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5 Comments 

1) http://janessaharris.blogspot.com/2013/12/next-to-normal.html?showComment=1386560622906#c3825724952229576362

2) http://bturn2130.blogspot.com/2013/12/house-of-trials.html?showComment=1386560888088#c2118836084134748178 

3) http://victoria2130.blogspot.com/2013/12/show-and-tell-andres-mother.html?showComment=1386561099534#c1156963445657514080

4) http://icesk8prosue2130.blogspot.com/2013/12/topdog-underdog.html?showComment=1386561239905#c8208238185136422856

5)http://crayonxasxsnail.blogspot.com/2013/11/tis-pity-shes-whore.html?showComment=1386561432398#c4729497967937873138

Next to Normal

Responding to Dr. Fletcher's post Next to Normal by Brian Yorkey and Music by Tom Kitt

This musical was definitely different from most. I enjoyed the fact that this musical was about a particular subject that is hard to handle among a family. The way the script and musical were constructed allowed a lot more emotion to be pulled into this dramatic piece of work. At first reading this play and just listening to the soundtrack was a terrible idea. After further reviewing this play and looking up an okay version on YouTube from one of the original casted Broadway recordings I understood how the play was able to flow more. Especially the scenes where in the beginning of Act I and Gabe was present. 

While reading the script a lot of questions came to mind and confusion when trying to identify who Gabe really was. The idea of making the choice to include Gabe in the first few scenes was quite interesting. It caught my attention and made a more substantial character role of a ghost. As the plot and story continue I was excited to discover what had actually caused this emotional distress throughout the entire family. Another character that poses as an interesting relief and jog of reality is the character Henry. Henry's character grew from a timid little boyfriend to a stable ground for Natalie in the end. I am intrigued by this decision and wonder why Yorkey would invent a stable character for this very emotional and dramatic piece of work. 

Another choice that posed as a motif that ran throughout the play was the display of lights constantly being talked about.  In the beginning minimal lighting and the script mention moments of darkness. Also the song sung by Dan and Diana "A light in the dark" and the final song that closed the play, "Light." These songs mention the struggles these characters have been through and that it was time to see in the light. "We'll wonder how we wandered for so long, so blind" 

Excuse my lateness with this post. I wanted to give credit to this musical because it peaked an interest for me and I wanted to know more and see what elements would best work for this play. I of course like a lot of the technical aspects; but this performance was an eye opening experience that once can enjoy. 

Topdog/Underdog

Responding to Dr. Feltcher's post Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks 

I enjoyed Topdog/Underdog a lot. The theatrical aspects bringing in magic card tricks was a genius idea. This play brings together two theatrical mirrors connecting Lincoln's assassination and the three card Monte game. Both of these connect through a rigged game where the card holder always is in charge and Lincoln always makes it easy for the customer to shoot. Having these games rigged allows the dealer to make the choice of what happens next. Lincoln and the Dealer are in complete control of the favor of the game. The switch of the game happens when it reflect back to the assassination of Lincoln by Booth. The customer always wins and when Booth sets up and points the gun at Lincoln's head, Lincoln has no choice then but not to move. This mirrors the real assassination of  Lincoln. Also in the end when Lincoln's boss replaces him with a wax figure shows the defeat of Lincoln. And all because of budget cuts. And the dealer on the other hand never lets a customer win. His tricks on his customers is his hunger for their money.

Water by the Spoonful

Responding to Dr. Fletcher's post Water by the Spoonful by Quiara Alegria Hudes 

This play Water by the Spoonful was an interesting one where there were many realities that interact. This being the story plot that connects two separate story lines that I have found to be about the world and online world. I chose scene eight to focus on for this prompt. In the script we find out a past event through a story that the character named Elliot used to be a Marine addicted to pain meds and overdosed on them while in Iraq. Yazmine (Yaz) had no idea that Elliot had overdosed once before. This conversation happens over a computer where Orangutan has busted Elliot's secret past life. This scene shows the action of Yaz and Elliot's fight after this online world breaks their walls. This cause and effect action in the story plot gives a unifying principle of striping the cables. Just as Elliot unplugs his computer and and throws it across the room,  the characters strip their connections. 

