Claudia Roe Inspiration

Admitting that Claudia Roe is dissimilar to me leaves me needing to find ideas, images and inspiration for her character. And the one place to start with Claudia? The colour red.

When you think of a hard-headed business women you may not think of Jessica Rabbit, but when you think sex icon in red, you may come to a similar conclusion. Jessica Rabbit applies to my representation of Claudia Roe in no other way than aesthetically. Her characteristics are found elsewhere with other women and yet her look channels Jessica very closely. In both characters, a certain element of their power and confidence comes from the way they look- they know the effect it can have. Although a cartoon, Jessica's exaggerated physicality and vocal quality is something I can observe and then adapt to fit a more naturalistic style. The way she moves, every moment being specifically placed for effect is something I can bring to my interpretation of Claudia. Claudia doesn't just walk; she walks purposefully. She knows that every time she walks away from Skilling he should be left draw dropped as he watches her walk away, she knows every time she interacts with a trader that a handshake represents both polite business etiquette and a assertion of power over her colleagues. Every movement will not be so exaggerated and frankly, so plainly sexualised, but the confidence that can come with subtle deliberate choices can project outwards, effecting the other actors onstage and consequently the audience. And of course, if we are looking for an icon who wears red the best, we need look no further.

Taking inspiration away from the cartoon and into the characters, Stella Gibson from 'The Fall' at first glance could be a poster for Claudia: the blonde hair, the suit, the confident pose, the face of angel, she would be the perfect candidate for inspiration. Not only that, but her character reflects Claudia almost perfectly: she is a chief detective, so operates in a male dominant system and therefore uses her femininity to manipulate a situation. Although Stella deals with a psychotic serial killer, the intense relationship we see formed between Stella and for all intents and purposes her nemesis Paul Spector, has elements of the power play we see in the relationship Roe and Skilling have. Her attitude and the atmosphere she brings into a room is something I would aim to bring to my interpretation of Claudia.

Although it is important to find people and performances to inspire me it is essential that the Claudia I present to an audience is one that is inspired by the unique choices I make onstage. I do not want to copy anything, but taking hints from appropriate places can only enhance my performance; it would be arrogant to assume that every decision I make onstage is right. When experimenting with such a strong female character, I think it is only natural to look to those who I believe represent the same level of dominance and class that Claudia does because by understanding what a strong women is to me, I can transform into the complex, powerful women that is Claudia Roe.