The Cherry Orchard Text v Production analysis
Well this was an interesting production. The Judy Dench production was pretty old and low budget with a lot of over acting. The Cacoyannis version was more crisp and clean.
We seem to all agree that ending is the most powerful part. The Cacoyannis version utilized music at the end and it was actually very good for a production of this type. I love to hear piano music played well and who ever was doing that was a good pianist.
The main differences I found in the production than that of reading them is the house was smaller and seemed less extravagant than what I pictured. I figured that if it was a great big orchard and they had money the dwelling would be a bit more mansion like.
I guess Russians have different ideas of what upper class with money would look like compared to the good ole USA.
Oh one other thing was that the old man Firs was REALLY old looking in the Judy Dench version, and a little more distinguished in the Cacoyannis version. I sort of pictured him as a combination of both. I really old yet proudly distinguished man that displayed honor and loyalty. Neither of them really captured that in the productions…luckily I can imagine it just fine
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
The Cherry Orchard performance analysis. / Helen Williams
A Play that depicts the ever changing time not only in the history of Russia but the entire world. The transfer of ownership from the original affluent owner to once peasant Serf is an historical change that is replayed even in our time. It is very sad to note that Firs being born a Serf on the estate and having lived and served all his life now have no place to go,. He not able to adapt to the changes unlike Lopakhin who will eventually become the new owner .
The emotions exhibited towards the end the play signifies a new phase in the history of Russia. One thing that is very significant is seeing Madam Ranevsky sob in the arms of Gayev over the loss of the cherry Orchard. Firs is seen here lying motionlessly on the couch and no one seem to care about him. It is very ironic that a man who had served the entire family selflessly in his entire lifetime will have to go through this in his last days.
One would have thought that Lopakhin being Serf like Firs will take the bold step of coming to his rescue, unfortunately, this did not happen , instead he is left for dead. This is highly significant of the end an era and the beginning of another.
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The emotions exhibited towards the end the play signifies a new phase in the history of Russia. One thing that is very significant is seeing Madam Ranevsky sob in the arms of Gayev over the loss of the cherry Orchard. Firs is seen here lying motionlessly on the couch and no one seem to care about him. It is very ironic that a man who had served the entire family selflessly in his entire lifetime will have to go through this in his last days.
One would have thought that Lopakhin being Serf like Firs will take the bold step of coming to his rescue, unfortunately, this did not happen , instead he is left for dead. This is highly significant of the end an era and the beginning of another.
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Friday, July 22, 2011
Kelli Firmin The Cherry Orchard; Text vs. Production
The ending of the play to me was the most dramatic in the video which was displayed with many emotions from all the characters. Madame Ranevsky and her brother Leonid are preparing to leave the estate after it was purchased by Lophakhin. Madame and her daughters are preparing to leave along with the other guest. Lophakhin is trying to find someone to celebrate with him by having a glass of champagne. Lophakhin is overjoyed for he was a serf, his parents worked on the estate he now owns. Such a turn of fate for him.
Madame still shows emotion over losing the estate and cherry orchard. She has a break down when she hears the axes hitting the cherry trees which will be destroyed to build villas.Her daughter, Anya pleads with Lophakhin for the workers to stop til their departure and pleads he show some type of respect for her dear ma ma. He obliges to their wishes.
They all seem to express concern for dear old Fiers. Yasha, the young footman states he has made arrangements for Fiers to go to a hospital. But, this has not been done. Fiers spent his years serving this family and shows his loyalty. This family shows many signs of dysfunctional and unwise decision. That is why they were in the financial state they were in. As they all board the coaches for the train the house is locked up and left empty so they think. Poor Fiers comes along and realizes they forgot him. They strongest statement is made by him as he lies down in a chair. "Life's gone on as if I'd never lived". That to me is the tragedy of the film that he is left to die there, unintentional but he is too weak to try to find them. It was his home for so long as well.
Madame still shows emotion over losing the estate and cherry orchard. She has a break down when she hears the axes hitting the cherry trees which will be destroyed to build villas.Her daughter, Anya pleads with Lophakhin for the workers to stop til their departure and pleads he show some type of respect for her dear ma ma. He obliges to their wishes.
They all seem to express concern for dear old Fiers. Yasha, the young footman states he has made arrangements for Fiers to go to a hospital. But, this has not been done. Fiers spent his years serving this family and shows his loyalty. This family shows many signs of dysfunctional and unwise decision. That is why they were in the financial state they were in. As they all board the coaches for the train the house is locked up and left empty so they think. Poor Fiers comes along and realizes they forgot him. They strongest statement is made by him as he lies down in a chair. "Life's gone on as if I'd never lived". That to me is the tragedy of the film that he is left to die there, unintentional but he is too weak to try to find them. It was his home for so long as well.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Matthew Chenevert: The Cherry Orchard
The Cherry Orchard
Well this is the last play that we review before the semester is over…. It’s been a fun trip for learning that I can actually read and make some informed comments on them. I never thought that I would be reading one each week!
The Cherry Orchard was definitely not centered around a sex theme. Well, if you don’t count lover that the main character, Ranevskaya, has in Paris.
Looking back at it after reading is 0ne thing that caught my eye was that the play takes us through several various seasons. I think it starts in May then progresses through to August. I’m sure that the sets were produced to reflect this to the Russian people.
Other than that the focus of the playwright is like the changing of the seasons, Russia was changing also. He seemed to put in the people’s minds that off spring of a serf can indeed achieve and deserves the very thing that upper crust people of the era had. Really what happened is instead of elevating the serf class he destroyed the affluent to make them all equal in the in, sort of.
Chekov obviously has an ax to grind (or in this case a sickle) with people of power. He portrayed the orchard owners as unable to figure out how to pay the mortgage of their very own property. What?
I think Chekov would be happy with the direction the USA is headed and his plays would be writing themselves.
Oh one more thing, I think that there was a TON of symbolism in this play. Firs dieing at the end all alone and forgotten was more than obvious that the "old" way was now in the past.
Can’t wait to see the research papers!
Well this is the last play that we review before the semester is over…. It’s been a fun trip for learning that I can actually read and make some informed comments on them. I never thought that I would be reading one each week!
