Deck 6: Structures of Seeing

Question 1

Henrik Ibsen is considered the father of modern drama. He wrote plays dealing with the problems of the individual caught in a repressive society. Even though his plays were written 100 years ago, his themes are still relevant. Using Ghosts or Hedda Gabler explain how Ibsen's themes are still relevant.

Answer 1

Henrik Ibsen's themes of the individual struggling against a repressive society are still relevant today, even though his plays were written over 100 years ago. In his play Ghosts, the protagonist, Mrs. Alving, is trapped in a repressive society that forces her to conceal her husband's immoral behavior and suffer in silence. This theme of societal pressure and individual struggle is still relevant today, as people continue to grapple with the expectations and norms placed upon them by society.

Similarly, in Hedda Gabler, the titular character faces the constraints of a patriarchal society, ultimately leading to her own tragic demise. Her desire for freedom and agency in a repressive society is a theme that still resonates today, as individuals continue to fight against societal expectations and gender norms.

Ibsen's exploration of these timeless themes in his plays continues to resonate with audiences, as they reflect the ongoing struggles of individuals caught in repressive societies. His work serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of these societal issues and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Question 2

How would Aristotle deal with Samuel Beckett's Rockaby in terms of the six elements of drama? Discuss how this text addresses, or fails to address, each of these six elements.

Answer 2

Aristotle would likely analyze Samuel Beckett's Rockaby using his six elements of drama: plot, character, theme, language, music, and spectacle.

In terms of plot, Rockaby features a minimal and repetitive structure, which may be seen as a departure from Aristotle's preference for a clear beginning, middle, and end. The lack of significant action or development may be seen as a challenge to Aristotle's emphasis on a well-structured plot.

Character is also a significant element in Aristotle's analysis, and in Rockaby, the lone character is a woman in a rocking chair, whose identity and motivations are ambiguous. This may be seen as a departure from Aristotle's emphasis on clearly defined and motivated characters.

In terms of theme, Rockaby addresses existential themes of loneliness, isolation, and the passage of time. While these themes may resonate with Aristotle's emphasis on universal and timeless themes, the absence of a clear resolution or moral message may be seen as a departure from his preference for a clear and didactic theme.

Language and music are interwoven in Rockaby, with the character's monologue and the accompanying music contributing to the overall atmosphere of the play. This may be seen as a departure from Aristotle's emphasis on dialogue as the primary vehicle for expression in drama.

Finally, in terms of spectacle, Rockaby features a minimalist set and lighting design, which may be seen as a departure from Aristotle's emphasis on the visual and sensory elements of a theatrical performance.

Overall, Samuel Beckett's Rockaby may challenge Aristotle's traditional analysis of drama, as it deviates from his emphasis on a well-structured plot, clearly defined characters, didactic themes, dialogue-driven language, and visually compelling spectacle.

Question 3

The development of solo performance texts have closely paralleled the growth of documentary film making. How are the two art forms similar and how are they different?

Answer 3

The development of solo performance texts and documentary filmmaking are similar in that they both aim to tell a true and compelling story. Both art forms often focus on real-life events, experiences, and people, and seek to engage audiences on a personal and emotional level. Additionally, both solo performance texts and documentary films often incorporate elements of research, interviews, and firsthand accounts to create a sense of authenticity and depth in their storytelling.

However, there are also significant differences between the two art forms. Solo performance texts are typically performed live by a single performer, and rely heavily on the spoken word and physicality to convey the story. In contrast, documentary filmmaking involves capturing real-life footage and using visual and audio techniques to convey the story. Documentary films also have the added dimension of editing and post-production, which allows for a more complex and layered storytelling experience.

Furthermore, solo performance texts often rely on the direct connection between the performer and the audience, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy that is unique to live performance. On the other hand, documentary films have the ability to reach a wider audience through distribution channels such as theaters, television, and streaming platforms.

In conclusion, while both solo performance texts and documentary filmmaking share a common goal of storytelling, they each offer a unique and distinct approach to capturing and conveying real-life experiences.

Question 4

The Caucasian Chalk Circle is an example of a

A) Climactic play structure
B) Episodic play structure
C) Situational play structure
D) Monodrama

Question 5

The link between the playwright's words and the actor's speech is

A) Articulation
B) Imitation
C) Performability
D) Enactment

Question 6

Spalding Gray's Monster in a Box is an example of

A) Monodrama
B) Theatre of images
C) Talking Pieces
D) None of the above

Question 7

Among the musicians who have collaborated with Robert Wilson is

A) Jon Bon Jovi
B) Heiner Muller
C) Lucinda Childs
D) David Byrne

Question 8

The dramatic element of language is defined as

A) The spoken word
B) Symbols and signs
C) Dialogue and scenery
D) The spoken word including symbols and signs

Question 9

The Theatre of Images is a theatrical attempt to emulate

A) Aural assemblages of "found sound"
B) Painter's collage
C) Cinematic jump cuts and cross fades
D) All of these

Question 10

Robert Wilson's CIVIL warS is best described as

A) Theatre of images
B) Theatre of cruelty
C) A solo text
D) Theatre of the absurd

Question 11

Western drama is generally based on the following progression

A) Exposition-crisis-confontation-climax-resolution
B) Exposition-confrontation-crisis-resolution-conflict
C) Exposition-confrontation-climax-resolution
D) Exposition-confrontation-crisis-climax-resolution

Question 12

The dramatic element of spectacle refers to

A) Scenery
B) Music
C) Costumes
D) All of the above

Question 13

Solo texts, as an outgrowth of performance art, are characterized by

A) An improvisatory style
B) An increased emphasis on literary form
C) Rigid adherence to traditional narrative
D) Strict linearity of story telling.

Question 14

The dramatic element of character can be defined as the physical description of the persons in the play.

Question 15

A well written play may have only one theme.

Question 16

Einstein on the Beach was directed by Samuel Beckett.

Question 17

Monodrama aims to present both the conscious and unconscious thoughts of the speaker.

Question 18

Action is the play's all encompassing purpose.

Question 19

Feminism and body image are continuing themes in the work of Eve Ensler and Karen Finley.

Question 20

Fires in the Mirror is about a 1991 confrontation between urban blacks and white supremacists.