DNA - Dennis Kelly Example Exam Questions (4 markers)
1. You are going to play Brain. Explain two ways you
would use physical skills to play this character.
As a performer I would convey how Brian is becoming insane
and saying crazy things to get attention – but I love the ground,
don’t you like the ground!’ I would use body language to show
that he is changing and also use facial expressions to show how
he's reacting to the news that they’ve found Adam, in doing so
he's becoming more like a child, therefore giving Adam childlike
characteristics. On the line ‘shall we rub our faces against the
earth’ I would also have movement so that when Brian speaks
to people it makes it clear that the gang is ignoring him and is
oblivious in addition I will also move very quickly emulating a
child.
2. You are going to play Lou. Explain two ways you
would use vocal skills to play this character in this
extract.
As a performer I would convey how Lou has started to realise
that they found the man that ‘Killed’ Adam by on the line
‘That’s what we thought…’ I would have a fast pace showing
panic, and a high pitch to indicate that Lou is scared with
increasing volume to show that they’re in a lot of trouble. In
addition on the line ‘We’re screwed,’ I would have long pauses
in-between to show the realisation of their deeds and the effect
of it and I would say this in a low tone to show despair and
showing how dark the group has become.
3. You are going to play Phil. Explain two ways you
would use non-verbal communication to play this
character.
As a performer, I would play Phil as if he doesn’t care about
the people around him especially when with Leah. On the
line ‘What are you thinking?’ I will be sitting on the floor only
paying attention to the ice cream and I will not make any eye
contact with Leah showing the audience that Phil is very
complicated and doesn’t have the same feelings as Leah
does. In addition on the line ‘What are you thinking?’ I will
1. You are going to play Brain. Explain two ways you
would use physical skills to play this character.
As a performer I would convey how Brian is becoming insane
and saying crazy things to get attention – but I love the ground,
don’t you like the ground!’ I would use body language to show
that he is changing and also use facial expressions to show how
he's reacting to the news that they’ve found Adam, in doing so
he's becoming more like a child, therefore giving Adam childlike
characteristics. On the line ‘shall we rub our faces against the
earth’ I would also have movement so that when Brian speaks
to people it makes it clear that the gang is ignoring him and is
oblivious in addition I will also move very quickly emulating a
child.
2. You are going to play Lou. Explain two ways you
would use vocal skills to play this character in this
extract.
As a performer I would convey how Lou has started to realise
that they found the man that ‘Killed’ Adam by on the line
‘That’s what we thought…’ I would have a fast pace showing
panic, and a high pitch to indicate that Lou is scared with
increasing volume to show that they’re in a lot of trouble. In
addition on the line ‘We’re screwed,’ I would have long pauses
in-between to show the realisation of their deeds and the effect
of it and I would say this in a low tone to show despair and
showing how dark the group has become.
3. You are going to play Phil. Explain two ways you
would use non-verbal communication to play this
character.
As a performer, I would play Phil as if he doesn’t care about
the people around him especially when with Leah. On the
line ‘What are you thinking?’ I will be sitting on the floor only
paying attention to the ice cream and I will not make any eye
contact with Leah showing the audience that Phil is very
complicated and doesn’t have the same feelings as Leah
does. In addition on the line ‘What are you thinking?’ I will