The Cherry Orchard was definitely not centered around a sex theme. Well, if you don’t count lover that the main character, Ranevskaya, has in Paris.
Looking back at it after reading is 0ne thing that caught my eye was that the play takes us through several various seasons. I think it starts in May then progresses through to August. I’m sure that the sets were produced to reflect this to the Russian people.
Other than that the focus of the playwright is like the changing of the seasons, Russia was changing also. He seemed to put in the people’s minds that off spring of a serf can indeed achieve and deserves the very thing that upper crust people of the era had. Really what happened is instead of elevating the serf class he destroyed the affluent to make them all equal in the in, sort of.
Chekov obviously has an ax to grind (or in this case a sickle) with people of power. He portrayed the orchard owners as unable to figure out how to pay the mortgage of their very own property. What?
I think Chekov would be happy with the direction the USA is headed and his plays would be writing themselves.
Oh one more thing, I think that there was a TON of symbolism in this play. Firs dieing at the end all alone and forgotten was more than obvious that the "old" way was now in the past.
Can’t wait to see the research papers!
The Cherry Orchard/ Helen Williams
In the Cherry Orchard , Anton Chekhov centers this play around the life of a troubled middle aged Russian Lady who let her feelings of love cloud her financial judgement. She is disconnected from the reality of her failing wealth and she is unable to control her spending habit. Ranevsky estate is in financial trouble and she faces loosing her estate forever.
The outside conflict in this play is selling of the family estate for the owed debts. Ranevsky is faced with an impending historical changes which is the end of the Cherry Garden periods with beautiful memories of their previous life. Then the potential new owner of the historical estate, the Lopakhin a Serf who lived with his family on the estate all their lives, Although born of Serf , Lopakhin managed to use the Liberation of the Serf to his full advantage and he is now a wealthy landowner and a businessman.
At the end Madame Ranevsky leaves the estate for the last time as the new owner, Lopakhin takes control of the estate he once lived as a peasant.
The outside conflict in this play is selling of the family estate for the owed debts. Ranevsky is faced with an impending historical changes which is the end of the Cherry Garden periods with beautiful memories of their previous life. Then the potential new owner of the historical estate, the Lopakhin a Serf who lived with his family on the estate all their lives, Although born of Serf , Lopakhin managed to use the Liberation of the Serf to his full advantage and he is now a wealthy landowner and a businessman.
At the end Madame Ranevsky leaves the estate for the last time as the new owner, Lopakhin takes control of the estate he once lived as a peasant.
Monday, July 18, 2011
THe Cherry Orchard- Kelli Firmin
Chekhov's play demonstrates the end of an era for a dysfunctional family. The cherry orchard has belonged to Madame Ranevsky family for a long time. She was born on the estate. She has misfortunes from failed relationships and the lost of her little boy from a drowning that it sends her to doing things that will eventually cause her to loose her beloved cherry orchard. She leaves the estate and travels to Paris where she lives in an older building. Her daughter Anya has been away many years and returns at the age of seventeen. She appears to be the caregiver to her mother rather than the mother to her daughter.When she reunites with her mother she is accompanied by her governess, Charlotta. Charlotta is very strange indeed, performing tricks for all to see.
When Madame Ranevsky decides to return to the cherry orchard she has already sold a villa to help make ends meet. She is involved with a man who claims he loves her. As she returns to the estate she is greeted by her brother, Leonid, who is not exactly a ball of fire. He enjoys playing billiards and being waited on by an elderly footman. The entire family is in denial that they will lose the estate and cherry orchids.Varya, the adopted daughter tries to keep the estate running. She is humble and longs for the love of Lopakhin. Lopakhin tries to be- friend the family and offer sound financial advice to sell the estate to be turned into villas and get out of debt. They ignore his plea and the estate goes up for auction and is sold and bought by Lopakhin. The family ignores the situation and Madame Ranevsky continues to act as if she has money to spend freely. She over tips, give gold pieces, and host grand parties while she is losing her homestead. I think the best way to sum up this play is denial and not living within your means.I would have liked to seen Varya marry well and keep the estate. Madame had an opportunity to sell but chose to ignore the advice of others. I think the saddest part was Fiers, the loyal elderly footman was forgotten at the estate when all left. Yasha the young footman claimed to have made arrangements for him but did not. Fiers statement of "Life's gone on as if I'd never lived" makes a powerful ending. Rather sad.
When Madame Ranevsky decides to return to the cherry orchard she has already sold a villa to help make ends meet. She is involved with a man who claims he loves her. As she returns to the estate she is greeted by her brother, Leonid, who is not exactly a ball of fire. He enjoys playing billiards and being waited on by an elderly footman. The entire family is in denial that they will lose the estate and cherry orchids.Varya, the adopted daughter tries to keep the estate running. She is humble and longs for the love of Lopakhin. Lopakhin tries to be- friend the family and offer sound financial advice to sell the estate to be turned into villas and get out of debt. They ignore his plea and the estate goes up for auction and is sold and bought by Lopakhin. The family ignores the situation and Madame Ranevsky continues to act as if she has money to spend freely. She over tips, give gold pieces, and host grand parties while she is losing her homestead. I think the best way to sum up this play is denial and not living within your means.I would have liked to seen Varya marry well and keep the estate. Madame had an opportunity to sell but chose to ignore the advice of others. I think the saddest part was Fiers, the loyal elderly footman was forgotten at the estate when all left. Yasha the young footman claimed to have made arrangements for him but did not. Fiers statement of "Life's gone on as if I'd never lived" makes a powerful ending. Rather sad.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
A doll house performance analysis/ Helen Williams
This is an interesting play to watch, the scenes and costumes are professionally made. Each character played their assigned role very well. The embedded message and language are very clear and fluent The setting of this play was during the Christmas/ New Year season, with Christmas trees adorning Nora's house, this gives a true meaning to being "home for Christmas".
After watching this play , I came to the conclusion that Nora is not a victim after all, She seems completely happy at the beginning of the play. She appears contented with what Torvald provided for her and her children. She speaks with so much excitement and even teases her husband affectionately. She typically plays the role of a homemaker and takes so much pleasure in being in the company of her children and friends as she enjoys her "doll like" existence.
