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Scene Study prepares you to perform key scenes for your theater class or audition. We've got all the information you need for a great performance.
Excerpt from Act 4 Dialogue: Dr. Stockmann, Peter Stockmann, Aslaksen, Billing, Hovstad
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Understanding the Given Circumstances
- The scene takes place in a public meeting room in a small town. Dr. Stockmann addresses a group of townspeople, including his brother, Peter Stockmann, who is the town’s mayor, and other influential citizens.
- The play is set in the late nineteenth century in Norway, reflecting the social and political climate of that time.
- Prior to this scene, Dr. Stockmann has discovered that the town’s water supply, central to its economy through the health resort, is contaminated.
- The townspeople expect a debate focused on the Baths and the implications of Dr. Stockmann’s claims. Many arrive with skepticism, having already been influenced by political and economic concerns rather than scientific evidence.
- Dr. Stockmann disrupts these expectations by shifting his speech away from the physical contamination of the Baths to what he sees as deeper, moral corruption within the town itself. His accusations against the town’s leadership and its “compact majority” shock the audience and escalate tensions.
- The townspeople consider it highly inappropriate that Dr. Stockmann speaks so forcefully against the town’s leadership—especially his own brother. Dr. Stockmann’s defiant tone and inflammatory language provoke immediate outrage, as he challenges the very foundation of the town’s decision-making power.
- The crowd’s reaction fluctuates throughout the scene, initially showing some support but ultimately turning against him as he attacks not only the authorities but the majority of the community itself.
- Aslaksen, acting as chairman, attempts to maintain order and moderate the discussion, repeatedly ringing his bell and calling for restraint. However, the meeting spirals into chaos as Dr. Stockmann refuses to temper his speech.
Blocking and Movement
In theater, blocking is the process of planning the actors’ physical movements and positions. Be sure to show respect and establish trust when working with scene partners. As you prepare to block this scene, ask yourself the following questions:
- How does Dr. Stockmann’s confidence and frustration affect his posture? Does he stand tall and make sweeping gestures, or is he more erratic, moving about the space to emphasize his points?
- When Dr. Stockmann makes his revelations, does he move closer to the audience or remain distant? How does this choice reflect his emotional state—feeling triumphant, rebellious, or isolated?
- What is the physical distance between Dr. Stockmann and Peter Stockmann during their exchange? Does the tension between them cause a physical divide, or do they move toward each other to assert control?
- What physical reaction does Dr. Stockmann have when the audience erupts in disturbance? Does he stay grounded, or does he react with irritation, frustration, or further defiance by pacing or gesturing strongly?
- How does the crowd’s reaction influence the movement of other characters like Aslaksen, Hovstad, and Billing? Do they move to calm the room, or do they try to distance themselves from the chaos?
- Does Dr. Stockmann ever pause to reflect on his words? For example, does he stand still when making bold statements like “The majority never has right on its side,” or does he use movement to punctuate his argument?
- How do the citizens’ reactions contribute to Dr. Stockmann’s movement? Are they sitting or standing? Does their physical presence or response to the tension shift his focus or movement?
Character Relationships
Thoroughly exploring each character’s background and relationship with other characters in the scene can be one of the most crucial aspects of developing a performance.
When approaching this scene for performance, ask yourself the following questions:
- What is Dr. Stockmann’s primary goal in this scene? How does he want the crowd to perceive him, and what tactics does he use to command attention? Consider his physicality—how might his movements reflect his sense of defiance and righteousness?
- How does Dr. Stockmann view his brother, Peter Stockmann, and what effect does their relationship have on their dialogue? Think about how their contrasting roles (Dr. Stockmann as the “truth-teller” and Peter as the mayor) influence their interactions. How might Dr. Stockmann’s body language shift between defiance and frustration toward his brother?
- What do Aslaksen’s posture and movements say about his role in the scene? How does he physically engage with the conflict? How do his attempts to mediate or control the situation differ from Dr. Stockmann’s boldness?
- What does Dr. Stockmann’s relationship with the townspeople reveal about his mindset? How does his attitude toward them shift, and how should his movements and tone reflect this shift? Consider the tension between his confidence and their growing resistance.
- How might Hovstad and Billing react to Dr. Stockmann’s speech? What do their responses say about their relationships with him, and how do their reactions differ? How might their facial expressions, gestures, or positioning illustrate their internal conflicts?
- How does Dr. Stockmann’s radical rhetoric change the dynamic in the room? As the crowd reacts, think about how the other characters’ movements and expressions should evolve. What impact does his speech have on their physicality—do they move toward him, move away from him, or physically shrink from his words?
Full Act 4 Dialogue: Dr. Stockmann, Peter Stockmann, Aslaksen, Billing, Hovstad
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