Dance in 'Rent' - The Opening Sequence ft. La Vie Boheme (Benny ft. Mr Grey)

Dance in 'Rent' - Benny

My character Benny isn't featured much but creating movement for him wasn't too challenging and I quite enjoyed the process.

Quick Evaluation - La Vie Boheme

Before being allocated our character as a class we worked on La Vie Boheme one of the happier upbeat songs of the musical to give us an understanding of the dance rehearsal process. After completing the initial sequence of the song (before it being changed numerous times before the final performance) I received my character parts as Benny and Mr Grey, two characters who are featured in the song but are not involved in the happy atmosphere/dancing of the song; although the rest of the cast is there in celebration, Benny and Mr Grey are there in sorrow following the death of Akita, the family dog.

Although I could no long be in the song in either cast now, it did obviously allow me to understand the vibe of that song and how my character would respond to the dance/movements and lyrics.

As Benny I had to enter the stage, sit down, occasionally stand up and then leave through the song. Due to being the main antagonist character in the musical my movement and posture was crucial in keeping the audience aware of the relationship and differences of the characters in comparison to Benny, similarly to Mr Grey who has zero dialogue which meant his visual impact alongside Benny needed to have a powerful presence.

Using techniques listed below* I was able to effectively portray my status to the audience as said by feedback in the initial run-throughs.

The Opening Sequence

Unlike my homeless character, Benny doesn't have many dancing opportunities which meant I could further focus on movement for my character. In the opening sequence movement is restricted as I'm standing on scaffolding at the top of the stage and also only spotlighted during my solo lines 'Draw a line in the sand, and then make a stand'. My posture though was important and movement into this space too; using the technique of changing three things of each my posture and movement I managed to create the visual aspects of Benny:

*Posture

1. Stood straight (considers himself the most powerful and influence in the room)
2. Lowered shoulders
3. Fixed eye-line
   

*Movement

1. Walking chest first (Shows confidence and power)
2. Habits such as pushing up glasses, itching face etc. whilst walking
3. Slower movement to show importance

The Beginning

Although I wasn't featured in the beginning of the song, I did have to stand in darkness ready to be spotlighted for the rest of the song and to sing my solo lines.
Being 'in the wings' but also in faint view of the audience I had to remain in character and the song playing allowed me to grasp a rhythm for my lyrics. Stood with a straight but calm posture I waited.

The Middle and End

The core of the song featured me walking into place and singing my two lines. Having to remain there for the rest of the song. By slighting my movements into 3 positions I managed to rotate between them at random orders to continue to show character.

1. Holding onto the scaffolding bars
2. Folded arms
3. Neutral Benny standing position
   

In conclusion although little movement was incorporated I did try to contribute as much focus as I did on my homeless character. Overall I wanted to communicate with my movement and posture, a sense of status and power amongst the other characters, the use of a high level greatly supported my movement to achieve this.