With time , Nora transformed herself from "a silly girl" character her husband labelled her to a woman standing for what she believes in. Torvald's reaction to her blackmail help propelled a 360 degree turn for a woman I consider smart and calculative.
After watching this play , I came to the conclusion that Nora is not a victim after all, She seems completely happy at the beginning of the play. She appears contented with what Torvald provided for her and her children. She speaks with so much excitement and even teases her husband affectionately. She typically plays the role of a homemaker and takes so much pleasure in being in the company of her children and friends as she enjoys her "doll like" existence.
With time , Nora transformed herself from "a silly girl" character her husband labelled her to a woman standing for what she believes in. Torvald's reaction to her blackmail help propelled a 360 degree turn for a woman I consider smart and calculative.
Kelli Firmin Doll House Text vs. Production
The production first captured with the time of the year and Christmas spirit. Nora appeared so cheerful and care free at first you did not know what secret she had. Nora and Helmer appeared to be deep;y devoted to one another. Each showed remarkable affection to the other. Of course, in that time a wife had her place. I think Nora was more of an object to Helmer as he called her his little squirrel. The end of the movie when Helmer finds out what Nora did he reacts with such anger and makes strong statements regarding her character.
He states she can no longer be around the children since she committed forgery on a signature of her dead father and borrowed money from Krogstad. Her acts were all done out of love to save her husband and protect her dying father. She did not do this with contempt but out of love. When Helmer realizes Krogstad will not Reveal what Nora has done the tables turn and Helmer is quick to forgive Nora and pretend it did not happen.
At the point you can see Nora's expression she has an aha moment and realizes she does not know who she is. She leaves it all, her husband, children and home to find herself. She did not look back. Helmer pleads with her to work this out or come to some type of terms so she will stay. I was a little disappointed in the ending of the play. I wanted them to resolve their differences. Anthony Hopkins played a great role as Helmer.
He states she can no longer be around the children since she committed forgery on a signature of her dead father and borrowed money from Krogstad. Her acts were all done out of love to save her husband and protect her dying father. She did not do this with contempt but out of love. When Helmer realizes Krogstad will not Reveal what Nora has done the tables turn and Helmer is quick to forgive Nora and pretend it did not happen.
At the point you can see Nora's expression she has an aha moment and realizes she does not know who she is. She leaves it all, her husband, children and home to find herself. She did not look back. Helmer pleads with her to work this out or come to some type of terms so she will stay. I was a little disappointed in the ending of the play. I wanted them to resolve their differences. Anthony Hopkins played a great role as Helmer.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Matthew Chenevert: A Doll House TxtvProd
The Doll House
Wow. This was a good video to watch. The sound was pretty low so I had to wear ear phones to hear it at the end but it may have just been my lap top. After a quick search I found another copy of it.
This is pretty much as I had read it. It started off with everything fine and things spiraled out of control down down down until it ended in a dark place for everyone involved. It was especially dark for Nora and she portrayed it well. I don’t really know how she could have been so blind to her feelings until that moment that she made the decision to just abandon her life and start over.
Acting was well done. The productions lately have been very professional and the characters are well portrayed.
Nora was more bitchy than I pictured her and Helmer more of a wimp but it worked well. I could see the love of the marriage leave Nora’s eyes and the love of life leave Helmer….. or it could have been vice versa.
This was a moving story to watch. I don’t know why but I was engrossed in the story and felt bad for all the parties involved. I found myself wishing on some level it was going to be okay.
Nora was painfully honest and brutally blunt that this was it. Too bad there isn’t a Doll House II: The reunion put out later…I’d read it and watch it for sure.
Wow. This was a good video to watch. The sound was pretty low so I had to wear ear phones to hear it at the end but it may have just been my lap top. After a quick search I found another copy of it.
This is pretty much as I had read it. It started off with everything fine and things spiraled out of control down down down until it ended in a dark place for everyone involved. It was especially dark for Nora and she portrayed it well. I don’t really know how she could have been so blind to her feelings until that moment that she made the decision to just abandon her life and start over.
Acting was well done. The productions lately have been very professional and the characters are well portrayed.
Nora was more bitchy than I pictured her and Helmer more of a wimp but it worked well. I could see the love of the marriage leave Nora’s eyes and the love of life leave Helmer….. or it could have been vice versa.
This was a moving story to watch. I don’t know why but I was engrossed in the story and felt bad for all the parties involved. I found myself wishing on some level it was going to be okay.
Nora was painfully honest and brutally blunt that this was it. Too bad there isn’t a Doll House II: The reunion put out later…I’d read it and watch it for sure.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Helen Williams- A Doll House
Despite the sacrificial role of Women and the parental obligations that come with this role, Our Men will always want to take the upper hands and be in control as clearly seen in this play. Nora does so much to please Tarwold but she gets treated like a doll to be played. She puts on a show throughout the marriage and pretended to be someone she is not. Nora fights so hard to fulfill her role of a good wife, she eventually free herself through her rebellious act. Krogstad exposing her lies actually led her to self discovery.
Tarwold treats his wife like a child rather than a wife by positioning himself as her Savior, even wish he could find himself in a position of saving Nora's life in a dangerous situation. I see him as weak. He is easily threatened by Krogstad over his friendliness and familiar behavior that he fires him from work. Tarwold is so preoccupied with his image and he will do anything to save his own face.
Krogstad is a despicable character who justifies his wrong actions and blames others for his bad behavior, he actually blame Mrs Linde for his misfortune. Women in this play are seen placing their family interest above their personal needs. Nora forged her father signature to obtain a loan that will help her ego centered husband, Mrs Linde married a rich man instead of her true love for financial gain.
Tarwold treats his wife like a child rather than a wife by positioning himself as her Savior, even wish he could find himself in a position of saving Nora's life in a dangerous situation. I see him as weak. He is easily threatened by Krogstad over his friendliness and familiar behavior that he fires him from work. Tarwold is so preoccupied with his image and he will do anything to save his own face.
