Attached is everything you will need for this paper, please consider when you are writing that this course is an online course (Theater and Culture)

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Running Head: PERFORMANCE RESPONSE 2

PERFORMANCE RESPONSE 2 4

Name of the production: Last Train to Nibroc

Where the production was seen: Library online resources

Theater Name: Rubicon Theatre Company in California

The date the production was seen: April 8, 2020

Performance Response 2

The play starts in the setting of a cross-country train. A young serviceman in uniform approaches a lady seated on the train and reading a book. The following analysis examines the use of production elements in the play. Skillful use of production element had direct impacts to the acceptability of a play by the audience.

A common production element that is evident throughout the play is lighting. As it begins, we are introduced into a dingily lit train, which is almost dark. It shifts slowly into a scene that is sufficiently lit when the Raleigh approaches and sits beside May. This variation in lighting is creating a scene inside a train. Later concentrates on the conversation between the two by increasing the light to introduce the actors to the audience. The light keeps changing throughout the play, which I think is a technique of making the audience remain engaged and demonstrating a change in the atmosphere of the scene. It is also an ideal technique of diversity in the lighting of the show, although, at times, it was irrelevant. An example is the use of bluish light, which makes the scenes lose their natural appeal. Before the train arrives at its destination, there is complete darkness. The darkness again fades away and ushers in May in another scene, now waiting to sit on a bench. The episode gives a dramatic experience as the audience wait to see what will happen next.

The play starts with the sound of a train riding over a rail and bells ringing from afar. This is an ideal introduction of the play to sensitize the audience in its setting. It is on a train, which is also the theme of the play. Raleigh and Ray are traveling to Chicago from California (Farmer, 2016). Besides, it is overcrowded and, therefore, it is a pleasure for Raleigh to find a seat next to Ray, which forms the first human sound. Immediately after the two starts talking, the sound of the train together with the hooting fades away. This allows the audience to concentrate on the conversation. The sound of the train re-appears again and disappears in darkness. The next sound is that of singing birds, which introduces the audience to an entirely new environment. May has alighted, and she seems to be thinking about the new course of action.

The costume of the actors in the drama is suggestive. Raleigh is introduced in a light green coat suit and a tie. The clothes have a badge of service people, which demonstrates to the audience that he works with security agencies. Ray, on the other hand, is introduced in a trench coat that depicts her as a simple lady who is on a journey. As she alights the train, Ray is in a pinkish dress, a belt and a pair of gloves. She is also carrying a handbag as an indication that she is in transit. The costume is an indication of a new scene in the play, which is significant in allowing the audience to follow the drama as it unfolds.

The set design of the film varies from one scene to another. For example, the first scene is on a crowded train, which is specifically made to demonstrate that Raleigh and Ray are on a journey. In another scene, two are outside a building. The variation in the set design is purposely made to create a new environment for the actors to interact. It also gives the audience more information on the concepts of the director. However, I think this technique has been ignored because the play has very few set designs that make it monotonous.

A notable prop in the play is the book that Ray is reading as the drama begins. It is attracting her attention and allowing her to fight loneliness since she is sitting alone on the train. Another sufficiently used prop is a chair. It runs almost throughout the play, which is being used by Ray and Raleigh. The props are used to convey the place and time when the acting is taking place. The book has contributed to the development of acting since it gives the two actors a common ground for discussing their experiences. The chair supports the actors in playing their roles better. For example, Ray leaves the sit and faces away when she is frustrated.

The production of the Last Train to Nibroc has skillfully incorporated production elements that make the play appealing to the audience. Among the elements are sounds, light variation, and props that enhance the acting of the characters. Future production should incorporate more props and set design to further improve the experience of the audience.