Gidion’s Knot Gidion’s Knot was one of the most intense live performances I have ever seen, probably because it was also my first. Right off the bat I noticed that a few audience members were sitting in the school desks that I originally thought were part of the set, and they were, but audience members were allowed to sit in them. Though I did not, I thought it was a cool way for people to truly feel apart of the play. Between that and student work posted around the walls, you really felt like you were in a kids classroom. The play started with Heather, the teacher, at her desk, grading papers but seeming preoccupied and upset. Upon Corryn’s entrance, Heathers dialogue seemed very static and plain, as though reading from the script. She seemed to be relying on heavy sighs and breathing for emotion. I felt immediately this might be a one-sided performance but her speech rhythm began to loosen and flow more naturally the more she spoke. The more Heather talked the more you think she knows about Gidions suspension. She seemed to have knowledge of the issue, but plays the defensive as if she’s uncomfortable saying, or just trying to keep the conference professional and appropriate. The actor did a good job keeping that demeanor, her posture straight, face blank when possible, body language cordial but reserved and constrained. After understanding her acting choices more, I could better see the type of woman she portrayed and why she had her defenses. As the play went on, Heather finally allowed her emotions to surface, her caring concern to emerge, and the two women almost seem to bond. Key word almost. Their back and forth conversations seem very bipolar. One minute they’re talking about death, then literature, then they’re happy, and