Show Encourage New Audience Northeastern Illinois
The paper should be a minimum of 3 pages. Please remember for Humanities classes, you all must write a minimum of 15 pps, so please adhere to the page count in order to get you there. The minimum must be 3 full pages, but please do feel free to write as much as you like. I want you to be able to use the language of the chapters that we have read so far. Things to think about when writing your critique:
- How do the costumes, lights, sound, and stage design all contribute to the overall concept of the story?
- Consider how the play bridges between ancient Greek theatre and African American church culture? Is this an effective way of moving the story forward?
- How does the conceptualization of the characters, sometimes played by multiple artists work overall?
- Consider who is the audience for which you are writing: How could this show encourage new audience members to the theatre? Does it have a social commentary, philosophy, or point of view embedded in it that speaks to the current times?
- Is there relevant history that the reader would be interested to know about this production?
- Commentary on the performances from the actors and singers.
On page 36, Brockett asks you to consider these questions about our own biases/prejudices because they may influence your ability to be fair in your judgements:
- Am I open to unfamiliar subjects, ideas, or conventions?
- In the theatre, am I comfortable with moral stances which are not my own?
- Are there subjects I think should not be treated on the stage? If so, which?
- What standards do I use when judging a play or performance? ( although I would like to steer you away from the idea of judgement as condemnation here)
Brockett says there are three questions a critic concerns themselves with:
- What was attempted?
- How fully was it accomplished?
- How valuable was the experience?
Additionally, Brockett says you may ask:
- What play was performed? Who was the playwright? What information about the playwright or the play is important for understanding the production?
- What directors, producers, actors or designers were involved in the production as is relevant to your assessment of the production?
- What were the apparent goals of the production?
- How effectively were the goals realized in the production( through the director, actors and designers?)
- Should others see it? Why or why not?
Remember that a critic’s job is to have a conversation around a production, not to crucify it. One must be open-minded and available to innovative ideas. Your paper will hopefully be a full reflection of the first few chapters we have read, maybe even what we learned of the origins of tragedy from Keller’s article on the Mysteries, and of course, what we know of poor Oedipus having read Rex together.
Your review will be graded on the three questions listed above. Each section will be worth 10 points for a total of 30 points. Above and beyond work can always receive extra credit.