Due to having little background knowledge of the fright mare performance style, it was advisable to do some research. I watched a number of videos that showed examples of different fright mare set ups.
Although these examples were useful to gain an idea of the performance style, we needed to compress our performance into one large room. We took this into consideration when devising our performance. I was particular inspired by the 6 flags resident evil zone. I want to recreate a similar Zombie like scenario in future.
Adam, who is a former HNC student and experienced Fright Mare performer, visited the class and put us through a disciplined workshop.
This workshop provided much insight into the performance style. Adam provided details of the main elements of scare tactics. The 'jump scare' and psychological. From these tactics, I was able to build my performance around a jump and intimidating style. This workshop helped me break barriers and inhibitions. I thought to myself "yes, lets go wild". Also, because Adam is quite intimidating, I gained confidence when attempting to intimidate him with a staring contest. He also attended the performance and I have been able to get advice such as potentially working on fright mare myself. Gaining incite from Adam contributed most of my understanding of this performance style.
Having gained an understanding of this particular style, I also explored other styles of performance to get a better understanding of horror and psychological terror. I mainly watched performances in the style of Artaud.
Theatre of Cruelty Style Performances
These performances have loud noises, screams, scenes of violence. Sometimes it is horrifying, due to the terror induced by the extreme performances. When I watched these performances, it gave me an idea of how I could perform and what is required of me to be truly scary. Screaming and shouting are shocking, as are the sounds of metal banging. I tried to encoroporate this into my performance. I was also inspired to add more blood and bloody hand prints to the scenery.
I also studied and watched a number of films and scenes in which to use as inspiration for my character.
The Exorcism of Emily Rose
I watched this film to observe the movements of Emily Rose (Jenifer Carpenter). The movements are twisted and contorted. There are contrasts between momemnts of calms into sudden bursts of agrression.
The Grunge
Inspired by the entity in The Grudge. How it jumps out from no where.
The Ring
I liked the idea of using the look of the entity in this film. I also liked how the character is associated with water and I also took this into consideration as part of my performance.
The Conjuring
I watched this film as part of my research. This film is very effective at creating suspense. It does not rely on CGI for effects. It used simple tactics to create fear, such as shadows and mystery.
I also watched a number of other films such as 'Silence of the Lambs' and 'The Boy'. I watched only horror films during this period. It helped me become more interested in the style, gave me ideas for character, scenery and other performances.
Real Freak Shows
Real Freak shows once existed. I gained some ideas from this such as Steam Punk. I also got the idea that our show could have at one time, been real.
The Haunted House
It was interesting to wacth an original 'Horror' Film. The film is able to make use of simple camera tricks and other effects. The film style is not to different to a frightmare style performance.
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