Krogstad is a despicable character who justifies his wrong actions and blames others for his bad behavior, he actually blame Mrs Linde for his misfortune. Women in this play are seen placing their family interest above their personal needs. Nora forged her father signature to obtain a loan that will help her ego centered husband, Mrs Linde married a rich man instead of her true love for financial gain.
Matthew Chenevert: The Doll House
The Doll House- Henrik Ibsen
You have to love Ibsen’s picture on the essay we had to read that accompanied the play. The fellow was way ahead of his time. You can decide if it is for the better or worse. When this play was written it was probably crazy to hear of a wife and mother just abandoning her family to pursue her own happiness. Double standard for sure but I believe an accurate assessment.
The usual familial set up was what they had in this play. But it seems that Henrik was trying to make his statement about with as much emphasis as he could. He did.
The play started off with a happy and carefree tone, but quickly turned into a spiral of deceit and cover-up’s that got beyond the control of Nora. I was expecting a happy ending until about two thirds of the way through.
I’m sure there was some deeper point but I found it very ironic that Krogstad and Nora had done the very same offense that Helmer had despised. I also noted that Helmer was willing to forgive Nora in the end but she was past the point of no return. And in the end the social statement that Nora wanted to be an individual more than she wanted to be a wife and mother was driven home with force.
I was wondering why this play was called the Doll House all the way up until the very end. Nora shed her responsibilities and duties at the end to pursue finding herself. What ever that means.
You have to love Ibsen’s picture on the essay we had to read that accompanied the play. The fellow was way ahead of his time. You can decide if it is for the better or worse. When this play was written it was probably crazy to hear of a wife and mother just abandoning her family to pursue her own happiness. Double standard for sure but I believe an accurate assessment.
The usual familial set up was what they had in this play. But it seems that Henrik was trying to make his statement about with as much emphasis as he could. He did.
The play started off with a happy and carefree tone, but quickly turned into a spiral of deceit and cover-up’s that got beyond the control of Nora. I was expecting a happy ending until about two thirds of the way through.
I’m sure there was some deeper point but I found it very ironic that Krogstad and Nora had done the very same offense that Helmer had despised. I also noted that Helmer was willing to forgive Nora in the end but she was past the point of no return. And in the end the social statement that Nora wanted to be an individual more than she wanted to be a wife and mother was driven home with force.
I was wondering why this play was called the Doll House all the way up until the very end. Nora shed her responsibilities and duties at the end to pursue finding herself. What ever that means.
Monday, July 11, 2011
A Doll House- Kelli Firmin
This play was an easy read. The characters were few in comparison to the others. Maybe I am finally getting the hang of this after 7 weeks. The main character Nora and her husband Torvald Helmer were a married couple of eight years. Nora went from living with her father whom cared for her to being married to Torvald. She referred to herself as her father's doll then to Torvalds. Nora made decision that would affect her future, but her decision was done out of love for her husband. Nora borrowed money from Nils Krogstad and forged her dying fathers signature on the agreement of repayment without his knowledge. She made timely payments and all was going accordingly til Krogstad lost his position at the bank that Tarvold was promoted at. Krogstad exposed Nora through a letter and Tarvold found out the truth. She had confessed what see had done to her long lost friend Mrs. Linde. She borrowed the money to allow her husband to travel to become well. All her actions were for the love of her husband and family.
The miracle Nora was hoping for did not happen. Tarvold would not take the fall for Nora's actions. He had to withhold his honor and integrity. I think at that moment an aha moment happened for Nora. She realized she did not know herself. She had never been able to stand on her own two feet. She had her father than her husband. She needed to discover who she was, educate herself and find her place in this world. She left her husband and her children to go off on her own for self realization. I do not agree with abandoning your children,but I do understand her need to realize who she was. I enjoyed Anthony Hopkins performance on the video as well.
The miracle Nora was hoping for did not happen. Tarvold would not take the fall for Nora's actions. He had to withhold his honor and integrity. I think at that moment an aha moment happened for Nora. She realized she did not know herself. She had never been able to stand on her own two feet. She had her father than her husband. She needed to discover who she was, educate herself and find her place in this world. She left her husband and her children to go off on her own for self realization. I do not agree with abandoning your children,but I do understand her need to realize who she was. I enjoyed Anthony Hopkins performance on the video as well.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
The Country Wife/Performance analysis / Helen Williams
This play is very interesting, though with so many characters . The settings and costumes are appropriate for the time. Once again , we are dealing with a play that brings to life social ills and problems specifically adultery in a high social class.
One of the scenes I found highly fascinating is when Mrs Pinchwife went to a play with her husband and she was compelled to dress in male clothes. An example of an oppressive act by her domineering husband, things did not actually work for Mr Pinchwife a expected. Margery look very attractive in male attire. Mr Horner quickly took advantage of the situation and starts to flirts with Margery.
Here again, you see an overly jealous Mr Pinchwife in action as he turns on his wife. His plot to disguise his wife backfires.
One of the scenes I found highly fascinating is when Mrs Pinchwife went to a play with her husband and she was compelled to dress in male clothes. An example of an oppressive act by her domineering husband, things did not actually work for Mr Pinchwife a expected. Margery look very attractive in male attire. Mr Horner quickly took advantage of the situation and starts to flirts with Margery.
Here again, you see an overly jealous Mr Pinchwife in action as he turns on his wife. His plot to disguise his wife backfires.
Matthew Chenevert: The Country Wife Text v Prod
The Country Wife: Text vs Production
I think Kelli said I would like this production and I did. The main character was very “weasly” (if that is a word) looking and a little more hyper than I had pictured him. Which worked better in my opinion when portraying the character.
The women were all very appropriately cast even though I had them all pictured differently. The women Horner seemed to prey on were the middle-aged and strong-willed.
The scene with the Quack was funny. Never before would a man be sooooo enthusiastic about getting a false rumor spread around town that would in a way diminish his prowess.
But Horner was actually more confident in what he was trying to accomplish to the extent that he did not care what people thought.
In reading the play I actually had a fairly easy time of it compared to others. I guess it is because it was in the not too distant past. The actual production was pretty true to text but my image of Horner was much more laid back. Sort of a cool cucumber versus the way he was in constant motion in the video production.
