Learning Journal 8

Class time is running out, and it is exciting!
Last class, the whole duration was used to present the different playgoer's guides, and wiki sites. The editorial teams chose some great information, but afterwards Russ made us inkshed about the presentations, which brought up some interesting points that may have been missing out of both presentations. Inkshedding is difficult to do, mentally and physically, but once you get into the groove, you find yourself thinking of ideas that would have never came up were it a regular discussion. In the Beaux Stratagem wiki site crew's presentation they had quite a bit of information, more than enough for a playgoer's guide, but the only issue I had with it was the interest of it. Some of the subjects were a little tidious, and rich with history, which sometimes, if I had come across it, would not read it because of my un-attraction to large blocks of text. I guess we should all keep in mind that what is apealing to the eye, and is not intimidating is most likely what the audience will actually take the time to read.

Other than that, I have to get to posting on the Beaux Stratagem, homework has been piling up lately, which has put me behind on my play postings!
Until next time.

Learning Journal 7

Hello again,
Last class was informative in relation to the plays Frost/Nixon and the Cripple of Innishman. The group from Cripple presented their wiki site that was full of information, and I was a little dumbfounded because there was very little to add! It was quite interesting to see the background to that certain play, and with all the information I really wish I was goin to see it. I cannot attend that play because of the dates it is on, but it was still great to hear about the story. It was funny to know that most of the plays we have been studying are black comedys; maybe it is a common genre of plays? I was actually shocked to find out how famous Martin McDonagh, he even won an Academy Award for one of his short films. One other fact that was valuble to know about the play was the truth behind the "Man of Aran" documentary. The characters refered to it, and it turns out to be an actual film. Frost/Nixon playgoer's guide group also presented what they thought should go into the companion, and they also did a great job. I think they chose the right material for the panflet.

I also went to see Frost/Nixon in Saint John this past week, and it was a great experience. I enjoyed traveling there with the people of our class, it was a lot of fun. The production was the best I have seen yet; set and theatre company wise. I thought they handled the scene changes very well, and the set design worked great with the story.
I guess until next time!

Learning Journal 6

I was a little late for class last week, but I got there just in time for my group's wiki site presentation. I learned quite a bit about the play while researching, and reading what others had found. I was actually quite suprised to find out that many people in the class did not know that the play was made into a critically praised movie. Many did not know about it's historical background either - although I did not know nearly as much about it as I do now, after reading the script. The presentation went well, and I beleive that the class was well-informed. I think the most interesting section of my research for the play was the noted fiction in the script - it is always informative to know what actually happend, and what did not.

The Gut Girls team also presented their website, and did a great job. They left not much room for questions. In my personal opinion, the best grouping of information in the presentation was the historical background of the slaughterhouses, and the existance of the "real" Gut Girls. In high school history, I learned quite a bit about the Industrial Revolution, and the rise of women workers - but this script, and it's background opens a whole new view on girls and their new found independence at the time. It was informative, interesting, and helps you understand the relevance of certain situations in the play for it's time.

Until next time! :)