The Structure
Each of the shows are structured in a different way. All of the issues that are dealt with are complex and many sided and therefore there are always many sections or episodes to each show.
How these scenes, sections or episodes fit together can vary. During the devising process, it is important to develop a structure for the show which clearly communicates the issue and makes it accessible and easy to understand, whilst also producing an exciting and entertaining show.
Some shows may be a complete story from beginning to end - a narrative, others a series of scenes or episodes. A show can jump between different times and places, or have a number of related storylines running simultaneously. The different sections can be ordered in a particular way to create the greatest contrast for the audience, change the dynamic or pace in the show, dramatically shift the mood and create an exciting emotional journey.
Here’s a selection of shows and a description of how their structure relates to the overall theme.
1) Structure – SOLD
SOLD is structured as a series of sections or episodes. Each episode explores a different aspect of the issue of child labour. The focus switches between the realities of child labour and the true story of a boy sold to a carpet factory, to exploring the part we play as consumers and the pressure from the fashion and marketing industries for us to buy the products that children have made. The different episodes give us a balanced picture of the whole issue. Finally, at the end of the show, the two sides of the issue are linked by revealing the outcome of the boy’s moving story and offering the audience a positive action to take to help prevent future exploitation.
2) Structure - Perfecting Eugene
This show is similar to Sold as it has an episodic structure. There are a number of sections or scenes that are divided up into episodes. The series of ‘scientific experiments’, the ‘salsa science show’ and the story of the ‘Bagheads’ are split and form these different linking episodes. Structuring the show in this way means that the audience can build a picture of all the different aspects of the issue and can be left at the end to consider their own thoughts and feeling on the subject.
3) Structure – Zygote
ZYGOTE is structured in two halves that are linked by a magical transformation and a big surprise! The first half takes the format of a game show where the different ‘quests’ that the contestants go on conveys a lot of information and facts and explores separate aspects of the issue. A dramatic twist in the tale leads to the second half of the show exploring the realities of being a parent and how this can affect a young parents life.
The two halves and the twist in the tale (the male game show host becoming pregnant and coping with pregnancy, birth and babies) was to ensure that boys and young men would be involved in and able to relate to the issues as well.
4) Structure - Trapped
TRAPPED, in contrast to other Ludus shows is structured as a complete narrative. The show tells the story of a young girls journey to find her mother and bring her home. It is a surreal journey filled with extreme emotions. The story is told in the style of a fairytale and within the narrative structure another story on a deeper level can be found.