'Tis Pity She's A Whore

Responding to Dr. Fletcher's post on 'Tis Pity She's A Whore by John Ford 

For the first quote I have chosen for this advertisement is, "Leave her, and take thy choice; 'tis much less sin, though in such games as those, they lose that win." Act I scene I. Depicted in the poster I'd like to show a bright white rose with large thorns growing from it's stem. And from these thorns there will be small droplets of blood that spot and speckle the leaves and ground around it. In the background a warm rustic brown color that fades into black in an oval shape. This symbol of the rose will be the invitation of a sin, showing the purity of the white masked by the thorns that secret the sin of the play. 

For the second quote I chose, " He shall not 'scape you, I'll provide a poison to dip your rapier's point in." this particular point in the play showed me a lot of deceit and backstabbing qualities. I see this play as very dark and menacing. For the poster and this quote I'd show a dark crimson sky and ground with white trees playing out in the field. A building washed out in white in the background. In the center doorway a dark silhouette of a man and woman. The red of course a symbol of blood lust. The white depicts the white poison that keeps them there. 

For the third poster quote I chose, "To see the effect of pride and lust at once brought to shameful ends." Act V scene VI. The poster would show deep colors of blues and navys. I see grey fog almost like smoke on the poster that shows the quote in bright red. underneath the quote you would see a body draped in a grey cloth. This would be the end and death of the play. 

House of Trials

Responding to Dr. Fletcher's post House of Trials by: Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz

For this play The House of Trials, I found that there were a few conventions for the Spanish Golden Age comedias. To connect with the script I noticed a few symbolizing patterns throughout the play. The characters' objectives were to protect their honor and gain love.

A part in the play really focuses on asking for a women's hand in marriage. That single commitment makes that whole for the idea of love. It seems throughout the play that the characters are continuously fighting for some sort of love. Don Carlos fights for Dona Leonor, Don Juan fights for Dona Ana, and Don Pedro fights for Dona Leonor. This triangle of love affairs quickly resolves itself through the end of Act III. And even though not all love is achieved with every character there is still a sense of contentment among all. The influence of love on comedias is very crucial and strong.

Another point in the play that connects with the conventions of comedias would be that the men fight for their honor. The huge factor of Spanish Golden Age was that men fought among each other for their namesake and honor. And protecting their house, women, and property became a duty of honorable nobility that all the Spanish Golden Age men must face. In this play we see several gentlemen who speak about this topic of importance. There are 2 scenes where the characters duel for the love of a woman. This shows the chivalry and worth of a man's honor. 

5 Comments

5 Comments

1. http://wellhithereyou.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-glass-of-water.html?showComment=1383777239912#c5057373310501019620 

2. http://scriptanalysisbymadalyn.blogspot.com/2013/11/show-and-tell-post-2.html?showComment=1383777484972#c894944289875165342

3. http://kamrink.blogspot.com/2013/11/eurydice.html?showComment=1383777624513#c6732878554653962205

4. http://themoniquemccain.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-childrens-hour.html?showComment=1383777791355#c7399743700693873667

5. http://morgansthtr2130blog.blogspot.com/2013/11/show-and-tell-post-fur.html?showComment=1383778003222#c5876003272221108915 

Show & Tell - 100

Show & Tell - 100 by: Neil Monaghan, Diene Petterle, Christopher Heimann 

For my show & tell post I chose, 100,  a play that we recently produced here. I wanted to talk about this play because not many people know the way this play came into production or what the meaning of it was. I had a lot of audience members who asked after the show what the main idea of the play was supposed to be. Hence why I would like to give everyone a little insight on this play because it is a truly amazing work of art that has great potential. 

100 was first original published in Great Britain in 2003 by Nick Hern Books Limited in association with theimaginarybody. The playwrights Diene Petterlie, Neil Monaghan, and Christopher Heinmann were offered the opportunity to put on a play as part of the Arcola theater's Short Cut season of short plays. Instead of looking for a play, they thought about creating a play based on themes they felt most strongly about. One idea that really struck all of them as important was the question of what may be essential to life. The idea was  if they could take a step out of their lives to stop, look, and reconsider the choices they made. An underlying theme was that most people run around and miss out on some kind of balance on everyday life. The most important question struck; "what was really important to us?" The theme of death and dying had been an interest. One often hears stories of 'near death experiences' and how that can make people completely reevaluate their lives and often make changes for the better. Of course this idea gave off the impression of Judgment Day or Purgatory; but the writers described the theme as a different form and to not be misunderstood that it was Purgatory. This play created a more dream like world or better known as "the void." 

