Dramatic Duo Interpretation
A cutting from a play, humorous or serious, involving the portrayal of two or more characters presented by two individuals. This material may be drawn from stage, screen, or radio. This is not an acting event; thus, no costumes, props, lighting and so forth are to be used. Presentation is from the manuscript and the focus should be off-stage and not to each other. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes, including an original introduction.
Competitors are reminded of AFA-NIET General Rule 6-k, which states: "coaches and/or students must have available at the District and National NIET tournaments copies of all interpretive and original events used at the tournaments." Further, the AFA Code of Ethics specifies that "Competitors are expected to bring to tournaments a copy of the original inclusive text along with the student's script."
Dramatic duo interpretation should be based on a cutting from a play written for stage, screen or radio performance. The drama should be of literary merit and suitable to the performer and the audience. The cutting should develop some relevant and significant theme, conveying a spectrum of emotion, conflict and resolution through multiple levels of thought and interpretation. Care should be taken in designing the cutting to include essential plot action and to retain the original intent of the author. Credit should be given for finding fresh literature, realizing that it is difficult to provide an individual interpretation of literature which is frequently performed. The selection of material for which a definitive interpretation has been widely seen, as in elimination rounds of recent national tournaments, should be discouraged.
Multiple characters may be developed and used to aid plot and action. Characterizations should be consistent with performance theme and style, and should be distinct from each other, embodying definite gender, age, height and other distinguishing characteristics which enliven characterizations. Caricatures or stereotypes should not be penalized if appropriate to the literature. Delivery should be unaffected, fluent and create a sense of presence for the audience. Off-stage focuses between the two performers should be maintained. If used, blocking or physical turns should be designed for transitional purposes and should not simulate full theatrical blocking. Any movement should be executed smoothly and accurately, and should enhance, not detract from the presentation. Partners should compliment each other physically and verbally and should both be involved in a substantial portion of the performance.
Allowing for the demonstration of excellence in public speaking, the performance should include an original memorized introduction composed by the student, delivered with manuscript closed, in accordance with the standards of good public speaking. Any transitions should be smooth and add clarity and coherence. The introduction should set the stage, enhancing the interpretation by relating the literature to the audience, providing necessary information about the genesis or theme of the drama. The use of alternative performance or interpretation styles should be justified.
Performances ranging from 8 to 10 minutes are recommended; deviations from the time limit should be penalized according to the severity of the violation.
55% of students are Lutheran. However, all denominations are represented and welcomed. 17% are Roman Catholic while another 17% are other faiths.