I did enjoy it. I guess I’m getting more accustom to reading and reviewing plays. I am going to award myself a small victory for getting to this point. It’s not as much work as it was a month ago and I imagine that plays like this one (ones that I find funny with a crazy premise) only help me along!
I think Kelli said I would like this production and I did. The main character was very “weasly” (if that is a word) looking and a little more hyper than I had pictured him. Which worked better in my opinion when portraying the character.
The women were all very appropriately cast even though I had them all pictured differently. The women Horner seemed to prey on were the middle-aged and strong-willed.
The scene with the Quack was funny. Never before would a man be sooooo enthusiastic about getting a false rumor spread around town that would in a way diminish his prowess.
But Horner was actually more confident in what he was trying to accomplish to the extent that he did not care what people thought.
In reading the play I actually had a fairly easy time of it compared to others. I guess it is because it was in the not too distant past. The actual production was pretty true to text but my image of Horner was much more laid back. Sort of a cool cucumber versus the way he was in constant motion in the video production.
I did enjoy it. I guess I’m getting more accustom to reading and reviewing plays. I am going to award myself a small victory for getting to this point. It’s not as much work as it was a month ago and I imagine that plays like this one (ones that I find funny with a crazy premise) only help me along!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Kelli Firmin- The Country Wife- Text vs. production
The Country Wife video was easier to follow than reading the play. I am a visual person so I do enjoy seeing things in comparison to reading. The play had many characters and at times it was hard to keep in line who was who and who belonged to whom. I thought Mr. Horner was the main character of the play. His claim to be impotent brought him so much attention from a wide variety of upstanding women in London. The Pinchwifes were an interesting couple. Mr. Pinchwife kept his wife locked in her chambers to prevent her from having a lover and learning of the outside world of the city. This did not last long once she saw a play and learned of things from her sister in law. It was acceptable at that time to have a wife who had a lover. The word cuckold was a new one to me. Mr. Horner acted with great passion and was a true master of his game. Mr. Pinchwife was annoying after awhile, Poor Mrs. Pinchwife acted as an innocent young bride but was quick to accept the affections of Mr. Horner. I may have acted the same if I were kept locked up in a chamber and secluded from the rest of society. I did not expect the strong sexual content but it was humorous than the others. I did love the costumes of this video very appropriate for the time period.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The Country Wife / Helen Williams
I just love this play, my only problem is the multiple characters, they are so difficult to keep up with. Just when you think you know them all, then another one.I will like to see this play as a soap opera cast by the crew of the Young and the Restless. What a great watch it will be, plus the ratings for the television channel.
Like all the previous plays I have watched so far, we are again dealing with societal plagues and problems. The element of jealousy and deceptions are very prevalent in the play. Then the hostility between couples ,Mr Pinchwife almost claim a life.
Why in the world will a man proclaim himself to be impotent just to get some attention from the opposite sex. Only in the 16th century. I bet men of our generation will be too embarrassed to talk about it, even worse, most are not telling their physicians.I figure the only reason the Cialis and Viagra advertisement promised discrete sale and packaging to their customers is to protect their identity.
Mr Horner does deserve the title of Master of the game of Love, pretending to be impotent , he goes around cuckolding all the spouses. Mr Pinchwife is an idiot, he got so jealous that he almost murdered poor Margery. Who can blame her for looking for love, having being locked up in the closet several times. I can not wait to watch this play again.
Like all the previous plays I have watched so far, we are again dealing with societal plagues and problems. The element of jealousy and deceptions are very prevalent in the play. Then the hostility between couples ,Mr Pinchwife almost claim a life.
Why in the world will a man proclaim himself to be impotent just to get some attention from the opposite sex. Only in the 16th century. I bet men of our generation will be too embarrassed to talk about it, even worse, most are not telling their physicians.I figure the only reason the Cialis and Viagra advertisement promised discrete sale and packaging to their customers is to protect their identity.
Mr Horner does deserve the title of Master of the game of Love, pretending to be impotent , he goes around cuckolding all the spouses. Mr Pinchwife is an idiot, he got so jealous that he almost murdered poor Margery. Who can blame her for looking for love, having being locked up in the closet several times. I can not wait to watch this play again.
Matthew Chenevert: The Country Wife
The Country Wife
So let me get this straight….. you can actually get MORE women with this plan? What a strange and crazy idea!
I have to admit that I’m not surprised that yet another one of our plays for review is sexually centered.
This one was funny. Even, I , as a man had never thought this strategy would work.
What struck me with this first was that there are things that people seem to be relate to eternally, and one of them is sex. I even learned a new word……cuckold! Or something like that.
It is easy to read compared to Lysistrata.
Concerning the plot, once again the best well laid plans (no pun intended) seems to backfire on poor Mr Pinchwife. Even the names were tongue-in-cheek. Fidget? Squeamish? Horner? I mean come on, this guy had a great sense of humor.
I think Helen will be happy to see that the women of this play don’t seem to have any hesitance of sexual promiscuity with men other than their husbands. Of course the husbands are implied to be at blame for driving their wives to the arms of the “impotent” Mr Horner.
While the premise caught my attention right off, the ease of the read and the success of the master plan Mr Horner laid out was funny. I’m sure a live audience found a lot of humor in the unfolding of the events.
The video of this will be very interesting. I’m expecting a lot and I hope to not be let down!
So let me get this straight….. you can actually get MORE women with this plan? What a strange and crazy idea!
I have to admit that I’m not surprised that yet another one of our plays for review is sexually centered.
This one was funny. Even, I , as a man had never thought this strategy would work.
What struck me with this first was that there are things that people seem to be relate to eternally, and one of them is sex. I even learned a new word……cuckold! Or something like that.
It is easy to read compared to Lysistrata.
Concerning the plot, once again the best well laid plans (no pun intended) seems to backfire on poor Mr Pinchwife. Even the names were tongue-in-cheek. Fidget? Squeamish? Horner? I mean come on, this guy had a great sense of humor.
I think Helen will be happy to see that the women of this play don’t seem to have any hesitance of sexual promiscuity with men other than their husbands. Of course the husbands are implied to be at blame for driving their wives to the arms of the “impotent” Mr Horner.
