However, In my opinion, the boxes with brick wallpapers on the stage are a bit unnecessary since they are not used by Humpty Dumpty during the play.

VOICE PROJECTION

📍 Every character projects their voices very well according to the situation. For example, Captain Hook projects her voice when she is trying to get Puss attention from running away. However, there are some parts where the words are not pronounced clearly and loudly, making it a little bit difficult to hear and understand what they are saying.

LIGHTING

📍 The lighting creates a sense of smooth transitioning and adds dynamic to the performance. They dimmed the lights when transitioning to different scenes. The set transitions are seamless and enhance the storytelling. During the battle between Puss in Boots and Captain Hook and the pirates, I found myself captivated because the lightsaber stood out as they dimmed the lights and it created dynamics to the battle. The lighting helped to create the intense and dramatic mood of the play.

SOUND EFFECTS 

📍 Sound effects were used several times in the play. They really make a good use of them. They used police siren sounds, cowboy sounds and sad music. It really help in leaving an emotional impact. They use a sad emotional sound effect when Humpty Dumpty is betrayed by the puss in boots. It leaves an impression on me because it helps make the scene stand out. Furthermore, I love the pirate song performed by Smee and Mullins to introduce Captain Hook. The song matches the theme of the play.

POSITIONING AND BLOCKING

📍Every characters know their position well. Most of the characters stand in the center stage when delivering their lines. Also, the characters apply the blocking techniques accordingly.  For example, when Smee and Mullins are not talking, they positioned themselves at the back stage, allowing them to be blocked by Captain Hook and Puss. This makes both characters, Captain Hook and Puss, are emphasized and it draws the audience attention towards them. And when it’s time for the pirates to be in the story, Captain Hook unblocked them and they make an exciting and surprising appearance onto the stage.

FEEDBACK ON G1 - THE CURSED SLUMBER

“"A curse that successfully wowed the audience with the unexpected plot twist."

FACIAL EXPRESSION:

- In this play, while the actors delivered their lines with precision, there seemed to be a lack of emphasis on facial expressions. Facial expressions are important since they convey emotions that words alone cannot express.

- For example, when the Queen cried because of Aurora, she was supposed to be crying but her face shows otherwise. She was smiling, so that made me feel a bit confused since her dialogue is portraying sadness, but her face says otherwise.

- The actresses did a great job in portraying their characters but with an improvement in their facial expressions, I believe their play would be enhanced.

VOICE PROJECTION AND INTONATION:

- Voice projection and intonation are two important aspects in drama. They help the audience understand the emotions and mood of the play.

- The actresses in this play successfully portrayed their characters through their voices. The way they articulate their dialogues is clear, making it easy for the audience to comprehend.

- For example, when Aurora rises from her bed and talks about her curse, she succeeds in portraying her sadness and anger. The way she talks about her curse and cries about it really plays with the audience's emotions. I felt sad, especially when Aurora howled and kicked her "bed" because her voice and intonation successfully portrayed frustration and sadness.

PROPS AND COSTUMES:

- Props and costumes are essential in a play to add depth and authenticity to the story that the actors/actresses are trying to tell.

- This group succeeded in this aspect because, while minimal, each prop served a specific purpose, effectively conveying the key elements of the story, which combines both classics: Cinderella and The Sleeping Beauty.

- For example, the use of a simple roll of tissue by the Messenger gives a big impact to the story. It symbolizes the message’s importance and the urgency of the situation, adding a layer of tension to the audience. Personally, it was one of my favorite scenes because the way the Messenger announced the message was amazing with the voice and especially with the help of the prop.

- In terms of costumes, each actress dresses according to their character and suits the character’s personality, but with a little twist.

- For example, Aurora is seen wearing a sweet pink dress, so it seems like she is innocent. But suddenly, she shows that she is blinded by jealousy towards Cinderella because of the curse.

- It was a really interesting part for me because I never thought that Aurora would be blinded by jealousy since she seems like a very sweet and innocent girl.

