Drama Devised Group Piece – “Bully"

This play presents the issue of revenge which led to cyber-bullying. It took place in a school setting.

The unknown blogger, blogs about rumours of Olivia, a girl in school. Olivia says that it is not true however, no one seem to believe her. She gets traumatised, psychologically, as the whole school gossips about her. She hides at home, refusing to come to school. In the end, Olivia confides in Rachel, her best friend and the only one who believes her in the entire school. Rachel is then on an important quest to find out who this blogger actually is. She seeks help from the two well-know gossipers in school and they become Rachel’s accomplices. They meet up at Rachel’s house after school one day and decided to befriend the blogger by coming up with a fake rumour and giving this information to the unknown blogger through an email stated on the gossip blog. They also wrote in the email that they would like to be on of the bloggers on the gossip blog and their wish is granted. Rachel and the two gossipers decided to come up with a plan that they have credible news that teachers in the school have been monitoring the gossip blog and would like to meet the unknown blogger to discuss their plan of not disclosing their identities. However, on the day of the meet-up, Rachel and the two gossipers decided to observe the situation of The Blue Dophin Café, from an opposite café. It is until late when only one person is left, that they decided to ask writing a letter and asking the waiter to deliver it over, if the only person left, which is Jessica, is the unknown blogger. When she said she is the unknown blogger, the three girls are stunned. Yet, they did not expose her after knowing the reason behind why she started the blog. Jessica in fact, is the quietest girl and the girl who tops the level for every subject. However, she is the butt of all jokes and cannot stand it any longer so she started the blog. Fact to be told, she actually promised to come out to meet the three girls because she knows that they only wanted to know who she is and not harm her. This is because the rumour that the girls provided is proven not true, because Natalia did not even take the Maths CA the same day as they did.

As for the characters, every one of them plays a significant role, despite the fact if their roles were major or minor. There are 5 characters and major ones are Rachel, the two gossipers and of course, the unknown blogger. Olivia, is not mentally strong and luckily, she has her best friend, Rachel, who is a loyal and determined friend. She goes all out to protect her best friend’s pride and to let her be able to come back to school with confidence. The two gossipers’ habit of gossip is really bad, however, they are at least interested and patient enough to find out who the unknown blogger actually is. The unknown blogger, through is not seen acting actively in the play, however, she is the most crucial and mysterious character is the play.

We got our inspirations from real-life situations, gossip girls, internet sources and many more. I researched on the Internet so as to get a deeper understanding of the play. I researched on “Gossip Girls”, “School Bullies”, “Psychologically bullying” and other themes or things that happened in the play. I found out that School bullying is a type of bullying that occurs in connection with education, either inside or outside of school. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or emotional and is usually repeated over a period of time. Examples of emotional or psychological bullying include spreading bad rumours about people, keeping certain people out of a “group”, teasing people in mean ways, getting certain people to “gang up” on others or simple and most commonly, name calling. Some children bully because they have been isolated, and they have a deep need for belonging, but they do not possess the social skills to effectively keep friends. From this, we can see a parallel contrast between my research and the actual play itself; Psychological bullying issue of spreading bad rumours about people through a gossip girl blog, between the unknown blogger, Jessica and the victims.

‘The School Bully’ is a realistic play as it shows the real life situation of a school. We can even see this happening around us, in our very own school, let alone the play itself. Thus, this play has to be realistically portrayed through the actor’s emotions, feelings, expressions and tones.

Personally, I feel that the victims are the bullies have been psychologically traumatised, and if we look closer, we can see that it is a cycle. The victims bullied Jessica, thus, Jessica is taking revenge and “Bullying” them in return. Now the bullies become the victim; the victim becomes the bully. This is one of the major contrasts in the play. As for pacing, other than the climax parts and the part where emails come in at a fast pace, the other parts are quite slow in terms of the scene structures and tend to be longer, especially when it comes to the route of discovering the unknown blogger.

To understand the play and each individual character even more, we did hot seating, still image and improvising before and after scenes. For hot seating, we “interview” the main characters, Rachel, Gossip 1, Gossip 2 and Jessica, the unknown blogger, to understand the play a little better. From their answers, we the interviewee, understand their character more, such as what they think of the other characters, their preferences and dislikes, what they feel about each situations, and many more. We did still imagine (Freeze-Frame) of scenes of our choice, randomly, in our groups. We also did some improvising of before and after scenes, such that we acted out some parts of the scenes and guessing what happens before and after it. From acting out snippets of the play, I personally feel that we can have a better understanding of what it’s like being the character himself or herself. If I were to perform the role of Rachel, I would be an adventurous girl, trying my best to find out who the unknown blogger is. If I were Gossip 1, I would act very negatively about the quest. If I were Gossip 2, I would act very enthusiastically about the quest. If I were the unknown blogger, I would be very mysterious yet sharp, just like a detective. I believe to be able to act out a character well, other than the fact that researches must be done to grasps the play well, acting must come from within the actor. This means that real-life experiences such as, being in the character’s shoe, must be present, as it would be the most genuine image performed. I developed their personalities by asking them to act out the situation and imagine being in such a real-life situation. It was quite easy as bullying is quite common in every school compound.

