Which part of his body does He lead with and what does this tell us about him?
Leads 8/10 with the groin suggesting sexual aggression/prowess/masculinity.
Which part of her body does She lead with and what does this tell us about her?
Leads 9/10 with chest – indicates promiscuity.
What key facts should we know about The Lovers after their first scene?
He loves her. She doesn’t appear to love him.
What do we know about The Wife?
Very little. She is mentioned twice – first when He says she has a strong sense of smell, and finally when She sees a photograph of her, laughs.
What prop is She holding when she first enters and what is its significance?
Enters holding umbrella (it is summer) – suggests irrationality, pessimistic tendencies. Umbrella as an object also practical, phallic.
What colour are the curtains in The Couples’ room and what does this tell us about their relationship?
Blue, suggesting a coldness. Could also hint at drowning (son’s death is never explained fully, though water is involved).
What colour are the curtains in The Lovers’ room and what does this tell us about them?
A neutral, non-suggestive colour such as beige. Also reminiscent of flesh.
If your characters eat, what do they eat?
He eats frequently – mostly cold meat on the bone. She does not eat, but drinks often.
What sound effects will be required, when (and why, if appropriate)?
None, besides the sound of glass smashing during the blackout.
What costume will She/He be wearing in the final scene and why?
She: Black dress with embellishment around the neckline. He: Black trousers, smart though stained, and shirt with loose tie (to foreshadow hanging).
How should the audience feel upon leaving the theatre?
The audience should feel both hopeful and hopeless, leaving with either a desire to convey to the person they love how much they love them, or to sleep with someone new.