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2 pages/≈550 words
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Style:
APA
Subject:
Visual & Performing Arts
Type:
Essay
Language:
English (U.S.)
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Topic:

The Tempest: Staging, Lighting, Costumes, and Characters of the Performance

Essay Instructions:

Instructions
Plays are meant to be performed, rather than read. The purpose of dramatic arts often extends far beyond the words written on a page; staging, lighting, costumes intonation, expression, and audience experience are all part of the experience of a theatrical production. To develop your understanding of the cultural role of the dramatic arts, you will view a production of a play this week and write a reflection to explain your viewing experience. Choose a play that you would like to view and find a version online, YouTube, DVD or iTunes, Amazon, Netflix, etc. You can also choose to see a play live if you prefer.
Play Suggestions:
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Romeo and Juliet
As You Like It
Taming of the Shrew
The Tempest
Much Ado About Nothing
The Comedy of Errors
Macbeth
King Lear
If you have another idea, please ask your instructor to approve it.
Then, select and address one of the following options:
Option 1: Write an analysis of the play that you viewed. Include at least one quote from the play in your essay. In your essay, address the following:
Identify the performance that you have selected.
Describe the staging, lighting, costumes, and characters of the performance. How do these match or revise the written version of the play? You do not need to read the entire play, but you should skim the text.
What type of mood and tone does the performance create? How?
What parts of the play are easier to understand through performance? What are some details that stood out through performance?
What are your feelings about this performance? What did you take away from viewing it?
Option 2: Find an adaptation or transformation of a play. Choose an adaptation with some significant differences from the original, such as transposed plots and characters into a variety of different settings and historical contexts. Here are some examples:
A Midsummer Night's Dream - A Midsummer Night's Dream (1999) or A Midsummer Night's DREAM (2018)
Romeo and Juliet - Romeo + Juliet (1996) or West Side Story (1961) or Romeo Must Die (2000)
As You Like It - As You Like It (2006)
Taming of the Shrew - 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) or Kiss Me, Kate (1948)
Much Ado About Nothing - Much Ado About Nothing (2012)
The Comedy of Errors - The Bomb-itty of Errors (2012)
King Lear - A Thousand Acres (1997)
Othello - O (2001)
Hamlet - The Lion King (2019 or 1994) or Hamlet (2000)
Twelfth Night - She's the Man (2006)
If you have another idea, please ask your instructor to approve it.
Watch the original version and the adapted version. In your essay, address the following:
How is the adaptation the same as the original? Discuss plot, characters, theme, conflict, language, etc.
How does the adaptation differ from the original? Discuss setting, time period, characters, plot, language, etc.
Does the original story translate well in the adaptation? Why or why not? Did the adaptation work in a different setting, time period, etc. Why or why not?
Why do you think Shakespeare's plays are adapted so often?

Essay Sample Content Preview:

The Tempest
Student's Name
Institutional Affiliation
Course Number and Name
Professor's Name
Date
The Tempest
The Staging, Lighting, Costumes, and Characters of the Performance.
The performance that I have selected for my analysis is The Tempest. In terms of the staging, the play shows a contemporary style. The two visible things were the two flights of stairs with books stacked around them. Hence, I think this should assist with keeping the eyes on the cast. In addition, the lighting of the performance is beautifully done. Throughout the play, the only special effect I indeed see is that of the Spirit. The Spirit's voice is made more profound, and it is seen in one scene directing the boat's wheel, which is cast in a dull light with wings.
The costume that is most outstanding in terms of interpretation is the Spirit, Ariel. The Spirit Ariel is signifying air and has a flowing costume and shimmery makeup. The rest of the performers has renaissance similar to costumes; however, they are more stylish. In terms of characters, Prospero is a knowledgeable father whereas, Miranda seems to lack knowledge but is innocent. The characters identified in the play are Alonso, Gonzolo, Sebastian, and Ferdinand.
In this version of the play, I realize most lines do not match the original text of The Tempest. However, the staging directions of the play match what was written, and it is reviewed by how contemporary everything was made.
The Mood and Tone of the Performance
After viewing the performance, I think the mood of the play is dark and serious mood. The play showcases a severe side of events; hence, it should be described as a dark comedy. Like most of Shakespeare's plays, The Tempest is a tragic performance that ended di...
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