After developing this idea of making a choice after death, they presented this play at the Arcola theatre as a work-in-progress piece. The audience response was very strong and positive where then they took this play to the Edinburgh festival. At Edinbrough, the play sold out every night and won a Fringe First award for 'innovation in theatre and outstanding new production'. Since then this play, 100, has taken on an extensive international and national tour. 

Five characters who have died at some point in their lives are gathered together in this "void". Their journey begins when the main character of the five, the guide so to speak, introduces them all to death. Each character goes through memories holding on to a point in their lives that they find to be the most important. However, as we encountered in the play, some of the memories did not have a significance or impact in their lifetime. The realization that there is more to life and satisfaction that meets the eye finally occurs with the characters creating a change in their presence in the "void." These moments often found or associated with the point of moving on. Left standing are two characters counting down the time left to make a choice from their life that made sense to them and impacted. 

The first dramaturgical choice I found within this play was why didn't they have a transition of time for the countdown. The whole purpose in the beginning of the play I found was that Ketu counted out of reason to help him think. Further as we carry on in the play, the guide picks up the counting and makes the counting an ominous urgency to chose a memory. The idea of counting down was such a basic thought that kept the tension and suspense in the play. My opinion was why not have some form of change throughout the play to show the countdown. For example, a clock, or light change? 

The second dramaturgical choice I discovered was the playing space. First when I went through the rehearsal process and understood we were playing on a blank stage completely clothed in white, I thought that was crazy. But as the play continued and the idea of the "void" was developed rather than a playing space I understood what the playwrights were trying to achieve. Sometimes the simpler the better. 

I enjoyed reading, watching, and working on this play a lot. If anyone has an questions or concerns that they feel the need to ask; ask away! I would be happy to discuss this play better in depth. 

Glass of Water

Responding to Dr. Fletcher's Post on Glass of Water 

This particular play Glass of Water by: Eugene Scribe fits fine with the well made play structure. I didn't particularly like reading this play. It was lengthy and a battle against sleep.  Although, all the pieces seemed to fit within this play’s story. If I had to pick one moment where I thought the pieces did not fully match up I may have to say the scene where at the very end of the play the discourse between the Duchess and Bolingbroke. I honestly was very confused reading this scene. I had to go back and reread half the play to see if I missed something. The character’s relationship was so bizarre and I had thought they just didn't see eye-to-eye the entire play till the very end. Also the way they had to speak about what they were doing before kissing and slapping each other was so out of place for me. Especially since the characters are already married to others. I’d say Glass of Water is a different play in general; even though it presents the idea of a well made play structure. 

Children's Hour

Responding to Dr. Fletcher's Post on Children's Hour by: Lillian Hellman 

Hellman created a well made play structure for The Children’s Hour. There was a lot of drama and irony that kept me in suspense. A great deal of tension was also introduced several times through the plot. The exposition, however, was a little different than an expected well made play structure. I felt that the point of attack came earlier in the play rather than the ideal later. The idea of keeping secrets making that the rising action of the play was genius. Although the rising action built up a lot, it seemed to be a drawn out process of events. In the play many times Mary’s lies ruin the lives of others and she is not punished for her actions. Usually the secret being revealed as a part of a well made play structure brings out a logical resolution. The Children’s Hour did not end the way most would think; a surprise twist was a good idea but caused a lot of tension left after the conclusion. 

Eurydice

Responding to Dr. Fletcher's Post on Eurydice by: Sarah Ruhl 

These quotes chosen for this production are both equally tangible to the heart. Presenting these quotes on a poster would entice the viewer to come see the play to learn more about why those quotes were chosen to advertise this play. Eurydice’s character goes through several hardships that relate to real world situations.