POSITIONING AND BLOCKING:

- In this play, the positioning and blocking of the characters were masterfully executed. They made sure that each actress had their moment to shine without obstructing each other.

- One of the standout features of the production was the attention given to the arrangement of the actresses on stage. Despite the presence of multiple characters in a scene, each character occupied their designated space, allowing them to interact with one another while maintaining a harmonious balance.

- However, even though they did not block each other, they lacked connection with the audience. The actresses only looked at each other, avoiding eye contact with the audience.

- In my opinion, maintaining eye contact with the audience can foster a sense of intimacy and connection.

SOUND EFFECT AND MUSIC:

- The use of sound effects and music in this production was expertly executed, effectively enhancing the mood and atmosphere of each scene. The careful timing of sound cues and music tracks complemented the action on stage. The appropriate background music chosen for the scene also helped me to really focus and understand the play.

- For example, when Cinderella dances with Prince Charming, the music really elevated my mood and made me feel like I’m in a ballroom.

Overall, Group 1 did a really good job on their play, and with a few improvements, they can go further with their talents.

Feedback on Puss in Boots: Twisted Betrayal

“An engaging, straight out of a movie performance”

Props & Costumes

• The props used in the performance are very functional as they are able to indicate the setting clearly for the audience. For example, they used boxes with brick patterns to represent a bridge which is the setting for the first scene meanwhile they used a lot of normal boxes during scene two where the setting is in the alley. This allow the audience to understand the transition of the setting better. Another prop that is memorable for me is the red box full of golds. It is a very well-made and functional because it is used throughout the performance. For instance, the box is used the first time when Captain Hook and his crew were giving a proposal about his scheme and the box is also used when Puss and Humpty Dumpty meet Captain Hook and his crew again. I think it is an important prop that if it is not there, it might be less impactful. Other than that, they also used their swords in a very interesting way. Hence, it is good that they utilise all the props well.

• For the costumes, I think everyone conveyed their characters through the costume well. Although I was expecting to see cat ears or something related with cat when I hear Puss, this team were able to convey the Puss character more creatively using the suitable clothes and hat which makes it more natural. All the props made for the costumes such as Captain Hook’s pirate cap and hook, the police cap, Humpty Dumpty’s white oval costume as well as the tiny details such as rope around Mullins arms which is used later in the performance are suitable and functional for the performance. Their special effect makeup such as the scars of their face are also impactful in conveying the characters.

Lighting & Sound Effects

• This performance utilise the lighting effectively to make their performance more entertaining to watch. Personally, I love the idea of turning the light off during the fighting scene so that only the LED swords can be seen. It makes the audience more immersed as they focused on the swords. Besides, they also utilise the lighting when transitioning to other scene which is a good idea so that the audience doesn’t have to see them preparing the stage for the next scene.

• Moreover, they used lots of interesting and appropriate sound effects which makes the performance more impressive and enjoyable for the audience. For example they used the tragic background music multiple times during the scene where they got betrayed. Personally, I think the usage of that music is quite funny for me since we are very familiar with that particular sound, adding the comedic element to the performance.

Voice Projection & Intonation

• The voice projection and intonation during the performance is loud and clear especially for Puss. Although his character is mostly quiet and mysterious since we don’t know what he might do, he projects his voice clearly with the accurate intonation that is aligned with the script. For instance, during the scene where Puss said “No. Never again, once is enough” angrily.

Blocking & Positioning

• I think they did the blocking and positioning well. An example of blocking lthough there is a scene where it can be improved that is when Captain Hook and his crew are trying to make Puss betray Humpty Dumpty. I think it is more suitable if they are positioned at the center stage instead of stage left. So that stage looks fully occupied and utilised well.

  
  

Overall, I enjoyed this performance a lot and I think this drama performance has its own witty and comedic colour that is embedded with moral values such as don’t betray your friends. The dramatic twist at the end of the performance was very suitable with the general ambience of Puss in Boots story that it had me thinking this is straight out of a movie performance!