DNA: School Edition (Oberon Modern Plays)

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It's clear that the gang has its own set of rules, which override those of the world outside. Going outside the gangs ranks, is a no-no.' When Adam actually appears in Act 3 Scene 3 (p49) we find out he has been living in a hedge. He has suffered a head injury and this is evidently still affecting him as his memory is weak and his speech is confused and staggered (p53)

By Act 3 Scene 3 Cathy is ‘second in command’ as she is charged with killing Adam. A conversation takes place between her and Phil and despite Leah’s attempts to be heard, she is ignored by them both (p58) This is a dark play but there are lighter moments that lift the mood and stop it becoming too morbid ('I can't get involved in this. I'm going to be a dentist!'). The play has a cyclical feel to it, alternating between woodland scenes in which most of the action takes place and quieter moments with the two protagonists, Leah and Phil, sat side by side in a field. No matter what the circumstance, you know the gang will defend itself. Not just from outsiders, but from itself. Weak leaders are seen as threats. And they constantly have to be on the lookout for challenges. Defiantly a victim of that.

Consider the following: junk DNA and junk DNA reporting

Although quiet for a long time, Phil clearly considers everyone’s words and actions before he speaks. He gives calm and considered instructions to each member of the group as he assigns roles and tasks for them to complete. This makes him appear callous and nihilistic. A key quote that justifies his actions: Characters: Distinct, can afford more development. I like that there are no adults in this play. The straight-up intense power-play between the teen characters is fascinating. From a performing perspective, Leah and Phil are such an exciting duo. She makes so many decisions in this play and her monologues really invite the audience to think and feel with her; the dynamic between the two is also complicated and tips over at the end of Part Three. Although on stage in many scenes, Phil rarely speaks. Usually his action involves eating (ice-cream/Starburst/waffles, etc.). It says "The nucleotides forming each DNA strand are connected by noncovalent bonds, called hydrogen bonds." but those are covalent peptide bonds. It should say the bonds holding the two DNA strands together are noncovalent hydrogen bonds. A chimp will find itself on the outside of a group, and before he knows it, he's been hounded to death by the others. Sometimes for months!

Researchers refer to DNA found in the cell's nucleus as nuclear DNA. An organism's complete set of nuclear DNA is called its genome. Richard first appears to be a strong character and potentially someone who is able to be a leader of the group. Lou is scared of him and he presents a challenge to John Tate’s leadership. Although he stands up to John Tate ( You shouldn’t threaten me John’ p17), he is eventually put in his place when John Tate turns the entire group against Richard by telling them to choose sides. (Act 1 Scene 3). John Tate only appears in Act 1 Scene 3. He leads through using fear to control others. However, he is visibly falling apart during Act 1 Scene 3 as he panics and is unable to control those around him or the situation. He tries to ban the word, ‘dead,’ he says he will ‘bite their face. Or something. ’ if anyone uses the word again. However, the use of ‘Or something’ shows he has clearly not in control of his thoughts, words or the situation. He's a follower not a leader. As he shows in the end, when he takes Leah's place in the field, pleading for Phil's attention.' Dialogue: I like the vagueness of Jan and Mark's dialogues appearing at the beginning of every part. The cross-cutting will be fun to perform, though difficult.Even Leah can only handle so much before she leaves. It might not be bullying, but Phil's torturous silences eventually drive her away.' This is insane! I mean I've never, but... this?! Because... alright whatever, but this is actually insane! Lou will follow whoever the leader is at the time. She is a ‘yes’ woman and will do as she is told. She is controlled by fear (see Act 1 Scene 3). She is afraid of John Tate but also of ‘ Richard, maybe’ (p13). This causes John Tate to panic and ultimately results in John Tate and Richard’s confrontation. Lou (possibly inadvertently) has planted the seed in John Tate’s mind that he is not seen as a leader which results in the struggle for power between him and Richard. Ultimately, their conflict ends with John Tate re-gaining power through threats and fear. Put simply, as Kelly says: 'It's about a group of teenagers who do something very wrong, and then cover it up'. Lou has no complicated speeches but instead speaks using simple sentences or short phrases. Phrases such as ‘We’re screwed’ (p34) make her appear young/ not assertive and relies on being given instruction. She also appears to believe the lies the group have created (p35)

Leah and Phil’s scenes take place in a field. This could have a ‘romantic’ notion as the field is open and spacious and away from the distraction of the other characters. Besides the DNA located in the nucleus, humans and other complex organisms also have a small amount of DNA in cell structures known as mitochondria. Mitochondria generate the energy the cell needs to function properly.

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But as the lies begin to escalate the group goes with it. And allow the man to be framed and it appears to work until.' These characters act as the ‘chorus’ or narrators. They throw the audience directly into the action at the beginning of each Act and are useful as they fill in any blanks for us. So much so, the Bonobo like Leah is prepared to violate her moral code, in an effort to get a response from Phil. Firstly killing her pet and then threatening to kill herself.' Leah: " It’s Adam, Phil, Adam! We used to go to his birthday parties, he used to have that cheap ice cream and we used to take the piss, remember?" (p58) Throughout the entire play, Leah has been trying to gain Phil’s attention, and he is constantly ignoring her. Now Phil turns to her for approval and puts his arm round her. She pushes him away and runs off. Now Phil realises that even Leah is rejecting him, he begins to think about what he has done, and spends the rest of the play by himself, refusing to talk to anyone.

DNA presents the issue that characters acting as a group demolishes the restrictions a person acting individually would usually impose on themselves. Resulting, is the person’s susceptibility to conformist groupthink. An example of this in the story is Mark and Jan’s retelling of the incident that lead to Adam’s presumed demise. Their repeated use of “we” implies that they were intoxicated with the power and freedom of consequence they felt, in acting as a group, “We’re having a laugh thinking what’s this nutter going to do next, we can make him do, we can make him do…”. After learning of Adam’s death, however, their fear of facing repercussions that mirror the intimidation and abuse they themselves executed on Adam, is revealed by their willingness to cover up the murder. This fear acts as proof to show that the bullies do have the ability to sympathize with Adam. Yet despite knowing of their wrongdoing, they continued to harass him. Why? Richard can be very negative and grumbles when given instructions by the leader. It could be argued that this is why he does not progress in the social hierarchy and Cathy does. Phil instructs Richard to take Brian to the police station but has to repeat his instructions to him (p41) Go and eat the earth somewhere? Shall we eat the earth? I wonder what the earth tastes like? What do you think? Do you think it tastes earthy? We get the impression that Mark and Jan might also be younger members of the group/ less able to assert themselves. They look to Phil for reassurance and take instructions from him. (p57)

Everything is much better though, I mean really it is! Everyone's working together, they're a lot happier.