During rehearsals, we decided on the set, props, lighting, sounds and costumes. We made sure that our decisions would give an addition edge to the play and most important, be appropriate and relevant. Then, we acted the play out and did improvisation if necessary. Through the improvisations, we gained new ideas and added it into or changed part of our scripts to improve it.

Tension slowly builds up when the three girls were trying to find out who the unknown blogger is, to the point when the unknown blogger disclosed herself, which was the climax moment. That really stunned the three girls for a moment as the end results were not what they had expected.

To Jessica, her actions were alright as it was to let the bullies get a taste of their own medicine, but to the bullies, they were actually suffering to an extent that they were to embarrass to come to school. Another high tension point was when gossip/rumours were excitedly spread around in school, however, tension get released during anti-climax parts, such as when we see the victims’ reactions of sorrow and embarrassment when they get teased and the parts after the three girls come to know the truth and Jessica’s reasons in doing so. The twist in the story is when the girls realised they have given the unknown blogger a fake fact and got fooled. As an actor, we can show from our facial expressions and the tone of our voices, when performing. However, to truly act out the climax point, the actor has to engage himself or herself fully into the play. The emotions portrayed cannot be artificial and best come from experiences. If not, the actor must research and have full understanding and knowledge on the play before performing it.

I would like the audiences to get to know the cycle relations between bullies and victims, and to feel for them. Next, as an actor, I would want the audiences to know how the victims suffer and thus, to empathise with them, through my acting, which is a major challenge. In doing so, the actor has to be convincing by stepping into the shoes of the character and as such, the victims can understand what the actor is portraying.

Choice of Lightings
This is a realistic play, thus I feel that the lighting for the set should be natural, just like normal in-house lights or floodlights. There will be the use of blackouts for set changes. During the climax and the parts where the characters are tense or angry, we can use red floodlights.

Choice of Costumes
For Olivia, she will be in school uniform as she only appears in the first scene, which takes place in school. For the two gossipers, they should wear “loud” coloured clothes which are eye-catching, as they are the “Gossip Providers” in the play. As for Rachel, she should be in casual clothes as she is like the adventurous type. As for Jessica, the unknown blogger, she should wear a simple dress especially, in the last scene when she comes to the café to meet the girls. This is because she is usually quiet and I would picture her as the girly type on the surface.

Choice of Sounds
Modern pop songs will be heard at scene 1, where it is the set showing the school compound. This is because the students will be gossiping or doing their own things lively before the entire play zooms into the two gossips.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

SCENE ONE

1: Hey, did you read the post yesterday?
2: Are you kidding? I would give up sleep just to keep myself updated on the latest news!
1: I can’t believe she did that!
2: Yeah she’s such a jealous bitch.
1: She threw acid on Nancy just because Nancy went out with Jake?! It’s ridiculous! Just ‘cos they are together doesn’t mean he can’t meet his other girl friends!

Olivia: I did not. I did not. I did not. I SAID I DIDN’T DO THAT! SHUT UP YOU BITCHES! IS THAT ALL YOU KNOW? YOU TWO ARE REALLY SHALLOW! Fuck that person who spread that rumour; it’s not true! Why won’t anyone believe me? Fuck this, I’m going for class now.

1: Hah, fancy trying to deny everything after she has done it. What a coward!

(Olivia shuts herself out)

2: If you did it, just admit it! You dare to do it but too scared to admit?

(Olivia runs out of class crying)

(1 and 2 are shocked)

SCENE TWO

Olivia: Rachel, trust me. I really didn’t do that! Nancy is my good friend; why would I pour acid on her? I know that Nancy and Jake are friends and I’m cool with them hanging out.. why.. why must they do this to me?

Rachel: I know, dear. I trust you. You two are my good friends and I really don’t want this incident to affect us, alright? But the rumours are getting quite bad in school and everyone thinks that it’s true ‘cos Nancy hasn’t been coming to school. I tried contacting her but she’s not answering my calls. I really don’t know what happened to her.

Olivia: I tried to call her too but she switched her phone off! If she’d just appear back in school, everyone will know that the rumours aren’t true! Screw the person who started these rumours!

Rachel: Don’t worry Oli, I’ll help you find out who this person is. I promise.

