Opinion on drama

Remember, I want your thoughtful, informed opinion, not just a summary.

Use this as a guide:

1.  Opening Statement: Introduce the play, when you saw it (time, date, place), the author and title. Be sure to include any notable previous performances of the production and any interesting tidbits you learned prior to seeing the play. (RESEARCH!!!)

EX: This week I had the pleasure of attending Theatre Three's production of "Fences," by August Wilson, at 8 p.m. on January 15, 2011. The play was originally published in 1983 as part of Wilson’s 10-part Pittsburgh Cycle, premiered on Broadway in 1987 and won many awards. Denzel Washington and James Earl jones are just a couple of examples of famous actors who have portrayed the role of Troy, the central character in the story.

2. Break down The elements of the Poetics.

A. Plot - A Brief Synopsis, opinion of the storyline and break-down of the plot diagram:

EX: Fences is a drama about a black garbage man named Troy during the 1950's in Philadelphia, Penn, who struggles to provide for his family while standing up to “the man.” In Fences, as in Wilson's other plays, a tragic character helps pave the way for other blacks to have opportunities under conditions they were never free to experience, but never reap from their own sacrifice and talents themselves. The play opens with Troy and Bono building a fence talking about life and work, letting the audience know that Troy wants to move up in his job but thinks it is not possible because he is black. The action rises when Troy’s son Lyons comes by asking for money, Troy is upset his other son Cory wants to play football and go to college, and it is revealed that Troy is having an affair with a lady at work and she is pregnant. The climax occurs when Troy's son, Cory, and Troy fight. Cory leaves, upsetting Troy’s wife, Rose. Troy has a heart attack and dies, leaving Rose to raise his illegitimate child. The action is resolved when Cory returns to help his mom during Troy's funeral. The plot follows a logical sequence of events, and is believable and understandable. It is not predictable.

B. Diction (This means Language)

EX: The language of the play is in what is known as African-American dialect and heightened poetry. The words are easy to understand and the language used by each character defines their education, intelligence and social status. The actors spoke clearly and communicated their characters very well through dialogue, with the exception of the actor portraying the role of Lyons, who was difficult to hear at times.

C. Character (describe the characters you liked and did not like, and why:

EX: This play is largely about relationships between the characters: Rose and Troy, Troy and his sons, Troy and his boos, Rose and her sons and Rose and Troy’s lovechild with another woman. I felt a connection with Rose, Troy's wife, because she was strong-willed and honest. I also liked Cory, because he made the choice to be a better man than his father.

D. Spectacle: Sets, costumes, sound effects, lighting, stage action, etc... (If it is a written-version of the play, then describe the spectacle provided in the italics/ stage directions of the script).

EX: The set, which consisted of a front porch of a house, was realistic, and the lighting set the somber tone of the play. I liked the staged fight between Troy and Cory because it was exciting to watch. The costumes were period and nothing really stood out, they did not distract from the story yet fit each character well.

E. Music (Rhythm of dialogue, sung music, background music)

EX: The spiritual music sung by Troy and Bono while they built the fence was haunting and entertaining. The dialogue was very rhythmic, almost like spoken poetry, and moved fast and slow when needed.

F. Thought: What is implied more than spoken

EX: The relationship between Troy and Rose suffered after he had his affair, but I think she stayed with him because she loved him. She had a son, and perhaps always wanted a daughter, so she was able to raise another woman's child as her own. I believe she hated that she loved Troy so much, and she felt that a good woman stays by her man even when they do stupid things. This play made me think about the importance of family and values, and how things change. Troy was trying “do right” by his family, and he did so by working hard and providing for them. He left his wife to do the rest- including providing the emotional support and encouragement his sons sought. In turn, Troy thought his sons should be like him- work hard and that is what pays off, as opposed to following their dreams.

Conclusion:

This play seemed long, especially since it was mostly dramatic and had very few comic relief points, however, it was engaging and worth seeing. This story allowed me to reflect on how my family has been broken and pieced back together, including step-siblings and parents. The range of emotions I felt throughout the play really shows to the skill of the author, director, actors and designers. I truly believed I was in the world of the play, allowing me to experience a different time and play and a culture not familiar to me. However, despite the different time and place and culture, the family dynamic remains the same, and love of family is what holds people together in the face of adversity. Fences is not like any other play I have ever seen before and I will recommend it to my friends and family.

REMEMBER:

1. I want YOUR Opinion, not just a summary.

2. Some of the sections may only require one or two statements.

3. Finish with a sum-up statement about whether you liked or disliked the play.

4. Give concrete reasons why you liked or disliked the play.