Exploring Your Character’s Relationship in “Songs From the Courtyard” Play
Let’s explore the way in which you, as an actor, can develop the imaginary relationships of your character.
For this post we will be working with the play script Songs From the Courtyard.
Our two main characters are Paul and McKenzie.
Although the surface of the story unfolds with humor, the life force beneath the dialogue is purely dramatic.
The Play’s Opening
At the start of the play, Paul is outside in the freezing cold trying to get back into his apartment.
His girlfriend McKenzie refuses to let him back into their apartment because Paul was at the pub.
Somewhere along the way, a promise was broken.
The aftermath of that broken promise is the current form of the play.
Paul wants to get back into the apartment. Mckenzie wants Paul out of the apartment.
This tug of war between Paul and Mckenzie is what drives and heightens the play emotionally and physically.
Key Feature: The Weather
One of the key features of the story is the weather. It’s the middle of winter on a freezing cold day, and Paul isn’t dressed properly.
The winter cold acts like a third character in the play because it plays such a vital role in the forward action of the story.
McKenzie lashes out at Paul from various windows and doors at different points in the play, which further adds to its comical nature.
McKenzie refuses to let Paul gain entrance back into their apartment.
However, she reveals her affection by tossing his scarf, hat, gloves, and coat between her angry outbursts.
Social Class
Based on the way Paul and McKenzie talk, their mannerisms, and the way in which they behave toward one another, they appear to be from a background marked by hardship.
They live in a council state in London together, and they are in their twenties.
Paul works with the lads as a mechanic, and McKenzie is a hairdresser.
They make a modest living but are always falling behind on their bills as they grapple to get themselves out of debt from constantly overspending.
The spending of money they don’t have adds a layer to the situation because Paul is using his money to drink.
The Relationship
Paul and McKenzie are madly in love, but can be barbaric and savage-like when they argue.
Throwing things, breaking things, screaming are all part of their battleground.
They are rude, inconsiderate, and not afraid to speak their mind, which is where they have found mutual respect.
The truth in their honest expression anchors their bond and trust.
There is no mask that either of them wears, and although it brings them honesty, it gives cause to a tumultuous connection as well.
They are aware of their problems, but don’t know how to rise above them.
Their egos are inflated with pride causing neither of them to ever back down from the other in order to reconcile, which fractures their love.
Their stubborn ways tend to keep an argument going for days, exhausting themselves.
This is a vicious cycle of the nature of their relationship.
Paul’s Monologue
Paul’s monologue sheds light on himself and the perspective of how he sees things. Through Paul, we also learn more about the dynamic between him and Mckenzie.
Paul wants to change, but he knows that he isn’t strong enough to change, and therefore Mckenzie has to accept him for who he is.
The fact that they’re together, trying to make a life for themselves for what seems to be years, says a lot about Mckenzie.
Mckenzie wants Paul to change, which is the whole business of not letting him back into the apartment.
She repeatedly gives him chances and room to grow as a person, but he keeps coming up short.
PAUL: Either we find this factory or you take me as I am or you refuse me, but don’t change all my old parts, we have to leave that for the experts. If they do exist. Somewhere I’m sure of it. I am what the hell I am, so that’s all there is…
Further Ideas to Explore
Backstories: Diving into your character’s backstory may also provide for you a deeper understanding of how that connects to others. It can also reveal where there may be disagreements.
Internal Conflicts: Consider the internal hardship your character may face or is currently facing within themselves. This may lead to understanding where they stand in relation to others.
Character Arcs: Do the characters inside the play remain the same, or do they evolve? How does that affect their relationship?
All of these considerations will help you build the relationship with the opposite person.
Whether portraying Paul or Mckenzie, it is important to examine the writing to unlock your imagination.
Final Thoughts
Exploring your character’s relationship is an ongoing investment when constructing your character.
The more you investigate, the more you may potentially discover, leading to a world of creative opportunity.
- To read the full one-act play, find purchase link below:
In the one-act eplay, “Songs From the Courtyard” McKenzie won’t allow Paul back in their apartment due to the severity of his moods and volatility of their relationship. 1 Woman, 1 Man. Drama/Serio-Comedy.