(Olivia and Rachel hug)

SCENE THREE
A few days later

Recording:
Youaresobusted.blogspot.com

Hot Gossip Post #9

A source told me that Danielle went into Shane’s room at the hostel at 2 plus after the dance party last night. No lights were switched on throughout the whole night. It was reported that Danielle left the room at a quarter past 5 with her hair messed up, clothes untidy and wearing her shoes in the lift on the way down to her own room. What happened in the room remains unknown, but Sonia is so gonna flip when she finds out about it! The end of another friendship, perhaps?

1: OH.MY.GOD! It’s just three days and there’s a new update!
2: Haha, yeah. This gossip girl is efficient and effective, eh?
1: She sure is. I wonder where she gets all these stories from, anyway.
2: No idea, but let’s see if Sonia’s gonna come to school today.
1: I bet ya she’ll stay at home and cry her heart out!

(1 and 2 laugh)

(Rachel enters)
Rachel: Hey girls, seem like you two are enjoying yourselves, eh?
1: We’re just telling each other some funny jokes. Got a problem with that?
Rachel: Chill chill! Why so hostile? It’s just a casual question. Anyway, I suppose you two read the blog?
2: What blog?
Rachel: THE blog.
1: Yeah. So?
Rachel: Well, I was just wondering what you know about it..
2: Nothing much, we just read what she writes. The latest post is about Danielle and Shane! Sonia is gonna go crazy when she reads about it!
1: Yeah, but I guess you’re more interested in the previous post. Both your girlfriends were involved in it
Rachel: True. But that’s not the point. I was just wondering..
2: What?
Rachel: Wondering if you two are curious as to who this blogger is.
1: You know who she is?
Rachel: No, I don’t. But I sure am curious. Aren’t you?
1: Yeah, but so what? It’s not like she’s gonna appear in front of us and say, “Hey, I’m that blogger you’re talking about”.
Rachel: Uh huh. But that doesn’t mean we can’t find her. Interested to help dig out this person?
2: I’m game for it!
1: So am I!
Rachel: Set! We’ll meet at my place, after school on Friday.


SCENE FOUR
Rachel’s room, Friday, after school

Rachel: Okay girls, from what I know, there’s an email stated on THE blog where people with juicy gossips can inform her of.
1: Yeah, so?
Rachel: What so? Aren’t you thinking of what I’m thinking about?
1: WHAT BRILLANT IDEA HAVE YOU GOT?
Rachel: Are you plain stupid or what?
2: I think I know what you mean… we’ll fake a gossip to tell her about, then, we’ll try to manipulate her in coming out to get the information.
Rachel: Exactly! We’ll tell her that she needs to see for herself. That’s the plan?
1: Wow great ideas, you think it’s SO easy? This blogger sure is smart. She would probably pay someone to come out instead. HELLO DREAMIES, WAKE UP!! She’s unknown for a reason.
Rachel: You never know. We’ll just have to give it a try… unless you have a better idea?
1: Well… Why don’t we give her the fake rumour and say we would like to join her in writing this gossip blog?
2: I guess that works too.
1: Okay, let’s start work right now.

Recording:
Email to Unknown Blogger from Miss Mysterious
RE: Source for Hot Gossip Post #10

It’s no wonder Natalia got a 99/100 for the recent Maths CA. She was a failure in Maths, how could she score so well this time? I secretly took a picture of what she did… You wanna see it? The teachers are now singing high praises of her and telling almost every class about her OH SO SUCCESSFUL story. Yet, I am sure she didn’t do it based on her efforts. She sure should be publicised in THE blog.

*P.S (Can I join you in blogging these juicy stories as I think it’s really cool) I promise to blog regularly and that our identities will not be exposed.

A few minutes later

1: Hey, MAIL!
2: THE Blogger is really efficient. This shows she is home on a Friday, which means she is someone who does not have CCAs on Friday.
Rachel: Let’s see what she says…

Recording:
Email to Miss Mysterious from Unknown Blogger
RE: Source for Hot Gossip Post #10

Thank you for your information. I am sure it would be hot news when I post it. Wait till the teachers read it… Natalia will be so screwed! Well, she will have a lot of explanations to do. I agree with you that the teachers are singing high praises of her recently and I have heard about her success story.

Welcome on board, I need helpers too, anyway. If you meet any difficulties, Please do email me again. I will remain UNKNOWN.
Username: School Bitches
Password: *********

1: Hey, we’re IN! BUT, what do you really think? Does she actually trust us?
Rachel: You have a point. What’s backup Plan B?
2: No, we’ll carry on with this “Game”.

After numerous posts,

Recording:
Email to Unknown Blogger from Miss Mysterious
RE: Meeting Up

Our posts have been quite successful. However, I have credible news that the teachers in our school have also been reading THE blog. I would like to meet up with you to discuss what will happen.