“Forget the names - the names make you remember” would be an excellent quote because it discusses the idea of moving on. Life after death shown through a mythological perspective helps to console the idea of an obstacle or defeated challenge. The stones told this to Eurydice’s father on principle that he would not have contentment once the name is known. Same with the relationship between Orpheus and Eurydice, they could not fathom the idea of not being together. Letting go was the overall message to achieve.  

However, the second quote I've chosen reaches deeper in a family relative humanistic perspective. “Do you understand the love a father has for his daughter?” The Father tried and wanted to connect his daughter that even though the idea of learning her name would not be enough in the end. Seeing such determination the father had to remember was sweet and sorrowful. The real world idea that gives love between a father and a daughter a deeper connection for viewers. 

Also just saying apart from this response; I thoroughly enjoyed this play. The modernization of Greek mythology was a clever idea and a good read.  

Love! Valour! Compassion!

Responding to Dr. Fletcher's Post on Love! Valour! Compassion! by: Terrence McNally

After reading over Love! Valour! Compassion! and relating it to our discussion about what capital T-Truth is, I've noticed that McNally illustrates how the truth is exposed through the characters decisions. The capital truth focuses on the idea of human perception and what it should represent. The character's relationships and decisions were not thought out ahead of time. The actions the characters made were based on reactions to their opinions and nature. If a historian were to read this play they might be confused at first because of the non-linear play style and the breaking of the 4^th wall. The cause-and-effect actions take place in order of plot but do not follow the story line in order. Breaking down of the fourth wall at random times throughout the play may take away from the story but gives the reality that the information being told is important. All the actions made reflect towards the bigger and greater conclusion which does come at the end tying all the loose ends together. The worldview with this play being a well made play structure aims interest towards those who view this play more than once. 

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4000 Miles

Response to Dr. Fletcher's Post on "4000 Miles" by Amy Herzog 

I personally enjoyed this play out of those that we have read. 4000 Miles was incredibly interesting in presenting a difficult situation of accepting change. The choice made between the characters Leo and Vera is whether they can trust and understand one another. Continuously throughout the play Herzog presents Leo with relationship struggles with his family members and many relationships. The hardships of witnessing his best friends death, creating drama with his sister and mother, and dealing with a break up with Bec all of these scenes support Leo's struggles with relationships. Leo stumbles to New York where he stays with his grandmother Vera. Leo and Vera have an odd relationship with very little understanding for each other. Herzog describes the change between Leo and Vera's relationship through their choices and time spent together. Repeatedly the struggles of relationships are shown throughout this play. 4000 Miles also explains the importance of relationships through understanding, acceptance, and trust. At the end of the play Herzog concludes with Leo and Vera going to an old friend of Vera's funeral. The connection between the two shows a change of character and relationship.

Judith

Response to Dr. Fletcher's post on Judith by Howard Barker 

While reading this play I happened to keep a picture and a song in mind  because of how perfect it fits into the play.

It is interesting to point out these characters in Judith and Night, Mother who have similarities by choosing the same topic of death to reflect on. Night,Mother was more focused on the act of suicide, while Judith focuses more on murder of a sacrifice. Both plays posed a Major Dramatic Question; Judith obviously asks, "Will Judith kill Holofemes?" Barker also has a very interesting form of writing. During the play I was confused and curious as to why he wrote some lines in bold print. 

Judith goes through changes from the beginning of the play to the end of the play. Her challenge comes about when she discovers how deeply she feels for Holofemes. This act of death is influenced with the servants words. Judith does not act alone in the killing. She struggles with all these thoughts and feelings but worries about the safety of her future. The end is the most shocking when we see a change in Judith. Her actions of killing destroy her ideals. 

My opinion; I found this play particularly difficult to read at first because it is a bit wordy. I kept having to re read lines to understand what they meant. Finding more information on this play helped me to better understand what it was about. 

