Louder Than Water Play Analysis

Thinner Than Water

During the play “Thinner Than Water”, by Melissa Ross, I decided to critique the voice of the actor who performed as the character Renee. In the play, Renee is portrayed as a controlling figure, who relates to her younger half siblings more as their parent than their sister. This makes Renee out to be someone who likes to take charge and be needed. Yet at the same time she is tired of always being called on. In a way it appears as if she wears her responsibilities of a mother, and a wife, like a badge of superiority. When I focused on the voice of this particular character I was captivated and began to have multiple questions. I was instantly curious about why Renee sounded so agitated and annoyed. Her fast paced tempo would

Her volume would slowly climb, becoming louder and louder until it reached its climax. At this point the pace would drop, her voice would become softer, and her volume low. You could practically feel the hint of remorse and despair in her voice. Whenever Renee would begin to get upset she would breathe harder and quicker, her words would come out at a rapid pace growing faster with each new insult she added. Not only did she speak faster but she also became louder as if demanding to be heard and acknowledged. But just as quickly as it began she would catch herself and drop off, slowing down taking deeper breaths, quitter and more collected. This made you feel as if she was tired of arguing and fighting, it made you feel as if she wanted it all to go away. The way she talked using volume and speed made you have a deeper connection to who her character was. You could tell simply by her voice her agitation, her depression, and her desire to do something else with her life. Renee used her voice in a way to get others to recognize her authority. For example when trying to get Cassiy to respect her and come to the hospital. With sharp harsh tones she could agitate her siblings, and with others like Gwen she would use a softer tone