Please meet me at The Blue Dolphin Café tomorrow, at 5pm.

A few minutes later

Recording:
Email to Miss Mysterious from Unknown Blogger
RE: Meeting Up

Okay, we’ll have to look into this. I’ll meet you there. Please keep our meetings confidential.
See ya!

1: Look, she trusts us.
2: Are we falling into her trap?
1: Rubbish, what trap?
2: T-R-A-P! So that she will know who the hell we are…
Rachel: OH girls, what makes YOU think WE will show up?
1 and 2: We are not going to meet her? How then would we know who she is?
Rachel: I’m not dumb… we are going but not to meet her. Plan is to go there to hide! To see who she is but not let her know who we are.
1: That’s smart, provided everything goes as planned.

SCENE FIVE
Opposite The Blue Dolphin Café, 5pm.

(The three girls sit in a cafe, opposite The Blue Dolphin Café)
1: Are you sure we got the right venue, girls?
2: Yeah, that’s what the E-Mail says…
Rachel: … UNLESS, we got fooled!
2: Luckily, we were NOT that stupid so as to sit at the blue dolphin café.
Rachel: Let’s wait a little longer…

15minutes passed, still no sign of blogger
Rachel: You know what? I think we just got fooled!
1: WHAT?!!-
Rachel: I mean you don’t see anyone familiar right?

Just then, Amanda the popular prefect in school approaches The Blue Dophin Café
Rachel: OH MY HOLY!
1: NO!
2: What NO? HOLY YES! IT MUST BE HER!
Rachel: It can’t be Amanda, right?
1: I mean oh god, she’s a prefect. If she gets exposed, she may be expelled, let alone getting stripped off her prefect post!
2: Let’s go…
Rachel: GO WHERE?
2: Confront her, obviously.
Rachel: NO, We cannot do that. Let’s observe a little longer
1: Why would Amanda do that?

Just then, Amanda walks away after buying a chocolate cake takeaway

Rachel: Hey look, it’s not Amanda.
1: Then, it must be someone else…

At 9pm, the café is about to close. There is only 1 person left…

Rachel: Are you thinking what I’m thinking?
1: Yeah yeah, Jessica is the only one sitting at the café.
Rachel: Yup.
1: WHAT? Jessica? Good lord, it can’t be her… We didn’t even see her sitting there…
2: It’s impossible. I bet the blogger did not even turn up…
Rachel: Things are not always what they seem. Jessica COULD be the ONE!
1: Okay we’ll find out soon.
(Gossip 1 takes out a piece of paper and writes: Are you The unknown blogger? I am not within your sight but you are within my sight. If you are the one I am supposed to meet, please hold up your cup of orange juice.)

Gossip 1 passes the paper to a waiter and asked him to pass it to Jesscia, at the Blue Dophin’s Café. Soon after, Jessica held up her cup of orange juice; The 3 girls are stunned.

Rachel: Mystery solved. It is Jessica
2: Why her? She’s the nerd in school. I still can’t believe it is her!
1: Don’t you know the thing called Human Nature? People do not seem what they are.
Rachel: Let’s go…
2: Go where?
Rachel: Approach her.. this is the right time.. We’ll find out why she did that, alright? NO Pressure!

SCENE SIX
The Blue Dolphin Café, 9.30pm

Rachel: We are the ones you are looking for. It’s 3 of us, NOT just 1. Together, we are Miss Mysterious.
1: Jessica, WHY YOU? I don’t get it…
2: Are you really the one behind those juicy rumours?
Rachel: No one suspected you… YET, you are the one.
1: You are the quietest girl in class…
2: The one who tops the level for every subject…
Jessica: And, also the one who is the butt of all jokes, if you realised. Look, this is Revenge!
I hope that you will not expose me though I am prepared you all will.

1: Jessica, why did you promise to meet us? Aren’t you afraid that we might just not show up and just expose you in school?
Jessica: My gut feeling told me that the one who wanted to join me in this task just wants to find out who I really am.
2: How did you know?
Jessica: I knew it from the start when you gave me the rumour about Natalia and then teachers finding out about it. It’s because Natalia didn’t even come to school on the day of the Maths CA. She took it on another day.

The girls look at each other

1, 2 and Rachel: OH MAN! We did not realise that!
Jessica: HAHA! I created the blog as I said, for revenge. I cannot stand being the butt of all jokes any longer… No one can. Thus, with this blog, people can actually change their gossip targets, instead of just ME, ME AND ME!
1: Wow, I think you are courageous.
Jessicia: No, I’m not.
(Jessica starts to cry)
Rachel: Hey, Jess, don’t worry. We understand.