Friday, September 17, 2010

Ntozake Shange, quiz, & What on Earth Gave You That Idea?

"Drama requires characters who want things they don't have yet, who need things they don't recognize yet, who are in conflict with people and forces arrayed against them."

Before we take our quiz on "For Colored Girls...," let's discuss this play as a class. After our quiz, please complete the following:

1. Please read the article: "What on Earth Gave You That Idea?" Answer the following questions to turn in by the end of class:
A. Where do writers get their ideas?
B. When evaluating an idea what must a writer consider?
C. What is a 'Premise'?
D. What are two ways to experience life?
E. What is at the core of a good dramatic idea?

The article makes a point about the 36 dramatic situations by Georges Polti. Please link to this page on our link page to your right. Read a few of the 36 dramatic situations (you must click the hyperlink). Which ones interest you? Which ones can you relate to? Which ones have you seen in literature or film? Discuss these 36 dramatic situations with a neighbor today.

After all that, please use this time in lab to work on your monologue projects.

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