- Reflect on today’s session and write up your fifth blog post. Can you find two examples of creative practice that illustrate any of the points introduced today? How did you feel about the improvisation exercises – did you enjoy them? Why? Did you find any of them difficult? Why?
In this section we learn about how to create indicative content of a radio drama, it is important to create a scenario and it is also what me and my team have been working on. We want to create a simple storyline where the problem can be shown in a short and clear story. “The War of the Worlds” (1938), “The Goon Show” (1951-1960) are the two examples I have found that inspire me and get my attention. First “The War of the worlds”, this broadcast caused a huge panic at the period where people actually started to believe the Martian invasion was happening, which is considered a landmark in the history of radio drama and a testament to the power of audio storytelling. This drama was structured in between music programs, it seems like there is actual real-time news, which it builds on the reality of the show. As well as the characters, they possess Dramatic Narration and Acting: Orson Welles and the Mercury Theatre actors delivered their lines with a sense of urgency and realism, adding to the drama’s believability. Welles’ dramatic narration and voice acting were particularly effective in creating a sense of panic and fear. Here is where the tension has been created, pacing and rhythm have been made and allow the audience to be followed and empathised. Different characters making conversation brings Dialog and the direct purpose is to enhance the realisticness of the show.
“The War of the Worlds”: https://youtu.be/Xs0K4ApWl4g?si=yW1Foh3iHbYNnLU8
“The Goon show” is the opposite example, it is a comedy show that tells stories about a group of eccentric characters. Where it pioneered unconventional storytelling techniques and inspired generations of comedians and writers with its avant-garde approach to radio drama. Firstly the rhythm is very clear, the sense of humour was the biggest characteristic of the show, it was the most bold show that the theory and codes of narrative is never in a traditional way. The dialog and purpose was obvious for the audience, there were direct interactions made with the audience, such as questions and laughter from the audiences, which broke the fourth wall and brought up the level of interest. The sound effect of exaggerated footsteps and noises was also avant-grant. Various wordplay and improvisation was the key of the structure, it is embedded with the main plot and increases the funness of the story and attracts more attention from the audience.
The Goon show https://youtu.be/VuVFFNvyUT8?si=L6NMJJLuhfyhY2TW
I was strongly attracted by the improvisation exercises we had, for me I consider it a fun activity to be creative and brainstorm randomly, which actually allow me to think beyond the path that is logical and ethical, the randomness can actually open my mind and explore more possibilities for the storyline. This made me think about developing our project with some factional elements involved.