Although
the original script was written by Shakespeare, the cultural was belonged
to Western, the director was so creative that she set the background
in Tang dynasty and integrated the two different cultures. This idea
was surprised to me and urged me to know what¡¦ll happen in the play.
Because the background was Chinese, the content was filled with Chinese
dancing and music, which was splendid and made me know how hard the
dancers and creators had worked. In my opinion, the script written by
Shakespeare set in ancient time was more difficult to act than the script
set in modern society. Not only the intonation the actors and actresses
had to intimate but also the lines of the actors or actresses were hard
to remember. They couldn¡¦t add any conversation if any accident happen,
so they had to make no mistake and adjust to changing circumstance by
acting instead of speaking to make up for the fault. To my surprise,
the stage was no curtain for changing every plot. Therefore, if it is
necessary to change the setting, the audiences will see all the process
the workers work. And the appearing of the actors and actresses needed
wisdom of the director to make an arrangement, which was a big challenge
for the director. But in this play the process was so fluent and made
some tricks to minimize the changing of setting, which I could know
how creative the team were. By the way, I saw the play twice. Because
my school-brother, Jason, acted so marvelously and I couldn¡¦t resist
sending him flowers to praise his success. section b/ vickie Hsu 's
review I've been looked forward to seeing this senior play since we
read some lines from our textbook. When I read this drama in class,the
thing that impressed me most was the art of choosing the right word
to emphasize parlance. Shakespeare used serious consonants to show specific
feelings. For instance,he used the consonant "k" on page1704,line265
"Quail, crush,conclude,and quell!" I had read the interpretation of
this drama before.It didn't impress me much at that time. However;I
was so affected by the beautifuful expressions while reading the original.
Although,some lines are not easy to understand,through the previous
introduction I still can follow the whole play. At this respect,the
actors really did a great job in memorizing the long lines well. Besides,the
idea of placing the time on Tang dynasty was quite special. I think
they must pay a lot attention on those gorgeous clothes and dancing.
On the other hand,I think Andrew who played the role Bottom is the most
outstanding actor in this play. His body language is so excellent. It
really seemed that he became the character as long as he stood on the
stage. Whenever seeing he on the stage,I can not but feeling funny.
However;I think the funny part was too much. Thus,this "The lamentable
comedy" was not well balamced. In addition,Andrew "killed" himself for
several times in the end of the cruel death. I think that's too over.
It made this play seemed to be a farce in variety shows on TV. Also,the
two couples didn't seem to love each other. It may be better if the
actors can put more emtion. Further more,I think the clothes of the
queen was too bombastic. I can undersatnd the director may want to show
her independence. Still,I feel the overemphasized clothes may make audience
unable to focus on her symbol of freedom. This play was not perfect.
In fact,no play is perfect. We should give them a big hand for their
hardworking. I'm glad that I had the chance to see this nice play. MeganHu
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Emily's Reflection
of The Play-A Midsummer Night's Dream Through
the vivid performance, I can see lovers' being changeable. However,
it is a catalytic agent of the comedy. The play put emphasis on what's
real and what's unreal. Whatever happened, all are dreams. When the
sun rises, everything will come to harmony. Being out of the dream,
seeing the world with a clear point, all the emotion and feelings are
like foam, like an interlude of time and like small frustration in our
colorful life. I can see every possibility in terms of the angle of
comedies. When I stepped into the SFL Theater, I felt as if I went into
a mysterious forest. With faint lights, some fume and mysterious music,
the atmosphere about the play was well established. Although I had just
read the story " A Midsummer Night's Dream" for one time and glanced
at the introduction only, I could feel that I was one member in the
forest in this play. Also, I saw some fairies appearing about me, as
interested me a lot. Then, the play started. Actually, I loved what
the fairies wore very much so I paid more attention to their dance.
Generally speaking, they danced well but it didn't seem so professional
if they could practice more or be concerned about what their act was,
the performance would be better. Every character's clothes were styled
suitably so they played well as if the real characters appeared in front
of me. It was Shakespeare's play, a western play, but it was presented
in Chinese dress and with some Chinese custom and something about Chinese
culture, we could see the combination of the east and the west. In reality,
this was a different and special show for me for I had never have such
a show before. The whole play was filled with creativity and it was
not so bored but mad people laugh. In fact, I couldn't understand what
they say thoroughly but through their action, I thought that I acknowledge
a little. By the way, if every character could speak more loudly, the
play would be more wonderful. I hope that I could have the pleasure
to enjoy such a kind of play again because I am interested in it. If
possible, I would give myself the chance to act, no matter it would
be criticized or not. To sum up, the senior ply was successful, as made
me have the desire to do the sane thing, too. Emily Chiang
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Introduction to
Western Literature Reflection on A Midsummer Night¡¦s Dream It¡¦s really
amazing to watch this play presented in the background of Tang Dynasty.
