Theatre Critique

PROMPT

Construct a detailed critique of the 2012 Donmar Warehouse production of JULIUS CAESAR

 

· This is not a formal essay, but I ask that you write in  paragraph form, using the HEADINGS outlined below in ALL CAPS to organize your submission.

· Please avoid copying and pasting the directions into the body of your critique. 

 

· THEME and ARTISTIC OBJECTIVE

· Examine the relationship between the play's Themes  and the production's Artistic Objective. 

· Identify and examine the play’s T hemes. 

· What are the ideas that are at the heart of the authors' script?

· How do the Themes relate to the  Artistic Objective of THIS production?

· What issue or idea do the artists working on this production seem to want YOU, as a member of the audience, to focus on?

· DIRECTION

· Identify the Production Concept and explore how it works toward achieving the Artistic Objective.

· How does the director cast the roles to support/illuminate the Production Concept?

· How does the director block the performers to support/illuminate the Production Concept?

· DESIGN

· Critique EACH of the four key design disciplines: 

· Scenic Design

· Costume Design

· Lighting Design

· Sound Design  

· How do EACH of these designs support/illuminate the Production Concept?

· Support your conclusions by addressing topics  such as:

· The objectives of each design discipline

· The use of realistic and non-realistic techniques

· PERFORMANCE

· Focus on the performance of a SINGLE actor, identifying the actor by their real name and the character they play. 

· What are some of the challenges of playing this role? 

· Consider elements  such as complex language, challenging concepts or style, demanding emotional journey, arduous vocal or physical work, etc. 

· How does the actor’s performance reflect or support the Production Concept? 

· EVALUATION

· Conclude the critique with your  educated and informed response to the production. 

· Summarize the major points from your critique.

· Do you think the production achieved its Artistic Objective? 

· Did you find value in the choice of Production Concept and appreciate its execution? 

· WORKS CITED

· If you drew upon information learned from an outside source, please provide an informal list under this heading. 

· Content taken from Drama 1 Canvas modules may be listed like this:

· Supplement 1.1

· DT+ Interview: " Julius Caesar: Walk Like a Man"

· etc.

· Content taken from online resources may be listed like this:

· "Friends, Romans, Countrywomen" -  https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/10/theater/reviews/shakespeares-julius-caesar-by-women-of-donmar-warehouse.htmlLinks to an external site.