Chapter 16 and Contemporary Play Reaction Questions

How is the play a reflection of contemporary theatrical styles?

It was very interesting because it moved away from the traditional way of theatre and moved on to where there was only one set scene and the actors would come to the scene and all talk at the audience. The actors were the storytellers of their own story.

Can you identify an -ism for your play? Multiple -isms? Create your own. 

It is modernism. It portrays a modern situation and issue. The play touches very sensitive and controversial topics of the prison system in America. It also briefly touches racism, sexism, and corruption in the American government.

Brook speaks about authors being alive. Is your playwright alive?

Yes, the play is very alive in my opinion. It is willing to be "dangerous" and have a deeper meaning behind the words and actions. The play was very interesting and stayed alive throughout it. It did not always involve a huge set with many different props, but yet the actors and meanings behind the play was really deep.

Can you see your plays connection with today's society? Or do you feel that your play is art for art's sake? Explain.

This play definitely touches and connects with today's society, more than just being art for art's sake. It involved people in everyday situations getting stuck in the worst problems and issues being convicted wrongfully. There was racism, sexism, and injustice, which is still shown today in our society. It really helped to portray the corruption as well. 

If you were to choose to produce this play which style would best fit? Or do you think it would be a good idea to mix styles, periods, and cultures like Brook often did?

I really like the play the way it is now. It has just the right amount of darkness and emotion that would require this play to have impact and a deeper meaning. It is good just the way it is and mixing different styles into it could potentially obscure the deeper meaning behind the play. 

After looking over the chapter, reflecting on the type of theatre you have seen recently and reading this new play where do you think theatre is headed? What will be the new -ism?

I think that the New Age- ism is a great potential for forming the next -ism. The New Age is catching on and people are listening more to New Age music and beliefs. It based off of being very accepting to all people of all races, cultures, beliefs, and ethnicities.