This thesis examines different challenging aspects I have experienced when portraying a character in a victim position. The purpose has been to get better at portraying victims and to be more comfortable as a singer doing so.

For the project I have studied and learned the role of Leonora from Verdi´s La Forza del destino.

I have used various methods including: body work, integrating playfulness in my practice, reading about trauma responses and has included working with many different pedagogues and coaches.

My better understanding of trauma responses has helped me become more confident when it comes to artistic choices. It also helped me become a better musician since I was more confident I knew what I was doing and it has led to me having more artistic choices.

The heightened focus on my body helped me both in and outside the practice room. I got a calmer body and I also had an easier time to plan and structure my work. 

By consiously adding elements of play into my practice I got rid of some frustration and got more process oriented.  

An unexpected insight that the project gave me was how affected I have been by performance anxiety.