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Writer's pictureClaudia Greiner

Embracing the Grotesque: My Transformative Experience Playing the Beggar Woman in Sweeney Todd

Rehearsal Period: October 2017 - February 2018

Performance Dates: 19th - 23rd February 2018

Role: Beggar Woman/ Lucy

Company: Heles School Performing Arts Plymouth

 

My experience performing in the production of Sweeney Todd was a pivotal moment in my acting journey, allowing me to explore new depths of my craft and discover a newfound passion for playing grotesque roles.


In my portrayal of the Beggar Woman, I had the opportunity to break free from the constraints of traditional acting and instead focus on conveying the emotions and intentions of the character. Through experimenting with my body movements and facial expressions, I was able to push myself to new limits and create a truly impactful performance that went beyond the surface-level desire to look "good" or "attractive."


I discovered a love for playing creepy characters and embraced the discomfort that my presence could bring to my fellow actors on stage. As the Beggar Woman, I embodied a mad homeless woman who had been driven to insanity over the years, forgetting her own identity and previous life. It was a challenging role, but one that I relished in every moment.


The revelation that the Beggar Woman was actually Lucy, the pronounced late wife of Sweeney Todd, added a new layer of complexity to my performance. By portraying the character as truly ugly and strange throughout the play, I was able to successfully create a shocking and emotional plot twist at the end that left the audience stunned.


Overall, my experience with Sweeney Todd was a transformative one that pushed me to my limits as an actor and allowed me to fully embrace the power of my craft.



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