Staging (DNA)

DNA by Dennis Kelly is a contemporary play that presents a chilling story about a group of teenagers who find themselves involved in a disturbing and dangerous situation. The play's dark themes, rapid shifts in mood, and intense character dynamics require careful staging and thoughtfulness in performance. Below is a guide to help you with staging the play DNA.

Understanding the Play’s Tone and Themes

Before you begin thinking about the staging, it's important to grasp the overall tone of DNA. The play is dark, tense, and has elements of dark comedy, but it also deals with themes such as peer pressure, responsibility, morality, and the consequences of actions. These elements should be reflected in the staging, lighting, and acting choices.

Characterisation and Relationships

The relationships between the characters are central to DNA. The tension and power dynamics between them should be explored thoroughly in rehearsals.

• The Power Dynamics: Characters like Phil and Richard are manipulative, while others like John Tate and Leah are more passive. When staging scenes, use blocking to physically represent these relationships; dominant characters might occupy more space, while others might be hunched or positioned in a more defensive way.
• The Group Mentality: The group of teenagers can be staged in a way that emphasises their collective behaviour versus individual actions. In group scenes, consider how the characters stand close to one another to signify their social bond, or alternatively, place them at a distance to highlight their isolation or lack of cohesion.
• Focus and Attention: Pay attention to where characters focus their energy. For example, John Tate often takes the lead in moments of crisis, but his confidence can be undermined by the group. Staging these moments can heighten the tension by altering physical proximity and creating moments of stillness or chaos.

Setting and Design

DNA takes place in a variety of locations, from the woods to the school to the warehouse. However, the play’s minimalistic set allows for flexibility and interpretation.

• Set Design: The set should be simple yet effective in conveying the play’s atmosphere. A bare stage can often work best, using props and lighting to create specific locations (for example, a large tree for the forest scenes). The use of a multi-level set or platform can help create the feeling of hierarchy and power between characters.
• Props: Props in DNA should be symbolic and practical. Consider the importance of small items like the bag of money or the brick, which play significant roles in the plot. These should be handled with purpose and thoughtfulness in each scene.
• Lighting: The lighting design should reflect the mood swings throughout the play. For example, harsh lighting can be used for moments of tension or panic, while softer lighting could be used for more reflective moments. The transitions between lighting can mirror the shifts in tone from dark to light, and from comedy to tragedy.

Movement and Blocking

The way characters move around the stage is crucial in DNA. The play’s pace is fast, and the characters’ actions are often impulsive, which should be reflected in your blocking.

• Choreographed Chaos: In scenes of heightened tension, such as when the group is arguing or trying to cover up their crime, the blocking can become more erratic, with characters moving frantically across the stage. Use these moments to build tension and create a sense of disorder.
• Stillness and Silence: In contrast, moments of stillness or silence should be used to create unease. For example, when characters are contemplating their actions, they might stand frozen or sit with minimal movement. The silence can emphasise the gravity of the situation and allow the audience to absorb the emotional weight of the moment.
• Physicality: Physicality is important for characters like Richard and Phil, who can be portrayed as physically imposing or manipulative. Use body language to highlight their dominance. Similarly, characters like Leah and John Tate might adopt more vulnerable or uncertain postures.

Sound and Music

Sound can significantly enhance the mood of the play. Consider how sound effects and music can create atmosphere and heighten the tension.

• Sound Effects: The sound of footsteps, wind, or distant voices could be used to create a sense of isolation or paranoia, particularly in the outdoor scenes or when the characters are feeling trapped. The sudden introduction of sounds can also startle the audience and build suspense.
• Music: A carefully selected soundtrack can underscore the themes of the play. For example, using music that contrasts with the dark nature of the story (e.g. upbeat, pop music) could create a jarring effect, emphasising the characters’ youthful yet morally compromised nature. Music can also be used sparingly to punctuate key moments or shifts in the play.

The Role of the Narrators (Mark and Jan)

In DNA, Mark and Jan act as a type of narrator, offering insight into the characters' minds and the developments in the story. When staging this character, consider:

• Positioning: Mark could be placed on the sidelines of the stage, occasionally stepping forward to comment on events or provide context. This physical detachment allows him to function as an observer while maintaining a connection to the main action.
• Interaction with the Group: While Mark offers commentary, he should remain somewhat separate from the other characters. His role is not to participate actively in the events but to provide commentary, sometimes subtly influencing the audience’s interpretation.

Pacing and Timing

The pacing of DNA is rapid, with moments of intense drama interspersed with black humour. As you rehearse, be sure to work on timing to maintain the pace and ensure that the moments of high tension or comedy hit with the appropriate impact.

• Fast-Paced Scenes: Scenes with rapid dialogue or conflicting emotions should be quick and snappy, with characters reacting impulsively. This will heighten the sense of urgency and confusion.
• Slower, Reflective Moments: In contrast, allow for moments of stillness to linger. These slower scenes provide emotional depth and contrast against the frenetic energy of the play’s more intense moments.

The Final Scene

The play’s conclusion leaves the audience with a lingering sense of discomfort. How you stage the final scene is crucial in ensuring that the tension is maintained until the very end.

• The Set: In the final scene, the characters are often placed in a more isolated or separated way, reflecting their isolation and the consequences of their actions. Ensure that the staging of this moment builds on the tension of the preceding scenes.
• Lighting and Sound: The lighting could become darker, with only a single light on certain characters to create a sense of finality. Sound could drop out to heighten the focus on the characters’ final moments, underscoring the moral ambiguity of the play’s ending.

Conclusion

Staging DNA requires a balance between physicality, atmosphere, and emotion. It is important to experiment with blocking, lighting, and sound to reflect the play’s tone and themes. By thoughtfully considering how the characters interact and how to use space, you can bring this gripping and intense story to life on stage. Keep in mind the relationships between the characters, the shifting moods, and the impact of each dramatic moment, and you will create a powerful and engaging performance.