So, tableau, is a picture (like a snapshot) created through the use of actors bodies. It is meant to capture and freeze an important moment in time. Actors should ask themselves, "Where should I stand?" "What do I want the audience to think about when looking at me?" "What facial expression should I have on my face?" "What "level" should my character be at?" "Where should I place my self in relation to the others in the picture?"
Exercise 1: The Slave Woman's Son
Instructions: Read the Irish legend, "The Slave Woman's Son" to the whole group. Asking the whole group to identify in their own minds significant events in the story.
Exercise 2: Beginning, Middle, End
Instructions: Have the actors organize themselves into groups of three or four. In their group, have them create a tableau for the beginning, middle, and end of the story of "The Slave Woman's Son". They can use the black boxes on the stage (they will have to share). Each group should show another group.
Exercise 3: Symbolic moment.
Instructions: Have the groups create one additional tableau of "The Slave Woman's Son". This additional moment should be a symbolic moment. In other words, it should be a small significant moment that encapsulates the theme of the legend. Have each group show another group their tableau.
Exercise 4: Movement
Instructions: Have the groups organize their tableaus in a sequence. The first tableau that they created will be held for 4 beats. Then, the group is to practice moving within 8 beats to the second tableau and hold it for 4 beats. Next they will to the same idea of move for 8 beats, still for 4 beats until they have done all four tableau scenes. Once the groups have practiced, have them show the class their tableaus.
Discuss with the students what makes a tableau look excellent.
Tableau Excellence
Actors...
...remain still or frozen.
...remain silent.
...pose with energy.
...pose with expression.
...keep their concentration.
...pose at different levels.
...choose poses that communicate the tone and mood of the text.