While the premise caught my attention right off, the ease of the read and the success of the master plan Mr Horner laid out was funny. I’m sure a live audience found a lot of humor in the unfolding of the events.
The video of this will be very interesting. I’m expecting a lot and I hope to not be let down!
Kelli Firmin- The Country Wife
This play was a very long read and had multiple characters that was hard to keep up with who belonged to who. It was a comedy of some sort that had many sexual overtures. The main character to me was Mr. Horner. He had all convinced he was Eunuch. The information was spread by a Quack. It seemed to spark the interest of women rather that shun it. It took awhile after reading the play to realize who was the country wife. Mr. Pinchwife keep his wife Margery Pinchwife very secluded from the city life in London. The main entertainment that seemed to be popular were the plays. At the plays the women would wear a mask similar to a mardi gras for comparison.
Mrs. Pinchwife received an idea of what a play was like and then wanted to be able to go into the city and see the sights and mingle with others. I found it confusing who was married to whom and who was whose mistress, etc. That seemed to go hand and hand and the husband's seemed ok with that arrangement. It was odd how one could be promised to wed one such as Alithea to Sparkish while Harcourt was professing his love for her at the same time. The play overall was confusing and watching the video did help clear the characters up with whom belonged to who. It was one of the least of my favorites thus far. I will say that sexual freedom was promoted in the 1600's. Infidelity was accepted and expected. Switching lovers seemed appropriate. The 200 pages of reading seemed to loose my interest after awhile but the video was better. Can't wait to see what is next.
Mrs. Pinchwife received an idea of what a play was like and then wanted to be able to go into the city and see the sights and mingle with others. I found it confusing who was married to whom and who was whose mistress, etc. That seemed to go hand and hand and the husband's seemed ok with that arrangement. It was odd how one could be promised to wed one such as Alithea to Sparkish while Harcourt was professing his love for her at the same time. The play overall was confusing and watching the video did help clear the characters up with whom belonged to who. It was one of the least of my favorites thus far. I will say that sexual freedom was promoted in the 1600's. Infidelity was accepted and expected. Switching lovers seemed appropriate. The 200 pages of reading seemed to loose my interest after awhile but the video was better. Can't wait to see what is next.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Tartuffe scene analysis/ Helen Williams
I really enjoy watching the video. More interesting to see Madame Pernelle, Orgon self righteous mother exercise that much authority and power over her son’s household. She strikes me like a case of a “mean mother-in law”. The elderly character begins the scene by chastising her family members. She condemns them for talking too much, about their growing foolishness everyday and how they are too free with money.
She is also convinced that Tartuffe is a wise and just man, and that the rest of the household should follow his instructions. She is so convince and wants everybody to believe that Tartuffe is the authority as far as sin is concerned… well, except for Orgon. This is more of a modern day soap opera. At the end, we see how Tartuffe “a man of God " uses his connections to swindle his generous host out of his wealth and his wife. Madame Pernelle is the last to finally realize Tartuffe’s hypocrisy.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Kelli Firmin- Tartuffe Script vs. production
The video Tartuffe was much more entertaining than reading the play. All the characters seemed to put a great deal of emotion into their acting and characters. Orgon was one of my favorites. He was so blindsided by Tartuffe. He took him into his home treated him as a brother and put his needs before his own wife and children. He thought Tartuffe was of saintly being. One of the last scenes VII was the climax of the play. After all the family tried to convince Orgon of Tartuffe’s hypocrisy and he finally heard for himself, Orgon thought he would lose everything. Orgon was thinking he was about to be arrested and Tartuffe took pleasure in seeing that happen.
The tables then turned for Tartuffe for he was the one the officers were arresting. He was proven to be a traitor and hypocrite. Orgon was pardoned and able to rejoice with his family. Orgon finally realized what a fool he had been and allowed his daughter to be allowed to marry Valere as they both hoped and wanted. In the end it was a good moral lesson. Not everyone is as they seem. When something or someone in this matter seems too good to be true it is usually the case. Nothing is at it seems.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Matthew Chenevert: Tartuffe Text v Prod
Matthew Chenevert: Tartuffe Text vs Production Analysis
I like the production! While it was busy it was still much better to watch. My gut impression of the production was they tried hard to take you back to the era in which the play was written. The text did not follow the wording of the play ver betum but instead an effort to make it rhyme was a big undertaking. It did keep it interesting though! Initially when I was orienting myself to the characters I was having a bit of trouble since the text was different but it all came together.
In the opening scene I like the way people sprang to life as the play got started. There was great chemistry between the actors and quality of the stage, roles and twist on the original text had me hooked. I was constantly listening for how they were going to rhyme certain words. Who ever took the time to do all that work should get a pat on the back.
They also jumped right in to the performance. No real build up or dead space. Pretty much there was action all along which was great. Tartuffe was really not the best part of the play. It was how the different characters were aligning against or for him, with no real middle ground.
As it turns out the first scene set the tone and ended up stating exactly was was to happen as the play unfolded. Easily the best part of the play. Although there were no real weaknesses. I enjoyed the video version much more than the text.
I like the production! While it was busy it was still much better to watch. My gut impression of the production was they tried hard to take you back to the era in which the play was written. The text did not follow the wording of the play ver betum but instead an effort to make it rhyme was a big undertaking. It did keep it interesting though! Initially when I was orienting myself to the characters I was having a bit of trouble since the text was different but it all came together.
In the opening scene I like the way people sprang to life as the play got started. There was great chemistry between the actors and quality of the stage, roles and twist on the original text had me hooked. I was constantly listening for how they were going to rhyme certain words. Who ever took the time to do all that work should get a pat on the back.
They also jumped right in to the performance. No real build up or dead space. Pretty much there was action all along which was great. Tartuffe was really not the best part of the play. It was how the different characters were aligning against or for him, with no real middle ground.
