The interview with Kent Thompson was very interesting and really made me think about how many decisions go into making a play. Throughout the interview I was able to link many of his responses to one of the six basic element of theatrical production.For example, Thompson explains the usage of light in 3.3. Iago literally moves into the dark when he drops hints to Othello about Cassio, this emphasizes Iago’s dark side and manipulative ways. Thompson’s decision to use the octagon stage incorporates two of the elements, acting and spatial relationships. By having the characters closer to the audience it brings them to life and the audience cannot avoid the conflict and tragedy. The interview also goes into detail about specific props and costumes used and why Thompson made the decisions he did. Of course I knew a lot of work went into putting on a production, but it made me realize how each decision will affect the outcome of the play and what impression it had on the audience.
The connection between the O.J. Simpson story and Othello was thought provoking. It’s amazing that news and current events can affect the popularity of a show that has been around for so many years. As the Thompson said he believed that the audience came to see a similar story written 400 years earlier, which is a concept that saddens me. It shows that although we have made strides in civil rights, racism is still something that affects our culture and everyday life.
Melissa- After the reading the interview it never occurred to me how many decisions really go into making and producing a play. In my blog I also talked about the stage, but I liked how you connected the stage with spatial relationships and acting. I guess how a stage is set-up to an audience does have a major impact on spatial relationships- I always just thought acting. Nice work!
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