One Man Two Guvnors. Visual & Performing Arts Essay

play critique







Each paper will be graded in four areas. Content: Does the

content of the paper adhere to the requirements of the assignment, is the critique

presented an in depth response to the production attended. Language: Is the student

using terms discussed in class and found in their assigned reading - is the student using

terminology correctly. Is the student using language actively to enhance their paper

academically and support their opinions/arguments? Structure: Does the critique

have structure – MLA format, thesis statement, supporting paragraphs and a

conclusion. Purpose: Does the student write with purpose – meaning does the student

use all aspects of their experience and knowledge to support their

ideas/opinions/arguments through writing.

The Professor will break down the grading into these 4 areas equally and detail to the

student their score in each area.

Assignment/Content Requirements: Each student must attend 2 plays. A

production from the UST drama department and production at one of Houston’s

Professional Theatre’s (see fall performance schedule of Houston’s professional theatres

– provided in email/blackboard). After attending that production the student must

write a critique of that production. The critique must include one or all of the following

topics.

Acting: Examine the characters created by the actors based on the content of the story.

For example, think of the time period the story, the social aspects of the story within

that time period (gender, race, religion, relationships, economic status, etc) and how

these elements effect an actor’s portrayal of the character. Think of the setting of the

story (Chicago, London, etc.) and how this would affect choices of character creation.

Think about the physical and vocal choices that the actor makes – are they maintained

throughout the entire show, if they change do they change for a reason. Look at the how

the actors connect to their fellow actors on stage – Do you believe the relationship?

Overall is the actors portrayal of that character believable and do their choices enhance

the story and help connect that story to the audience.

Design: Look at different areas of design – Set, Costume, Makeup, Props, Lighting, and

Sound – how do they support and enhance the story – such as- are the design choices

accurate to the time period and setting of the play? Are their symbolic elements to the

design? Is the design realistic, representational, expressionistic etc…Do these stylistic

choices enhance or distract from the story? Do the design choices enhance

characterization? Do the design choices support the story? Do the design choices help

develop the story?

Social Context: What are the different social issues/ideas addressed in the play (race,

gender, sex, censorship, economic status – etc.)? Does the play have one perspective on

the social issues/ideas it addresses? Are the perspectives of the play bias/one sided,

balanced, or dated? Does the production do a good job of presenting the social context

of the play in a way that connects to the audience? Does the play push the boundaries of

social convention in bringing up various topics – if so is it effective or too much for the

audience?

The student may choose to write their paper on all three of these topics or choose to

focus on just one of the topics. If focusing one topic it is wise to reference the other two

topics for added depth to the critique.