As it turns out the first scene set the tone and ended up stating exactly was was to happen as the play unfolded. Easily the best part of the play. Although there were no real weaknesses. I enjoyed the video version much more than the text.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Re-Tartuffe as per Helen Williams
Commenting of Matthew's post, I candidly agree that the play appear more investigative than being a comedy. I will likely compare him to most of our modern day preachers whose scandals are always on the screen of our televisions at news time. They preach holiness and practice otherwise. I strongly believe that everyman will reap the fruit of their labour, just like Tartuffe.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Doctor Faustus
Why is that if a person is not exclusively sexual with one other person than they are considered immoral and sluttish and it's generally considered wrong? I mean, can't people be sexually active with more than one person and still be healthy, safe and responsible?
Doctor Faustus has a moment. He is human right? He wants some you-know-what so naturally he asks for a. . .wife? Well Mister Mephistopheles shuts that down quick! In 2.1 lines 141-143 Faustus says,
"But leaving off this, let me have a wife, the fairest maid
in Germany, for I am wanton and lascivious and cannot live
without a wife."
Mephistopheles replies,
"How, a wife? I prithee, Faustus, talk not of a wife."
Mephistopheles goes on in lines 152-155 to say,
"Tut, Faustus, marriage is but a ceremonial toy.
If thou lovest me, think no more of it.
I'll cull thee out the fairest courtesans
And bring them ev'ry morning to thy bed."
So because Mephistopheles will bring Faustus a woman and they will not marry but they will sleep together, this is considered wrong and of the devil?
In our society (and obviously in Marlowe's time as well) it was custom that if two people were going to sleep together that they were to be married first. I think that the problem is centered on the fact that society in general doesn't look at sex as healthy. If they do, they don't feel obliged to be open about it.
I say go for it Faustus! Have a woman, but you do not have to marry her.
Doctor Faustus has a moment. He is human right? He wants some you-know-what so naturally he asks for a. . .wife? Well Mister Mephistopheles shuts that down quick! In 2.1 lines 141-143 Faustus says,
"But leaving off this, let me have a wife, the fairest maid
in Germany, for I am wanton and lascivious and cannot live
without a wife."
Mephistopheles replies,
"How, a wife? I prithee, Faustus, talk not of a wife."
Mephistopheles goes on in lines 152-155 to say,
"Tut, Faustus, marriage is but a ceremonial toy.
If thou lovest me, think no more of it.
I'll cull thee out the fairest courtesans
And bring them ev'ry morning to thy bed."
So because Mephistopheles will bring Faustus a woman and they will not marry but they will sleep together, this is considered wrong and of the devil?
In our society (and obviously in Marlowe's time as well) it was custom that if two people were going to sleep together that they were to be married first. I think that the problem is centered on the fact that society in general doesn't look at sex as healthy. If they do, they don't feel obliged to be open about it.
I say go for it Faustus! Have a woman, but you do not have to marry her.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Tartuffe - Helen Williams
Tartuffe by Moliere represents a comedy that satirizes religion hypocrisy of the sixteen and seventeen century. Here a messenger preaches moral value but does not abide by the morals. It also focuses on Orgon, a wealthy man who takes a stranger by face value and almost lost everything.
He placed the needs of Tartuffe above those of his family and even disinherits his own son in an attempt to make an hypocritical, self righteous con artist the sole heir to his fortune.
He placed the needs of Tartuffe above those of his family and even disinherits his own son in an attempt to make an hypocritical, self righteous con artist the sole heir to his fortune.
This will be an interesting play to watch over and over for its dramatic effect. The Climax of the play will be when Orgon finally caught Tartuffe in action as he reveals his real identity, very devastated of course. To make things worse, Tartuffe even tries to lay claim to Orgon's property.
As it was then so it is now, we see the replay of this scenario everyday in today's society that is permeated with crimes and fraudulent acts.
Kelli Firmin- Tartuffe
Moliere, Tartuffe was a complex read at first. It was not until half way through that I understood the play. It was suppose to be a comedy? I did not find it humorous. How could so many be fooled by the hypocrisy of Tartuffe? Madame Pernell is pleased with her son at the beginning that he has accepted Tartuffe into his home and welcomed him with open arms. She criticizes the rest of Orgon's family of being suspicious of Tartuffe. Orgon is so mesmerized with Tartuffe that he would allow him to marry his daughter instead of the man she loves. Orgon would allow him to steal from him and take possession of his home and seduce his wife. When Orgon takes a trip and returns he does not inquire about the well being of his wife or family only Tartuffe. He definitely had the wool pulled over his eyes. Dorine the outspoken maid knew Tartuffe was a hypocrite; Damis the son did as well. Orgon took the side of Tartuffe and threw his son out of his home.
All of Orgon's family is on to Tartuffe. His brother in law Cleante tries to bring Damis and Orgon back together as a family. Elmire finally convinces Orgon to hid under a table and witness for himself what type of person Tartuffe is. Orgon finally see the real person Tartuffe is. In the end good does prevail. Orgon regains his house from Tartuffe, allows Mariane to marry Valere as she wished. Tartuffe gets what he deserves. He goes to jail and does not steal things that do not belong to him. His hypocrisy is seen by all. You cannot always believe what you see. We are at times fooled by a person's outward appearance and behavior but the truth will eventually prevail!
All of Orgon's family is on to Tartuffe. His brother in law Cleante tries to bring Damis and Orgon back together as a family. Elmire finally convinces Orgon to hid under a table and witness for himself what type of person Tartuffe is. Orgon finally see the real person Tartuffe is. In the end good does prevail. Orgon regains his house from Tartuffe, allows Mariane to marry Valere as she wished. Tartuffe gets what he deserves. He goes to jail and does not steal things that do not belong to him. His hypocrisy is seen by all. You cannot always believe what you see. We are at times fooled by a person's outward appearance and behavior but the truth will eventually prevail!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Helen Williams on Dr Faustus script performance analysis
I really enjoy watching this play . The costumes and scenery are appropriate and tastefully done. The plot is very clear and the message is that sinners will never go unpunished and the evil that men do will always live after them. Dr Faustus is a man blinded by his own intellect and possessed by himself and he got blown up in pride.
One scene I found very comical and at least interesting from religion point of view is when Mephistophillis
became invisible. He also used his power to make Faustus in the presence of the Pope and Cardinal - most revered roles in Christianity. Faustus was actually playing tricks on the Pope and making fool of him. This I found very disrespectful to say the least and may have set the stage for his self destructing acts. Despite his sins he failed to yield to all warnings that could have saved him.
