drama

• play title

  Things I know to be True
• where and when

  A digital theatre screening on thursday 9th october
• key themes

  self-discovery, family dynamics, growing up, love, identity
• play by

  Andrew Boval
• directed by

  Geordie Brookman and Scott Graham
• production company

  Frantic Assembly
• Intro

  On the 9th October 2023, I saw a digital theatre screening of Andrew Boval's Things I know to be True. Directed by Geordie Brookman, Scott Graham and Frantic Assembly. This play follows the journey of Rosie and her family as they navigate the ups and downs of life in Suburban Australia. The play deals with themes such as family dynamics, growing up and self discovery. The characters of youngest daughter Rosie, brother Ben and eldest sister Pip brilliantly use their vocal and physical skills to X and evoke a range of emotions
• Para 1 layout

  The first time we meet Rosie, we learn about her gap year adventures in Europe. Rosie played by Kirsty Oswald creates X by evoking sympathy. She speaks directly to the audience to make it more personal, this creates intimacy. It was as though the audience have a 'special relationship' with her. Key things
• para 2

  Rosie's younger brother Ben is played by Richard Mylan. context. Mylan creates incredible tension in this scene from the moment he enters the stage. evokes fear and sympathy
• conclusion


  Directors Geordie Brookman and Scott Graham create a range of powerful dramatic effects in Things I know to be True and take the audience on an emotional rollercoaster from sympathy to tension to sadness as we see their lives unfold
• Rosie


  Kirsty Oswald
• Pip


  Natalie Casey
• Ben


  Richard Mylan
• Mark


  Matthew Barker
• Fran


  Imogen Stubs
• Bob


  Ewan Stuart
• Moment 1

  • Direct audience address
  • Only character that acts like a narrator
  • The play is her growing up
  • She's in a big sea of black, isolated, looks very small
• moment 1Character

  • Fiddles with her dress, hands across body - self-soothing
  • Open body language, shoulders raised
  • High tone, innocent, childish
  • 'I skype home once a week'
• moment 1

  1. Pulls a hand round her back forwards from the inky black

  2. Removes her arms - wants to be away

  3. Conflicted thoughts
• moment 1

  When talking about Emmauel. The parent's hands are gone, they appear in a misty blue light at the back, i.e. the back of her mind. 

• moment 1

  When talking about the future. Parents turn around, she's lifted, swept off her feet
• Meeting the family members

  • Pip puts arm around her - friendship
  • Ben playful
  • Rosie high voice chin raised giggles smiles, eye's wrinkly
• When she's been robbed

  Her voice drops, breaks, is slower, her eyes dart about, she fidgets
• moment 2

  She watches her family being affectionate with each other in a blue light away from herShe feels removed
• moment 2

  • Having a conversation at the table
  • Pip sits at the table but from Vancouver
  • Fran and Rosie don't make eye contact with Pip as she's not there
  • Fran and Pip don't see eye to eye
  • Movements mirrored, similarities
• moment 2

  Pip quivers, her voice breaks, she clasps her hand. Evokes sympathy from the audience
• moment 2

  • She's bathed in a warm firey orange light
  • Her speech is louder, more passionate, speeds up
• moment 2

  • Blue light, mundane, boring
  • She moves slowly and sluggishly
• At end of scene they both sit on the width of the table

  They are closer now but there is still a barrier
• Moment 3

  • Incredibly high tension
  • Ben enters, can't make eye contact with Rosie
  • His voice is raspy, low, shaky, quick, breathless
  • Eyes are wide, darting side to side
  • Panicked, anxious, in distress
  • Head down, shoulders forward
  • Sudden outburst, shouting at Rosie, gesticulating, pointing at her, moving towards her in a threatening manner
• Rosie moment 3

  • Cowers away, scared he's going to hit her
  • Terrified of him
  • Never takes her eyes off Ben
  • Keeps her distance from him
  • Her voice keeps getting higher
• Fran moment 3

  • Walks straight up to him and puts his hand on her cheek
  • Calm, deep, soft tone
  • Stands in between Bob and Ben
  • Hugs herself to avoid hugging Ben
  • Ben gravitates towards his mother
• Bob

  • Stands on the opposite side
  • Full body tension shoulders raise, fists clenched
  • Raises his voice
  • Takes his jacket off, unbuttons his shirt
  • Wants to fight
  • Very aggressive towards Ben
• Bob and Ben's personalities

  Very similar, both volatile
• Fran's instinct is to make everything better
• Relationships are very different
• moment 3


  sad Fran and Pip are so troubled in their relationship and yet so alike - mirrored movements