Post MEDEA Blog Review 17 / 12 / 13 NOT Final Grade

Student: Matt O’Hagan	Post Medea Blog Review
Unit 12: Classical Theatre Performance
Assessment and grading criteria	Feedback
1: Social, Historical and Cultural background
PASS 1 discuss the social, historical and cultural background of classical roles
MERIT 1 explain the social, historical and cultural background of classical roles
DISTINCTION 1 analyse the social, historical and cultural background of classical roles	Use “Women in Ancient Greece” task to meet this. The important questions are the ones specifically about Medea. Mention REHEARSAL PROCESS in answer.
2: Research and Analysis
PASS 2 use research and analysis to develop performance style of classical roles in rehearsals
MERIT 2 apply skilful responses to research and analysis in rehearsal
DISTINCTION 2 apply imaginative, disciplined and skilful responses to research and analysis in rehearsal	In your performance review of Medea, include how research into Greek Life informed your acting choices. (i.e.: Because Jason was a man and a hero, this meant that my voice was..... ) Also posture, movement, pace.
3: Developing Roles
PASS 3 develop contrasting classical roles through rehearsal with tutor support
MERIT 3 develop two contrasting classical roles through rehearsal with some tutor support
DISTINCTION 3 develop imaginative and creative interpretations of two contrasting classical roles through self-disciplined approaches to rehearsal	Review your performance in Medea in the same way as you have done for Tempest (including quotes from the text)
4: Performing Classical Texts
PASS 4 perform classical texts using appropriate vocal and movement skills to communicate the role.
MERIT 4 perform classical texts using appropriate vocal and movement skills in a considered way, to communicate the role confidently.
DISTINCTION 4 perform classical texts using appropriate vocal and movement skills to communicate the character creatively, inventively and assuredly.	Review will deal with this
Unit 4: Historical Context of Performance
Assessment and grading criteria	Feedback
1: Background Context of Performance Material
PASS 1 outline the background context of performance material, providing some research findings
MERIT 1 explain the background context of performance material, providing detailed research findings
DISTINCTION 1 provide a comprehensive account of the background context of performance material, providing detailed research findings	Review – see above!
2: Performance Material Contextualised for Contemporary Use
PASS 2 describe how performance material is contextualised for contemporary use
MERIT 2 explain how performance material is contextualised for contemporary use
DISTINCTION 2 comprehensively explain how performance material is contextualised for contemporary use	Blog post on Henry V and Medea. How are these different to original productions? (balloons / target audience / aerial work in Medea)
3: Communicating Result of Research
PASS 3 communicate the results of research.
MERIT 3 communicate the results of research effectively in an imaginative and coherent manner.	Always relate research section to the Play you are doing (“Women in Greece” can do this)
DISTINCTION 3 communicate the results of research in an informed, highly articulate and creative manner.
3 pieces left to do : review of you in Medea Women in Ancient Greece Henry V / Medea

Character backgrounds and attributes

 Justin- Prison Officer
Justin is the new officer on the block and is intimidated by some of the prisoners and despises Fenner and finds his attitude and behaviour towards the inmates appauling and disrespectful.
He brings a sarcastic charcterization into the officers which stops him from looking weak and vulnerable compared to the experienced and older officers who may make fun of Justin for being more considerate towards the inmates.
Justin shows concern for Nikki Wade, he and her have a meaningful brief conversation about her court hearing and how Wade is always looking for trouble.
I can imagine the life of a prison officer isn't the most flattering job but is certainly a job where you will see things you probably wouldn't have nightmares about. In this story from the link we hear of a story of a prison officer who was held hostage: http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/feb/17/prison-officer-feared-life-inmates-hostage-court

Here is a list of how life is like for a prison officer from:
http://www.prisonofficer.org.uk/welcome1.html
Hours and Environment
Prison officers usually work 39 hours a week on a shift pattern that includes nights and weekends. There are opportunities for part-time work and job-share.
The work is mainly indoors although prison officers often work outdoors when patrolling the grounds or supervising recreation.
Prison officers will sometimes need to use physical force when restraining a prisoner.
Your first post may be with a local prison but you may need to move to another part of the country for work.

Annual Income
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
In England and Wales, the starting salary is £17,400 a year.
This can rise up to £26,500 year with long service.
Senior officers can earn between £28,200 and £30,650 a year.
Additional local pay allowances may be available.
In Scotland, a prison officer starts on £14,400 a year.
The top of the pay scale is currently £19,200 a year.

Justin's background

Justin was born in Croydon in 1987. His father was an American soldier who fought in the Cold War. Unfortunately his father was killed in an IED explosion in 1991 when Justin was just 4 years old. His older brother who was half way through high school couldn't handle the situation and it drove him insane, causing him to commit suicide. So in the space of 5 months Justin lost his father and brother. It was just him and his mother. When Justin was in primary school he had the local constable visit his class who introduced them to the world of the police force and other emergency services including army and navy services. Justin was inspired by his father and wanted to follows in his footsteps. 

After his GCSEs Justin became a part of police cadets and when he was 19 he went to Birmingham to study law. After receiving his degree he moved back to London and started a new job as a junior police officer. After one year he was promoted to sergeant then after a year of patrolling the streets he looked into a job as a prison guard.  

This is a timeline of Justin's life in the picture.