Night, Mother

Responding to Dr. Fletcher's Prompt on Night, Mother by Marsha Norman 

I think there are many other Major Dramatic Questions for Night, Mother i.e. "Why does Jessie want to kill herself?" During the play Mama continuously asks why Jessie wants to kill herself and what is the cause of her doing it. Jessie changes her mind and reason several times for why she wants to die. She blames it on her illness and for not being normal. However, she also blames Mama for not telling her the truth.
As the first scene begins we see Jessie checking off her list and searching for a gun. "Why does Jessie first lie about the gun to her Mama?" She tells Mama it is for protection which later on in the play she admits that it will be for shooting herself.  Was Jessie nervous about her Mama's reaction to her reason behind the gun? Jessie seems to hide a lot of things away from her mother. When her Mama reacts to when Jessie first tells her it is for killing herself, she is overly worried and retaliates with how it is such a selfish thing to do.
Jessie and Mama talk about Cicel and Ricky who are Jessie's family. Cicel left Jessie after her illness of epilepsy grew worse. Ricky has run off and began misbehaving committing small crimes. "Why doesn't Jessie seem to care for her son?" She talks about her son Ricky as if he does not really matter. Mama cares more for Ricky by being hopeful for his future. Mama tries to convince Jessie not to kill herself in hope that Ricky would come back with his own family and children. This hope does not phase Jessie and she still kills herself.
Overall, Jessie wanted to kill herself because she had given up on life. Her illness became a crutch she relied on as an excuse. Her excuse took her life. Mama tried to reason and make life seem worthwhile to continue on living; even hoping that there was another better man out there for Jessie. "Why did Jessie pull the trigger?" 

Responding to Dr. Fletcher's prompt Trifles by Susan Glaspell

Producing the play Trifles is a wonderful idea. I have read this play several times and still picture how it would appear on stage. The idea of producing this play with minimal props and settings would be ideal, however to perform this play well would be to create an environment that draws the audience and character's in. If I was asked to produce and direct this play I would be specific and elaborate in the furniture choices down to the colors of lighting. Trifles has an interesting vibe that had me asking questions from the beginning. Why did Mrs. Hale never visit Minnie Foster? Why was Minnie Foster dead inside? What was the main motivation behind John Wright’s death? So many questions boggle around in my head. To dramatically explain the play through a performance would be incredibly detailed.  

From a director's perspective I would agree that focusing on the words and emotions give a certain intention to the play. Selecting on a few key props to signify and tie in the play would increase the suspense and draw the audience's eye. For example placing an empty birdcage and some rope on stage would be foreshadowing the ultimate theme. I understand preserving the conclusion to the climax of the play; but "to entertain an audience you must make them ask questions."  With minimal objects it might be hard to tell a story. In the viewer’s point of view some may not be able to visually see what the actors are trying to say in the story. It is the director’s idea and artistic mind that puts on the show. I believe that directors should consider how well the audience will be able to picture in their minds the rest of the story with so few costumes, props, and set pieces. Although to perform a great work of art does not need to always be from a certain point of view. The saying, “less is more” describes this director’s frame of mind. 

Responding to Dr. Fletcher's prompt on Overtones by Alice Gerstenberg

In my opinion, Overtones was a comic relief of a play. I thought the playwright Alice Gerstenberg was very clever in her choice of portraying the "inner self" in human form. The characters Harriet and Hattie were very intriguing when first introduced on stage. The first scene shows Harriet and Hattie talking about the arrival of a long lost friend. The odd part about connection between the two characters was that Harriet seemed to be looking away or talking to inanimate objects rather than the human figure of her "inner self" named Hattie. Further on in the first scene just before their visitor arrives Harriet does make physical contact with Hattie by draping a veil across her face. I did not understand this part of the play because I assumed that Harriet was always talking to her real "inner self" and not the character who plays that role. When Margaret and Maggie are introduced in the play I caught on quickly that these ladies had deep opinions spoken through their "inner selves". My favorite part of the play would be the close end of the play when the "inner selves" Maggie and Hattie are yelling and clawing at each other while the real characters Margaret and Harriet politely say goodbye.  Seeing the "inner" reactions of the ladies made me wonder how it would have played out differently if there were not human forms to give us a perspective. I give my compliments to Gerstenberg for her dramatic irony of this play. Seeing the "inner self" is most enjoyable and helps the audience to understand what each woman is thinking. This setting of the play also helps describe a certain era of women's rights. This play sets the time in the present; but the habits and manner of how the women act portray a time in the past. The ladies Harriet and Margaret are very cordial and have polite manners. In today's society women have adjusted to speak their mind rather than 'grin and bare it'. 

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