Modern Drama 1910 Present Aspects of Modern Drama

Modern Drama 1910 -Present

Aspects of Modern Drama • Use of technology • Psychological • Either commercial and grand or simple and minimalistic (indie theatre) • Sensory details: Lighting, music and sound, smell, fog • More stage directions can define scene’s meaning

Staging and scenery • Symbolism in setting and costumes • Method acting and character study • Use of space: less stage framing, use of audience space • Minimal set changes – Could take place in one room – Use of lighting instead of curtain to show changes in action, setting, scenes, etc.

• The Glass Menagerie • A Doll’s House

Use of lighting Waiting for Godot

The Dancers • Takes place in a small town in the 1950’s • 1950’s known for puritan, Victorian ideals, social decorum, defined female and male roles, family as center • Relies on lighting to show scene changes • How might Foote be commenting on this time period? Small towns? Social roles? • How might he stage this production?

Create a Playbill for The Dancers: 8. 5 x 11 folded in half • Create a symbolic and appropriate cover. Do not lift already-used images for this play. • Actor and character list: Choose actors and include short descriptions of the characters. These should not be merely physical. Give a one -sentence characterization. • Give a two-page, 10 -11 pt font double-spaced summary and analysis of the play. Don’t give away the end, but interpret the play while summarizing plot and character. • Choose a scene and give a visual of it (drawing, photograph, etc), as you picture it being produced. Give a 3 -4 sentence caption to explain the scene and your directive choices.

The Assignment cont. • Due Tuesday, Dec 13 • Be ready to share • Grade: – 20 points, on next quarter – Based on attention to detail, edited writing, consideration of actual play (characters, stage directions, plot, symbolism, etc. ), and visual creativity and neatness.