Midterm Reflection

In class last week we discussed some interesting points about reading and posting, specifically with using the posts from Problem Child. There was a lot reoccurring themes in the forums, including that of the difference of character visions on paper and on stage. Most people seem to have the same experience as I do – when you read a character a certain way it affects the way you watch a play. Already once reading it, you have expectations of what a character should and should not be doing. This can have some faults if you tend to have a close-mind, but if you are able to accept the idea of different portrayals “The page to the stage” could be an interesting experience.

--- When reading Frost/Nixon I had another interesting experience. This is the first play I read that has interesting and controversial history behind it. The Watergate scandal was a subject I did not know much information about before I read the play, and began to wonder about the background to the play. It is one of those pieces of writing that leaves you wanting more if you were not well informed. I instantly, even before I was done the play, began research information about the history to Nixon’s presidency, and the errors he made. It was a different experience because for the rest of the times I read the other plays; I never really felt I needed to do research to understand the conflict of the story. With Life Without Instruction I wanted to research certain aspects of the time frame, but I did not have to to understand the issues. Even after done reading it I thought it was interesting to find out what was fiction in the play, and it turns out, there are a lot of parts of the play that have been challenged as a lie. Such as the part when Nixon calls Frost at his hotel room – it supposedly never happened. Also, the whole interview was said to be planned in the first place, especially the apology – Nixon apparently had chosen to say he was sorry before the interview even commenced. I thought it was interested that a play such as this one could have such power over my want to research.

Plays are all around interesting – I never really was involved in drama so I think that an experience backstage would be a wonderful one for me – and stressful. Once starting this class, I have begun to realise the complexity and amount of hard-work it takes to take a script and turn it into a play. There is so much work behind stage design, costume design, paperwork, directing, and lighting- you name it, it has to be done. I never really thought of the elaborate career of a director, but these experiences have opened my eyes. I think, if I ever get the chance, it is time for me to try it out, and probably fail horribly: but yet, still a learning experience.

Until next time!

Learning Journal 4

This week has been informative. Our editorial group for Problem Child got together in class to choose what we thought was important for the playgoer's guide. After we had the presentation from the wiki group, we had all taken note of what parts of the site we thought was important to the brochure. Our group was really productive, and on track. When we met at first we decided on 4 sections that were the most important: background on George Walker, the Suburban Motel series, the factory theatre, and the black comedy genre. Charles and I shared the Suburban Motel series, as he talked about the series itself, and I talked about the use of one motel room. I also went to see the play this week, and it was quite interesting. The characters were opposite of what I envisioned when I read the play: Helen was a lot more strong-willed, while Denise was vulnerable and weak throughout most of the play. Anyway, excited for next class! See you later.

learning journal 3

Hello everyone!
Last class was interesting, we got to further discuss our views on Life Without Instruction, while doing an interesting excercise. I learned some interesting opinions from reading different blogs, and talking about them further. We got set up into our wiki site groups, where I met some really nice classmates. I think that the our wiki site for Frost/Nixon will be a success after we set up our ideas. After reading Problem Child, and responding to it, I am kind of mixed as to if I liked it or not. It was very emotional, strange, yet interesting. I feel as though when it is performed live I will enjoy it more. As for Frost/Nixon - beside it being a little long, I enjoyed learning about the whole background to the play. There is a lot of information about USA's history that I had no idea about, and I also enjoy learning new things.
Well, that is all for now folks, catch ya on the flip side.

Learning Journal 2

Hello everybody!
Things have been going great lately. Last class was interesting, especially when we practiced the free writing. My wrist hurt instantly when I started writing, my body wasn't made to write under pressure. Anyway, we learned that we all had similar ideas about the subject: what advantages come from knowing information before seeing a play.
When discussing the use of a playgoer's guide we agreed there can be faults and adavatages. The faults are when the guide gives too much information, and it ruins the suprises within the play. The advatages are that you can have valuable background information that will help you with following along with the play. Sometimes plays can be confusing without knowing some facts about the story.
We also disscussed the advantage of reading a play before watching it live. Many people thought it helped them in relation to "Life Without Instruction". It could even be compared to watching a movie twice? (realising things you didn't notice the first time reading it) Although, there were some people who thought the experience would have been better if they didn't know every aspect to the play - it might have been a little more interesting.

Anyway, great class, and I have to start reading "Problem Child!" ( a little excited for that)
Peace out.