A note about realism & writing

Like Greek Tragedies, realistic contemporary plays are concerned with social issues (how and what to govern, how private life clashes with public, who is oppressing whom? examining philosophy and belief systems, the trouble of communication, etc.), questions of existence (what does my life mean?), and, in general, the problems of "slings and arrows" of our daily lives (which in contemporary life usually revolves around economics and money).

Since tragedy is a bit out dated, realism is often the preferred style of writing. For the writer this includes: writing about real situations, examining psychology of your characters (getting into their heads), and using dialogue to reflect how modern people talk.

Realism examines problems and assumes that solutions are possible. If your characters talk things out, take action to direct their own desires, wants, life, etc. to create change, create solutions for common problems in society and life, then you have come close to the spirit of realism.

Realist plays are also called "problem plays" for a reason. At their core, these plays present common human problems and we watch as the characters attempt to solve them.

Today, we will finish viewing Hedda Gabbler. Afterward, let's chat a bit about the play and what you noticed.

We will slink down to the library after our discussion to pick up our next play: A Raisin in the Sun by Lorainne Hansberry. More information about her will be posted above.

HOMEWORK: Please complete "A Raisin in the Sun"

Realism

Enough of comedy. After our test, please begin reading the handout on Tragedy and Realism. When we are all done, we will begin watching the movie stage production of Ibsen's Hedda Gabler. Here's a copy of part of the script. Exceptional students will take a look and compare what we see on screen with what Ibsen wrote.

Unit Test - Wednesday, Dec. 2

If (and when) you complete your scenario (due today), please study for the unit test on Wednesday, Dec. 2.

You should know:
Absurdism (look over the notes and links for this; refer to your notes and the Rhinoceros handout)
Samuel Becket: Waiting for Godot, Happy Days, (Endgame)
Eugene Ionesco & Rhinoceros
The Complete Works of Shakespeare, Abridged
William Shakespeare & the Comedy of Errors
The House of Blue Leaves & John Guare
Christopher Durang: (particularly: Death Comes to Us All Mary Agnes, Sister Mary Ignatius Explains it All for You, The Actor's Nightmare, Titanic, 'dentity Crisis, The Life and Purpose of the Universe)
Commedia dell'Arte
Farce
The Event: (a uniquely significant moment in the character's lives)
The inciting incident (point of attack or turning point in the lives of a protagonist--the event that INVOLVES the protagonist and gets the story moving)
the major decision
Rising action
Dark Moment
Enlightenment
Time lock
Moliere & French scenes
Place & setting
Theme
Scenario

Full Length Scenario - Due today!

Today, your full length absurdist scenario is due. As mentioned below:

Your scenario needs to include:
a. a working title
b. a place
c. a setting (description of)
d. a time
e. a cast of characters. Each character should have a brief description or goal in mind.
f. a list of possible acts
g. a list of possible scenes
h. a breakdown of each scene (or act) and which characters are involved and what their action might be in that scene. (Please break your scenes or acts down into rough French scenes--see below). You will notice that in a treatment or scenario, the author should suggest and plan out his/her plot. For our purposes, please include information about what the play is going to be about (a rough description). Do not panic. You do not have to have all the little details determined yet. You should, however, have a good idea what you want your play to be about.

Remember that nothing is set in stone. Anything can change during the writing process. You will, however, need to have a plan to write a longer work.

PLEASE NOTE: You are not necessarily going to write this play. You will have a final choice soon as to which script you'd like to complete.

French Scenes & Moliere's Tartuffe

Rather than the lights going up or down and the playwright numbering scenes where action comes to a pinnacle of tension or resolves itself, a french scene is marked by the entrance of a new character on stage. It is quite helpful to actors and directors who need to keep track of which characters are on stage and when.

Moliere being French himself, used French scenes in his plays. Here's the script to Tartuffe, a very funny satirical farce. Those of you who like to read and enjoy reading plays (and want to enrich your lives with classical literature...there may be a few of you in the class) you are welcome to read this play. If you do (and write a short summary and criticism of the play) you will garner extra credit for this marking period. You can read the script from google books above. I've also added it to the link page for the time being.

Christopher Durang Homework

Please read the following plays:

"'dentity Crisis"
"Death Comes to Us All, Mary Agnes"
"Titanic"
"The Actor's Nightmare"
"Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You"

These plays, like the Nature and Purpose of the Universe are black comedies. They include many of the qualities that we know as absurdist.

A note about black or dark comedy:
Black comedy pokes fun at things that we shouldn't normally poke fun at. As you know, people often laugh at things that make them uncomfortable. People also can be jerks and laugh at other people's misfortunes. Watching people suffer (and being glad it's not you) is a type of catharsis--thus, black comedy can appeal to us. Often black comedy includes a good deal of satire, parody, farce, and absurdity.

Please complete a scenario (to be handed in at the end of class on Monday, Nov. 30). Be prepared to take a quiz on Christopher Durang's plays.

The Scenario & Christopher Durang

Today let's start by reading the play "The Nature and Purpose of The Universe"

When completed, we will either continue reading "'dentity Crisis" or working on an absurdist scenario.

Your scenario needs to include:
a. a working title
b. a place
c. a setting (description of)
d. a time
e. a cast of characters. Each character should have a brief description or goal in mind.
f. a list of possible acts
g. a list of possible scenes
h. a breakdown of each scene (or act) and which characters are involved and what their action might be in that scene. (Please break your scenes or acts down into rough French scenes). You will notice that in a treatment or scenario, the author should suggest and plan out his/her plot. For our purposes, please include information about what the play is going to be about (a rough description).

Remember that nothing is set in stone. Anything can change during the writing process. You will, however, need to have a plan to write a longer work.

Please read the handout to help you set up your own scenario (and as a model).