The transition of the epoch has not made this drama awkward. On the
contrary, this play conveys a special and fresh feeling to me, especially
the marriage between Theseus and Hippolyta. Theseus, the Tang emperor,
marries the captured princess Hippolyta. One is the most powerful man
at that time, while the other is the barbarian princess. One represents
the Chinese culture while the other represents the foreign culture.
The two different cultures melt together. The interaction between them
is delicate to describe. The endless involvement among Hermia, Helena,
Demetrius, and Lysander attracts me very much. With the mistake made
by Puck, the situation becomes more complicated. But that¡¦s why makes
this part interesting. The four actors really did a good job presenting
the four dramatic and fun characters. I can see Hermia¡¦s deep love for
Lysander, how agitatedly Helena reacts when Demetrius and Lysander ask
her love, and how unreasonably Lysander treats Hermia. All these interaction
among them make this play appreciate-worthy. Although the situation
is in a mess, the world still comes back to order the next day. Everything
and everyone on earth should be in harmony. Among all the characters,
I like Puck the best. He is very naughty and cute. His every move is
quick and soft. I really feel that I see a genie hanging around. His
silly action draws my attention so much that I can¡¦t help laughing.
The actor really enlivens Puck. If there were a contest about how well
these actors present, I would definitely award him of the best supportive
actor. This play is very different from the movie version I¡¦ve seen.
Sitting in front of the stage, I feel it more real to see this play.
There is no screen between us. The distance of actors and audience undoubtedly
shorten. The actors¡¦ asking the spectators to dance can be an obvious
example. The special interaction of this play cannot be found in movie.
I really like the real feeling! Scarlett Lin [top]
|
I'm impressed by
Hippolyta's costume . The Chinese Opera outfit was a nice imitation
, though the feather is too short and the costume itself looked a little
like it's going to fall apart . It's quite nice since they are quite
short of budget . But I think it's very strange to have her wear Kimono
at the end . The sound effect and lighting was creating a very mysterious
and fine atmosphere for the play , especially the forest . It's quite
clever to save money and creat effects that way . The best thing of
a play is the interaction between the audience and the actors/actresses
. Today I went to see ²H¤ô¤pÂí with my sister and at the beginning of the
play when the actress was introducing ²H¤ô , she interviewed the person
editing Tamsui Chronicle in the play . Suddenly she turned to the audience
and said , " Those who want to know about Tamsui can raise your hands
and ask our Tamsui expert questions concerning Tamsui . " We were very
surprised . At that moment we were not only the audience , we were actually
IN the play , too . In senior play , when Helena was walking by and
we have to leave out a space for her , we felt as though we were helping
her , and we could feel more easily her anxiety . It's a very good thing
to have interaction with the audience because we will feel closer to
the actors and actresses . The main theme of the play is , I think ,
that love is blind . Whenever we fell in love with somebody , we only
see what's good about him/her . Everything he or she does is right and
other things can be neglected . Michelle Wang [top]
|
Although the original
script was written by Shakespeare, the cultural was belonged to Western,
the director was so creative that she set the background in Tang dynasty
and integrated the two different cultures. This idea was surprised to
me and urged me to know what¡¦ll happen in the play. Because the background
was Chinese, the content was filled with Chinese dancing and music,
which was splendid and made me know how hard the dancers and creators
had worked. In my opinion, the script written by Shakespeare set in
ancient time was more difficult to act than the script set in modern
society. Not only the intonation the actors and actresses had to intimate
but also the lines of the actors or actresses were hard to remember.
They couldn¡¦t add any conversation if any accident happen, so they had
to make no mistake and adjust to changing circumstance by acting instead
of speaking to make up for the fault. To my surprise, the stage was
no curtain for changing every plot. Therefore, if it is necessary to
change the setting, the audiences will see all the process the workers
work. And the appearing of the actors and actresses needed wisdom of
the director to make an arrangement, which was a big challenge for the
director. But in this play the process was so fluent and made some tricks
to minimize the changing of setting, which I could know how creative
the team were. By the way, I saw the play twice. Because my school-brother,
Jason, acted so marvelously and I couldn¡¦t resist sending him flowers
to praise his success. vickie Hsu [top]
|