First World Problems

In our last drama class we looked at the first world problems, to create an extract (in groups of 4) about contrasting lives between the rich and the poor. We used the technique of cross-cutting (two or more scenes are shown together: split screen) to show relevant contrasts from time to time. We first watched a video, showing a substantially poor area where labors of Dubai lived, after working in terrible conditions at construction sites. Later on we were put into a group of 4 and we were asked to give two situations where the dialogue is the same, however the scenes (2) are polar opposites. For Example: An elite family in their living room feeling cold due to a low AC temperature, and next to this a scene at a local ally where construction workers are sleeping on the floor without blankets, feeling cold. 

1) Give an example of one of the lines that your group chose to say in unison to show a connection between the rich and poor characters. 

Our scene started with 2 people from a higher class (rich status), who are discussing and conversing about their day, one seems to look drained out. In the other scene, there is a pair of labors working at a construction site in the terrible heat, sweating. All of them exclaim "I'm so tired" in unison. Talking in unison brings a great impact on the audience, since it brings emphases on the word or sentence that is being spoken. However, the effect of each dialogue expressed by the polar opposite characters have a completely different meaning, and also bring an opposed impact upon the audience (one brings a sympathetic impact on the workers and one brings a distasteful feeling on the snobby rich characters). 

2) Explain how you used the line on each side of your cross-cutting scenes and what you were trying to teach the audience. 

The dialogue "I'm so tired" used in this cross-cutting effect, brings a contradicting idea and meaning of the term 'tired' according to status and situation. The term tired can have a large or insignificant effect upon the person saying it, according to why they might be saying it. This effect is portrayed by the characteristics, attitude and status of the character saying it. 

My group tried to convey the message of how our daily lifestyle needs differ depending on our status and requirements. The rich consider the smallest of ideas problems (i.e. oh my god! No one liked my video), compared to a poorer status person who would have an issue of a larger scale (i.e. I didn't get paid for the construction work I did yesterday, I cannot afford to buy a meal today). Our group wanted to communicate the idea that we all need to understand and evaluate our position before we label any action as a 'problem'. 

3) Describe the ways in which you used both your voice and your body language or gestures to communicate your character to the audience.

For an elite character (who has to portray an upper class role) will have a straight body posture with very posh body movements, as well as snarky and inconsiderate as well as careless looks (as they do not know or understand the importance of the basic sources they have). Their voice may be loud and proclaiming, as to show their significance and importance in society and social status. 

For a poor or lower class, we can show their body language, by showing they are shriveled (because they hardly have any portion of food to eat), sweating (since they work in extremely hot environment), crouched down (since they carry quite hefty items throughout the day). To show the hot weather conditions, the workers could show this by performing some simple actions that indicate to the weather conditions, while also being subtle (to show that they are use to these conditions). They could maybe wipe their forehead (as if sweat was dripping), they could squint their eyes (to show how bright the sun might be), they could exhale rather quickly, etc. Their voice could be rather low in volume (to indicate and emphasize upon status).