Artefact 3

Artefact 3 gave me the possibility to go beyond the process of theorising and actually getting to experience some of the aspects I was interested in first hand. 

Taking a keen interest in recordings of stories, books, plays and comedy sketches over the years, I was very much taken with the amazing capabilities of the act of speaking, from vocal timbre to the art of paraverbal communication. Although initially I had planned to ask students active within the Drama Society to perform the comedy sketch I had written for the purposes of this research, I ended up doing it myself, accompanied by a friend who had no previous acting experience. I told myself, performing the material will force me to be aware of the nuances and ultimate difference even a slight change in the interpretation of the material might have. 

Another interesting thing to observe was the negotiation going on during the recording of the material. I remembered the statement of a comedian about how as the author of a routine, the only way to avoid getting so bored with your material as to affect your performance was to try new ways of delivering it. Indeed, our characters also underwent significant changes. Some of these changes focused on different dominant features for a character; others focused on reactions to another character`s line without actually changing the script. 

Here is the script:

"(the sound of papers and pens being re-arranged on a desk)

NIECE: I keep telling you, uncle...anybody who is anybody is up there, on billboards, the internet or at least the local radio. It`s the only way one can survive on the market nowadays...

MR. ROTH: Well...if there is anything that could kill a long-running profitable crematorial business, it`s survival!

NIECE: Fine. Crack your jokes now but you won`t be having half as much fun when the bills roll in.

MR. ROTH: Threatening me with a doomsday scenario, are we now?

NIECE: Anyway...look, what I`ve done is I`ve posted a job ad online for a marketing position. I mean, these guys know how to sell the useless crap that gets people here in the first place. So, they might as well sell th

e idea of a person`s last shopping spree.

MR. ROTH: Shop till you drop! Hmmm, I like that idea...

NIECE: Sooooo...being the ever helpful niece and all, I`ve already sifted through the CVs and have arranged for an interview tomorrow.

MR ROTH: Uhm...but...

NIECE: Ok, so we`re settled then. (mobile beep) Oh, gotta run now, good luck tomorrow!

MR ROTH: Uhm

NEPHEW (just as he is about to disappear behind the door) Oh, and uncle...tweet me the results, will ya?

MR ROTH: Hmmhmph!

Next day...

(knock on the door)

Mr Roth opens door...

MR ROTH: Good afternoon!

LOLA: Well, hello! How d`you do?

MR. ROTH: Please, come in. Take a seat.

LOLA: Thank you!

MR ROTH: So, my neph...ahm...my associate told me you had a most flattering CV to recommend you.

LOLA: I believe my references are my forte...

MR ROTH: So, missus...

LOLA: Cocteau! Lola Cocteau!

MR ROTH: Oh...what part of you is French?

LOLA: Whichever part you might is needed..

MR ROTH: Well, then...should we start?

LOLA: Certainly...

MR ROTH: Tell us a bit about what you think you can do for our business.

LOLA:   Oh, I see. You want us to use the lingo. Very well. After many years of working directly with people –in professional settings, naturally - I decided to employ my experience in a customer service position within a company.

MR ROTH: I`m afraid there`s been a misunderstanding. We are looking for marketing people. My neph...my associate argues that our services need to be more visible on the market.

LOLA: I know that full well, Mr Roth. Except, my approach is as follows: no point in being in the limelight if your...customer service isn`t up for the job...if you see what I mean...

MR ROTH: Certainly...I mean, we`ve always thought that doing a good job will be the best advertising but...you know...people can be very touchy about these kind of things...

LOLA: I understand you perfectly, Mr. Roth. Just a case of  `the love that dare not speak its name`.

MR ROTH: Mmm...I`m not sure our clients are too concerned with romancing.

LOLA: Then again, neither are we. Everybody`s in it for the money.

MR ROTH: True. Before we go on, I have a confession to make, Mrs Cocteau...one of the reasons I hesitated about this whole marketing thing is that I have many a time been given the odd look from people because of my job and the nature of my interests.

LOLA: Oh, I think we both share this experience. I mean, people are just so judgemental, not to mention hypocritical. We know everybody`s doing it...even those who preach so strongly against it. Believe you me, deniers are actually the most obsessed with it.

MR ROTH: Yes, I was under the same impression as well. And by all means, it`s not like we urge people to do it, it just happens and so, what we`re saying is, let`s make sure that at times like these, when we are overcome with sentiment, some things are taken care of by conscientious people like you and me, who are able to hold a stiff upper lip and do what needs to done. 

LOLA: You speak from the heart, Mr Roth.

MR ROTH: From its deep and dark recesses, indeed (chuckles).

LOLA: Can I ask you a few questions?

MR ROTH: Go on...

LOLA: This is about the online ad. It didn`t make it clear, what are the basic prerequisites that you demand of your clients?

MR ROTH: We just make sure they`re stiff before they`re sent in.

LOLA: Oh, Mr Roth! Finally, a company that has high standards, not only in terms of their own work force, but of their clients as well!

MR ROTH: `Tis well understood, I should think. I must talk to my associate about the phrasing of that ad.

LOLA: And...what are the...`credentials` of the girls I`m going to be working with?

MR ROTH: Well, actually, we have a mixed team in our company. The gender distribution is fairly equal and of course, we did our best to provide equal opportunities for minorities.

LOLA: Oh, you never cease to surprise me Mr Roth! I must admit I haven`t yet had the experience of working together with such a colourful team.

MR ROTH: You need not worry, ma`am. All our employees have been with us for many years, we have established strong bonds with all of them....

LOLA: I bet you did, Mr Roth...

MR ROTH: ...we are like a big family. We love our job and whoever helps us keep the business afloat will be welcomed.

LOLA: That sounds lovely! I find myself simply enthralled by the alluring picture you`ve painted of your company. 

MR ROTH: I`m very glad. I say...how about we forget the formalities and I show you around. Just so you get to know everybody and learn the ins and outs of the company.

 LOLA: Wonderful!

MR ROTH: Now, I must warn you before we proceed, that even though I`m sure you are a professional and are somewhat familiar with the scenery you are going to be introduced to, the imagery might still come across as upsetting.

LOLA: I can take it, Mr Roth. Whatever it is, bring out your dead!"