How would you want your audience to respond to Dogsborough Essay Example
How would you want your audience to respond to Dogsborough Essay Example

How would you want your audience to respond to Dogsborough Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (634 words)
  • Published: July 13, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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In "The resistible rise of Arturo Ui", Dogsborough is a vital character who mirrors Hindenburg's role in the ascent of Hitler. The play's events reflect real-life situations, including Hindenburg receiving a house from individuals seeking to gain his favor for financial gain. Despite being aware of the dubious deal, Hindenburg was later blackmailed with it to install Hitler as chancellor in January 1933.

In order to controversially reveal the true events surrounding Hindenburg and his part in Hitler's rise, Brecht created the character of Dogsborough. His intention was for the audience to first respond to him with apprehension and later sympathy for this foolish character. This can be achieved by casting an older, overweight man with white hair or by using makeup. If portraying Dogsborough, an arrogant demeanor with dismissive gestures and a cold, unfriend

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ly tone of voice should be used at the beginning of the play.

As the character of Dogsborough faces threats and blackmail later in the performance, I recommend altering my gestures to be more anxious and smaller, while lowering my voice to convey a sense of defeat. My previously confident body language would shift to a more defensive stance. Changes in Dogsborough's costume quality over the course of the play could also signify his diminishing power and influence. I believe a proscenium arch theatre would be the ideal venue to maintain the fourth wall and establish a connection between the actors and audience. The audience should feel like they are witnessing prohibited events. Though Dogsborough is mentioned by the directors of the cauliflower trust in the first scene, he does not appear onstage until the second scene.

The character Dogsborough should

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be portrayed as strong and honest, with a tendency to be rude to those he deems beneath him. According to one description, "In eighty winters, he's shown no weakness", and another notes that he's gone from "all smiles" to giving people the "cold shoulder". These qualities are crucial for any actor playing this character. For example, if I were playing Dogsborough, when Butcher and Flake arrive at the restaurant, I would immediately dismiss them by saying "You didn't need to come. The answer is No. Your proposition stinks of rotten fish." I wouldn't even turn back to face them before continuing with my work.

To convey their time is being wasted, I would use a dull and fatigued tone. After Butcher agrees to Dogsborough's response, my interest in them would increase. This would be evident as I face them and move nearer. Despite the friendly tone, my refusal would be reiterated with the phrase "You're on the wrong path."

If I were to say "your business is completely sound," I would set my glasses down and sit on a stool to convey a willingness to talk to Butcher and Flake. I would advise them, portraying Dogsborough as less evil than he is depicted by other characters. The audience should be cautious yet trusting of him. Misleading the audience into thinking Dogsborough will hinder Arturo Ui's rise will add unpredictability and excitement. In scene four, Dogsborough is at home, given to him by the cauliflower trust.

Admitting the error of accepting the estate and the package as a gift, it is clear that Dogsborough recognizes the consequences of his actions. If I were to convey this weakness through

body language, I would sit with elbows on knees and head held, signifying the gravity of the situation.

The audience should now view Dogsborough with suspicion and realize that he is not as reliable and truthful as they initially believed. They will also feel let down upon seeing his flaws. To amplify this, during the discussion of his behavior, I would speak loudly and emphasize the word "wrong" as if reprimanding myself.

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