GCSE Drama Example Exam Questions 12 and 14 markers –
DNA Dennis Kelly
1. Leah is the character who is shocked by the news that a man has been arrested and
asks all of the essential questions to discover what has happened (pg 33-36). As a
director, discuss how the performer playing this role might demonstrate Brian’s
mental state to the audience in this extract and the complete play. (12 marker)
As a director, I want to show that Leah is struggling to understand the situation and that she
is also trying to get Phil's attention. In terms of vocal skills, I want my actor to have an
increased fast pace on ‘we heard’ ending with a harsh tone to show her impulsiveness
towards Richard and Cathy. In doing so changing the way she speaks it will get Phil's
attention as before this scene it was Leah's monologue about what she is towards him.
Furthermore on the line ‘ they need DNA-‘I would have my actor use intonation on the word
‘DNA’ to emphasise how important it is towards the group and toward the postman however
I would have my actor raise their volume as she would come across as superior to the
others. On the line ‘what?’ I want my actor to have a long pause as it is the realisation that
they have DNA evidence and they are stuck very deep in a difficult situation, Lastly I would
want my actor to raise their pitch as it would come across as a question and that she would
come across shocked and that she can’t believe what she is hearing.
In terms, of physical skills, I would have my actor use facial expressions on the line ’ How can
they have caught…’ I would have my actors scowl and frown their eyebrows to show that
Leah can’t understand what they are trying to say. I would also have my actor use eye
contact on ‘sarcasm, that’s the lowest’ towards Richard to show that Leah is somewhat
taking charge and seeking Phil’s attention showing that she is not afraid to speak her mind.
In terms of staging, I would have Leah first sitting on a tree stump to show that she has
become unbothered and also somewhat helpless at this point.
2. Discuss how you would use one of the chosen elements below to enhance the
production of this extract for the audience (pg49-52)
To bring this extract in terms of set design as a designer I want to create a world of a
nightmare and to create a trapped and sinister world. The original play was performed in
2008 and went on tour to show young people about gang culture and the consequences
of gang culture. As well as this the type of set was very minimal so that it could be
performed and accessible to everyone. Dennis Kelly wanted to teach young people about
broken Britain therefore I would want to show a broken setting.
In terms of staging, I would use in-the-round staging however I would make it small and
claustrophobic to symbolise being trapped. In addition, I would have the audience
seating raked so that they are looking down on the gang reiterating that they are trapped
but also that someone is always watching. So I would have cardboard leaves with burnt
DNA Dennis Kelly
1. Leah is the character who is shocked by the news that a man has been arrested and
asks all of the essential questions to discover what has happened (pg 33-36). As a
director, discuss how the performer playing this role might demonstrate Brian’s
mental state to the audience in this extract and the complete play. (12 marker)
As a director, I want to show that Leah is struggling to understand the situation and that she
is also trying to get Phil's attention. In terms of vocal skills, I want my actor to have an
increased fast pace on ‘we heard’ ending with a harsh tone to show her impulsiveness
towards Richard and Cathy. In doing so changing the way she speaks it will get Phil's
attention as before this scene it was Leah's monologue about what she is towards him.
Furthermore on the line ‘ they need DNA-‘I would have my actor use intonation on the word
‘DNA’ to emphasise how important it is towards the group and toward the postman however
I would have my actor raise their volume as she would come across as superior to the
others. On the line ‘what?’ I want my actor to have a long pause as it is the realisation that
they have DNA evidence and they are stuck very deep in a difficult situation, Lastly I would
want my actor to raise their pitch as it would come across as a question and that she would
come across shocked and that she can’t believe what she is hearing.
In terms, of physical skills, I would have my actor use facial expressions on the line ’ How can
they have caught…’ I would have my actors scowl and frown their eyebrows to show that
Leah can’t understand what they are trying to say. I would also have my actor use eye
contact on ‘sarcasm, that’s the lowest’ towards Richard to show that Leah is somewhat
taking charge and seeking Phil’s attention showing that she is not afraid to speak her mind.
In terms of staging, I would have Leah first sitting on a tree stump to show that she has
become unbothered and also somewhat helpless at this point.
2. Discuss how you would use one of the chosen elements below to enhance the
production of this extract for the audience (pg49-52)
To bring this extract in terms of set design as a designer I want to create a world of a
nightmare and to create a trapped and sinister world. The original play was performed in
2008 and went on tour to show young people about gang culture and the consequences
of gang culture. As well as this the type of set was very minimal so that it could be
performed and accessible to everyone. Dennis Kelly wanted to teach young people about
broken Britain therefore I would want to show a broken setting.
In terms of staging, I would use in-the-round staging however I would make it small and
claustrophobic to symbolise being trapped. In addition, I would have the audience
seating raked so that they are looking down on the gang reiterating that they are trapped
but also that someone is always watching. So I would have cardboard leaves with burnt
