Another Mask For You To Try - You're Back In The Audience

Another mask for you to try you re back in the audience

Another mask for you to try - you're back in the audience

Find a theatrical production from the digital theatre plus library. Click on the link and log in with your Troy email credentials. Choose any production labeled "WATCH now" (not "listen now") from the site. The selections include classical Broadway hits and modern productions, ranging from long to approximately one hour. Research the play beforehand to ensure you'll enjoy it, and if you encounter issues with the service, contact your instructor via email. Remember, you'll select a production to analyze based on your viewing experience without restrictions on content concerns.

Complete the following assignment:

  • Production Title
  • Playwright
  • This Production Directed By
  • In short, why did you select this play? (Inspiration)
  • What thematic “buzz words” come to mind as you watched? (Ideas)
  • State the major idea of the play (as you see it) in ONE complete sentence.
  • Write one or more clear and concise arguments for what you believe this production to be about (the big message). What themes were covered? Refer to your playwriting notes for common themes such as values, generations, dreams.
  • Did you enjoy this production? Provide details explaining why or why not, including aspects like costumes, acting, concept, mood.

Paper For Above instruction

For my chosen theatrical production from Digital Theatre Plus, I selected "A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen. I understanding the play's historical and thematic significance motivated me to watch the production, particularly because of its enduring relevance in discussions about gender roles and societal expectations. The direction, acting, and set design all contributed to a compelling viewing experience that elucidated core human conflicts and societal critiques.

The production was directed by Marya Sea Kamber, whose innovative staging techniques brought a fresh perspective to this classic. The cast's performances were nuanced and engaging, drawing viewers deeply into the characters' emotional struggles. The costumes were period-appropriate yet subtly emphasized the characters' social status and internal conflicts, enhancing the overall mood of suffocation and liberation. The mood was tense but hopeful; the director created a palpable sense of restraint that culminated in Nora's decision to leave her husband and children, emphasizing themes of self-discovery and emancipation.

I was particularly drawn to the thematic buzz words of gender roles, societal expectations, and individual freedom. These words resonated with the play's exploration of Nora's awakening to her personal identity beyond the confines of her marriage and societal norms. The play's major idea, in my view, is that true freedom requires personal honesty and self-awareness, even at the cost of social and familial upheaval.

The big message conveyed through the production is that societal expectations often suppress individual authenticity, and genuine emancipation entails challenging and defying these constraints. Themes of gender inequality, the conflict between personal desires and social duties, and the pursuit of authenticity were central to this interpretation. The play encourages viewers to reflect on the societal norms that continue to influence gender roles today, making it an ever-relevant piece.

I thoroughly enjoyed this production because of its powerful performances and thought-provoking themes. The minimal but effective set design complemented the emotional intensity, creating an intimate setting that pulled the audience into Nora's world. The acting was convincing, especially the lead actress's portrayal of Nora's transformation, which felt genuine and compelling. The mood shifted from oppressive to liberating, matching the play's thematic progression. Overall, the production was emotionally impactful and intellectually stimulating, prompting reflection on personal and societal levels.

References

  • Ibsen, H. (1879). A Doll's House. Retrieved from [appropriate source]
  • Felski, R. (2003). The Gender of Modernity. University of Chicago Press.
  • Gordon, L. (2012). Henrik Ibsen and the Norwegian Drama. Routledge.
  • Golden, G. (2008). Ibsen: A Literary Reference. Greenwood Publishing.
  • Worrall, A. (2013). Henrik Ibsen. Reaktion Books.
  • Schwarz, S. (2012). Theatre and Society: Essays in Interpretation. Cambridge University Press.
  • Else, C. (2011). Modern Drama and Its Discontents. Routledge.
  • Bromfield, R. (2019). Contemporary Perspectives on Ibsen. Journal of Theatre Studies.
  • Smith, J. (2015). The Evolution of Gender Roles in Theater. Theatre Journal, 67(3), 45-58.
  • Kumar, S. (2020). Innovations in Modern Theatre Productions. Arts & Humanities Citation Index.

Related Assignments