Journal Entry #4

I believed I have learned quite a bit over these past two weeks (I forgot to post last week). O e of the most important things I noticed when going over the various responses 'Problem Child'. While our group scanned through a stack of reponses we noticed how there were many different perceptions of the characters. Over some discussion We gathered that this has an important influence of how people enjoy, experience and understand a play. When we spectators read a play or a book or anything without physical visual image, we tend to build up ideas about how the characters appear and we bring these ideas to the theatres. This can host a variety of positive and negative effects. Often times we expect to see very distinct character, one whose role is quite particular to fill. Having an archtype image can serious let a playgoer down, especilly when they go to a lower budget production like the ones we are attending. On the other hand, having an idea of what the characters are like can have a positive effect on the playgoers experience. For example, if I expected to see a certain character personality which I did not expect to much enjoyment from and he or she blows my socks off, it is quite the pleasant surprise. Whatever extreme, positive or negative or anything between, our perceptions of a play and the characters in it can ultimately make or break a performance.

This also has a serious effect on the people putting on the play. The characters, producer, director, stage crew etc understand that they must
present the play in a way which leaves the audience entertained after the show. Whether this process involves taking the playgoers perception and making it reality or turning their perception up-side-down, the crew must satisfy the pleasure of their audience. So as the production crew and participants percieve the play at hand, they must think of how the audience will react and this shapes how characters fill rolls and the rolls they choose, how the director sets the scenes and how the stage crew uses lights and technology.

In the end this process works both ways which effects the expierence of the playgoers and those involved in putting on the play. I think that it is important for both parties to recognize this because by understanding each other, both can contribute to a better play experience for all.

Journal Entry #3

I must admit that this week I did not learn much. However we did establish our group connections and began to think about the play at hand, The Cripple of Inishmaan. Although I have not read the script, a member in our group has. This is probably one of the only and most significant points from the week. Although i have no idea what the play is about, from hearing about it from a group member, I have a jist of what might happen.

This communication is important because now I know what to expect. This is how I learn about a lot of books or movies I know nothing about. If I have a friend tell me that a particular movie or book is good and what its about, I have an idea of what I can expect.

Journal Entry #2

This week I took a look at the play Frost/Nixon. More than anything the play allowed me to further question the characters and the history. Since the start of the term we have explored Life Without Instruction which has taught me to look past the script and ask questions about how the play might be directed and how well the actors might fill their roles. Also I think it is important to mention the process of ink-shedding and what that does for gathering information and thought. I felt as if the process was extremely useful because we all experience the play differently and by looking at other peoples thoughts and perspectives, we notice things that we might otherwise have never thought about. This is important to the play going experience because it allows us to see things that we might not have seen and to ask questions we never thought of asking.

The final thing I want to touch on this week is how much knowledge about the characters and context can help for the understanding of the play. I noticed this in Frost/Nixon. This play is obviously directed towards an audience who are familiar with Nixon and his actions. This is something that I am not familiar with and I think that I would have got more from the play if i did. For this reason I think that a little background research is necessary for a better experience with he play.