21M.710  Script Analysis

Script Analysis for Monday, September 10

Hey Script Analysis Gang!

Thank you all for such an invigorating first class yesterday! I truly appreciate your genuine engagement and enthusiasm for the material.

That was a very valuable initial discussion, introducing and exploring the basic vocabulary of PLAYS -- in the form of both printed scripts and live theatrical productions! I look forward to collaborating with you on the journey ahead in SCRIPT ANALYSIS!

FOR MONDAY, September 10:

+ Please READ the photocopy packet on ARISTOTLE'S POETICS. This is the very first document in theatre history to attempt to define, describe, and detail the elements of theatre and its structure. After more than two thousand years, Aristotle's "Poetics" remains an enduring and valuable resource for theatre artists attempting to understand both the roots of drama and its contemporary possibilities. This is a complex article, but DON'T WORRY. You'll note that I have marked two short passage in the very beginning of the essay that you should pay particular attention to. These definitions still stand today as possible ways of defining the art-form. Be prepared with observations and questions.

+ Please READ the photocopy packet of "Famous Play Openings" that was handed out in class. These include the opening stage directions and the first lines spoken in the play by the first character introduced. Notice that sometimes the playwright provides a LOT of information about where and when we are, and who we will meet there -- and sometimes none at all! Notice that sometimes first character speaks only a few words, and sometimes has a lot to say!

You'll notice that I haven't included the title of the Play or name of the Playwright! This is intentional! See if you can figure out -- just based on what lies before you on the page -- what text or dramatist you are encountering. No cheating by looking it up on-line! Use your own deductive reasoning and your basic knowledge of dramatic literature. It is totally OKAY if you can't identify these plays! That's why you are beginning this study of drama!

While reading, try to determine, based exclusively on the stage directions and first line, what you KNOW about the "world of the play" that is beginning, and what you WONDER. Make some notes. We will read these ALOUD in class; be ready with your observations and discoveries!

+ Both Readings, and the Course Syllabus, are available electronically in the Materials Section of the Stellar Site.

A GENERAL WORD ABOUT READING:
+ In this course, we will be reading a range of documents: theoretical essays, plays, and other important texts about drama. You are expected to be an ACTIVE READER! Reading is not a passive process. As an artist and a learner, you need to be active when you encounter new language, structures, and ideas.
+ READ WITH A WRITING IMPLEMENT IN YOUR HAND AND YOUR JOURNAL NEARBY!
+ Underline or highlight passages that strike you.
+ Make notes in the margins about things you think are particularly important or useful.
+ Jot down questions, observations, or responses in your Journal.
+ Don't be afraid to follow up on words, concepts, or images that are unfamiliar -- go on-line and look it up!

Okay, Team! Have a great weekend! See you in class on Monday!

David

REMEMBER:

You are invited to purchase the following texts for this course.
Electronic copies you can printout and photocopies of the plays and essays will also be made available if you do not wish to OWN the books!

+ Collected Shorter Plays
By Samuel Beckett
Publisher: Grove Press

+ The Plays of Anton Chekhov
Translated by Paul Schmidt
Publisher: Harper Perennial

+ In One Act
by Adrienne Kennedy
Publisher: University Of Minnesota Press

+ A Streetcar Named Desire
By Tennessee Williams
Publisher: New Directions

These books are available in the MIT COOP Bookstore or on Amazon; feel free to purchase a used copy if you wish!
David

Announced on 06 September 2018  9:56  a.m. by David R Gammons