Faustus denial of God's power and Majesty became the source of his damnation.
One scene I found very comical and at least interesting from religion point of view is when Mephistophillis
became invisible. He also used his power to make Faustus in the presence of the Pope and Cardinal - most revered roles in Christianity. Faustus was actually playing tricks on the Pope and making fool of him. This I found very disrespectful to say the least and may have set the stage for his self destructing acts. Despite his sins he failed to yield to all warnings that could have saved him.
Faustus denial of God's power and Majesty became the source of his damnation.
Tartuffe:Matthew Chenevert
Tartuffe: Matthew Chenevert
A French play. This was listed as a comedy but it seemed more like an episode of Murder She Wrote to me. Well between that and Golden Girls. A lot of text to read. I’m hoping the video will help clear up some of my questions when I watch it later.
While it took a while for me to find the direction of the play, I didn’t really see the point of it. The characters were difficult to keep straight as far as their relationship to each other. I don’t like a lot of characters popping in and out. I actually had to create an chart to figure out who was married to who and who was the brother-in-law and who wanted to marry which ones sister… Very confusing.
Tartuffe is a con-man and the character struck me as crazy to take on a whole family as he seemed to play them against each other seemingly without worry of getting caught. Orgon was so misled that the was going through all sorts of hoops for Tartuffe. His daughter, he’s secrets, and to top it off he got Orgons house! He was slick. Well that or Orgon is an idiot. That seems to be the direction of the play. Orgon gets deeper and deeper into trouble.
Tartuffe was a hypocrite, a con-man, and I pictured him as Bill Clinton. Maybe not quite as slick because he got caught.
A French play. This was listed as a comedy but it seemed more like an episode of Murder She Wrote to me. Well between that and Golden Girls. A lot of text to read. I’m hoping the video will help clear up some of my questions when I watch it later.
While it took a while for me to find the direction of the play, I didn’t really see the point of it. The characters were difficult to keep straight as far as their relationship to each other. I don’t like a lot of characters popping in and out. I actually had to create an chart to figure out who was married to who and who was the brother-in-law and who wanted to marry which ones sister… Very confusing.
Tartuffe is a con-man and the character struck me as crazy to take on a whole family as he seemed to play them against each other seemingly without worry of getting caught. Orgon was so misled that the was going through all sorts of hoops for Tartuffe. His daughter, he’s secrets, and to top it off he got Orgons house! He was slick. Well that or Orgon is an idiot. That seems to be the direction of the play. Orgon gets deeper and deeper into trouble.
Tartuffe was a hypocrite, a con-man, and I pictured him as Bill Clinton. Maybe not quite as slick because he got caught.
Kelli Firmin Script- Performance Anaylsis Dr. Faustus
Script- Performance Analysis
The video was like watching an old movie. I enjoyed seeing Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor perform together, two great actors of the time. The scene I chose was the very end of the play when Faustus time is running out. His twenty four years is ending which is symbolized by the hour glass. The Scholars visit Faustus and try to help him repent to God and ask for forgiveness. Faustus asks what will become of him being in hell forever. This seems too late to worry about this now. The scholars somewhat scold Faustus and said if they would have known he sold his soul to the devil they would have prayed for him.
In the entire movie there are symbols of religion. The crucifix, people making the sign of the cross but the main character sells his soul to the devil. I feel Faustus struggled with his decision the entire time. At times he asked for forgiveness but the hold the devil had on him was much stronger.
The end when his time had expired and Helen (Elizabeth Taylor) appeared to him, her face green she was leading him into the fires of hell. There was that look of regret on his face or what have I done? I enjoyed the costumes and the scenery. It was a science fiction production in my opinion.
Matthew Chenevert: Dr Faustus: Analysis Prod v Text
Dr Faustus: Analysis Production vs Text
Well I really enjoyed the video of this play. This was like watch a real movie to me. The play was MUCH better than I had envisioned it in my head. I think one of the reasons it was so good came when the final credits rolled…. Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor! While I couldn’t name another movie that these people were in I know they were major actors of their day.
I’m having some trouble on picking a scene this week so I will just pick the first part of the play. It opens and what caught my eye was the crucifix with Jesus hanging on the cross right in Faustus’ very room. He even speaks to it. What manner of man would go from having such a prominent religious symbol in his very study to making a pact with the a demon? Quite a swing.
Valdez and Cornelius looked very evil. I had pictured the setting where he attempts to call forth Mephistopheles to be in his study, but in the video they bring him to a cave of some sort. A foreboding cave at that.
I also noted that Faustus got younger looking after his deal was made. I also like the way they used an hour glass to keep track of Faustus’ time left before the 24 years ran out. At the end when he was being dragged off I think Lucifer was a woman. I hadn’t pictured any of those things in my head when I read the play.
Lastly the look on Mephistopheles face as Faustus was dragged off almost had an “I feel sorry” expression… very interesting.
Well I really enjoyed the video of this play. This was like watch a real movie to me. The play was MUCH better than I had envisioned it in my head. I think one of the reasons it was so good came when the final credits rolled…. Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor! While I couldn’t name another movie that these people were in I know they were major actors of their day.
I’m having some trouble on picking a scene this week so I will just pick the first part of the play. It opens and what caught my eye was the crucifix with Jesus hanging on the cross right in Faustus’ very room. He even speaks to it. What manner of man would go from having such a prominent religious symbol in his very study to making a pact with the a demon? Quite a swing.
Valdez and Cornelius looked very evil. I had pictured the setting where he attempts to call forth Mephistopheles to be in his study, but in the video they bring him to a cave of some sort. A foreboding cave at that.
I also noted that Faustus got younger looking after his deal was made. I also like the way they used an hour glass to keep track of Faustus’ time left before the 24 years ran out. At the end when he was being dragged off I think Lucifer was a woman. I hadn’t pictured any of those things in my head when I read the play.
Lastly the look on Mephistopheles face as Faustus was dragged off almost had an “I feel sorry” expression… very interesting.
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