Discuss in detail how you would play Elizabeth or John Proctor in the chosen scene.
As Elizabeth greets Proctor with a question about where he has been, we know that she is suspicious of him. I would come in and look at John with a neutral smile to show she is not best pleased with him. I would then turn around and busy myself with something else such as the cooking and subtly bring the question into conversation so as not to make it obvious she still doesn't trust him. When he replies, I would answer with a pleased tone and hold an expression of slight relief, showing she is pleased but still knows there is something he is putting off telling her. I would then turn around and serve him dinner as I say "They will be soon" I think that as Elizabeth is quite timid on the outside, she should speak quietly, looking anywhere but in John's eyes and always moving around so as not to let any awkward silences begin. Elizabeth noticeably answers John's questions with short answers, letting him know she is hurt. When she replies, "Aye" to "Pray now for a fair summer", her voice should be firm and sharp. When she brings John his dinner and he asks her if she is well, she replies shortly and coldly, knowing that she is in control of John as he is plagued by his guilt. I think as John is continually nice and sympathetic to her, she is warmer towards him and tells him how the rabbit walked into the kitchen of her own accord. I would say "Pray God. I hurt my heart to strip her, poor Rabbit", I would sit opposite John with a dazed expression looking at the rabbit and then turn to John expectantly as if to tell him to taste it. I think that by the way Elizabeth watches him taste it we know that although she hurt badly, she still wishes to please her husband and be a good woman. .
As he tells her it is well seasoned, I would have and expression of delight on my face and would lean closer to him, with my elbows on the table and my hands together, still watching him eat.
