Plays, plays, plays. Plays can take the shape of many different types
and styles. Sometimes the play is political, other times it is "a slice
of life," with little more meaning than allowing people to look at
their lives. Still others are highly tense dramas that stuff you into a blender then turn it on full speed. Aristotle explained the process by which plays purge viewers of their emotions. These plays make us laugh or cry--but they don't just pass by unnoticed.
Just as it is impolite to discuss politics and religion at a dinner party, some plays have an axe to grind, take a specific position on an issue, and explore controversy or important societal issues quite nicely. Some plays try to shock and move an audience into action, or help change a person's mind. Afterall, it takes quite a bit of persuasion to make a change in the world. And that is what playwrights' want -- change!
So:
Here's two plays. Both controversial and powerful in their own style. Each "shocking" in their exploration of "truth." Both very different.
Please read and complete The Colored Museum in class. Please read Night Mother as homework. Be prepared to write about these plays on our forum.
As always, look for the major dramatic question: the question that the audience wants answered by the end of the play. In shorthand this is the MDQ. As you read Night Mother, pay close attention to the use of the two characters (and thier goals), the theme, the use of the unities (consolidation of time, place, and action), and the social message.
Just as it is impolite to discuss politics and religion at a dinner party, some plays have an axe to grind, take a specific position on an issue, and explore controversy or important societal issues quite nicely. Some plays try to shock and move an audience into action, or help change a person's mind. Afterall, it takes quite a bit of persuasion to make a change in the world. And that is what playwrights' want -- change!
So:
Here's two plays. Both controversial and powerful in their own style. Each "shocking" in their exploration of "truth." Both very different.
Please read and complete The Colored Museum in class. Please read Night Mother as homework. Be prepared to write about these plays on our forum.
As always, look for the major dramatic question: the question that the audience wants answered by the end of the play. In shorthand this is the MDQ. As you read Night Mother, pay close attention to the use of the two characters (and thier goals), the theme, the use of the unities (consolidation of time, place, and action), and the social message.
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