Passion never knows sex (gender). That is briefly what I can tell about the plot of ‘Passion’. The play we have to watch in order to complete part of our assignment. Well, thank you for those who have sacrifice their time and energy to make this trip happen. But, unfortunately, it is not so worth it. The play was rather lame and I was lucky for not putting any high expectation on it. It was a mute play, and the only way to read their mind is based on their facial expression, music, lighting, costume and their movement. Each step while they were dancing means something that I hardly interpret. Since, they were not saying any single word starts from the very beginning till the end, I felt so depressing!! Huh! Yes, it is a kind of art, I have to admit it, but yet, I’m not so artistic to tell what is actually happen in the play. However, it was an interesting experience to have. There was only one thing that made me stay focus; I was amazed by their dance. I don’t have any idea how they can bend their body in such way!! But I believe, it takes a lot of effort and practice.
I also noticed that without any set up setting, the play was still can be carried out. The elements of play that I have mentioned above, has help in arising the mood of the play. For instance, the red shade and dress shows anger and passion, while the blue fade means calm.
To conclude, even tough there is not much to say about this play, I have learnt and gained something from it. I do hope we have a chance to watch a better play next time.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
~30 days in septem9er~
Superb! Excellent! Powerful! Thirty Days in September..Wow.. I have read it non stop!!! It is a short play written by Mahesh Dattani, yet it carries a huge issue. The play has touched my hearts and consciences everywhere. Child molestation issue is always a major thing to discuss about. And I feel very grateful and thankful to the playwright for his wonderful masterpiece.
There are only four characters plus the unseen counselor in this play. However, it does not even affect the flow of the plot. Indeed, with only four visible characters, Thirty Days in September has reached it certain standard in my heart. Mala, the protagonist, is the victim of child sexual abuse by her own uncle. She is actually the reflection of her mother. Yet, Mala is fortunate to awake from so called ‘illusion state’. But sadly, her mother, Shanta denies the truth. Shanta is well known of what has happened to her daughter, but she likes to remain silent. In fact, she accuses her daughter as the cause of the wrong doing. I think she can not accept the fact that her own brother has done wrong to her girl as what he has done to her when she was a little kid. She prefers to pray and pray and pray, as a treatment for her to forget. She also feed Mala to make Mala feels relieve and to have it as a pleasure. She never asks her daughter of what had happened. And for Mala, Shanta is never there for her when she needs help. Therefore, her childhood memory haunted her until she becomes an adult. Her horrible experienced, has made her of what she is in present. She can not help from being such a ‘bad’ girl. But yet she tries to change and at the end she did. Mala has proof to herself that she is able to change.
One thing that attract me about this play, is the innocent look on Vinay (Mala’s uncle). He acts like nothing happened and he pretend that he does not know anything about Mala’s past life. I can’t imagine how mean people like this is. There are lots of ‘Vinay’ in this world nowadays. It is hard to address them as human being with such manner.
To wrap up, I’m so honestly mesmerized and fascinated by this play. I’m looking forward to watch the play on stage. I hope there are productions planning to it. =)
There are only four characters plus the unseen counselor in this play. However, it does not even affect the flow of the plot. Indeed, with only four visible characters, Thirty Days in September has reached it certain standard in my heart. Mala, the protagonist, is the victim of child sexual abuse by her own uncle. She is actually the reflection of her mother. Yet, Mala is fortunate to awake from so called ‘illusion state’. But sadly, her mother, Shanta denies the truth. Shanta is well known of what has happened to her daughter, but she likes to remain silent. In fact, she accuses her daughter as the cause of the wrong doing. I think she can not accept the fact that her own brother has done wrong to her girl as what he has done to her when she was a little kid. She prefers to pray and pray and pray, as a treatment for her to forget. She also feed Mala to make Mala feels relieve and to have it as a pleasure. She never asks her daughter of what had happened. And for Mala, Shanta is never there for her when she needs help. Therefore, her childhood memory haunted her until she becomes an adult. Her horrible experienced, has made her of what she is in present. She can not help from being such a ‘bad’ girl. But yet she tries to change and at the end she did. Mala has proof to herself that she is able to change.
One thing that attract me about this play, is the innocent look on Vinay (Mala’s uncle). He acts like nothing happened and he pretend that he does not know anything about Mala’s past life. I can’t imagine how mean people like this is. There are lots of ‘Vinay’ in this world nowadays. It is hard to address them as human being with such manner.
To wrap up, I’m so honestly mesmerized and fascinated by this play. I’m looking forward to watch the play on stage. I hope there are productions planning to it. =)
Sunday, March 16, 2008
How it is to be evaluated by others?
I like this peer evaluation session. I prefer others to share their ideas, opinions and comments about what I have presented. I believe individual work will get better and improved by others’ comments and critics. Therefore, I think this kind of approach is very helpful and effective to my presentation enhancement. This will guide me to do better in the next task. Besides, it helps me to face the real situation in classroom. However, I hope this opportunity to evaluate others will not turn to personal attack session. Some people will grab this chance to critic person that they do not like. To me, it is very ridiculous to do so because it is supposedly be a beneficial and knowledgeable gathering. Not the emotional expression forum. Furthermore, evaluated by others especially friends are not a matter at all. The fact that we know each other make it easier to give opinion. To me, I do not feel ashamed or offended by their comments. Indeed, I appreciate my peer for their attention and support. Thanks guys!
How I evaluate others?
I evaluate my peers in many aspects. Although I am not an expert, I think I could share my opinion about their presentation. But first and foremost, I think the evaluation form that has been provided is not suitable because we have to put our name on it. It is better if the ‘teacher’ does not know who is giving the comments.
Second, I would consider for the evaluation is the set induction. I think the best way to attract students’ attention is by giving an interesting pre-presentation. In fact, students always think that literature is a boring subject. Therefore, teacher should prepare as attractive as he/she can to motivate them. Third; the activity in the pre and while reading stage. It should be appropriate for secondary school level. It is very important to set questions that suit them. The activities could not be too difficult nor to easy.
Forth, I will look at their presentation performance. Some teachers were not having an eye contact with their students. And some were like mumbling to themselves and even talking to the white board. Their gestures were also distracting if they can not stay still or always walking back and forth. Besides, the voice projection is also counted. There were teachers who using a monotonous tone and some could not help with their accent and hesitation. Teacher should also beware of their used of language. Some grammatical mistake is acceptable to me. But if it is been repeated for so many times, the teacher should work on it.
I also take into consideration if the teacher would summarize all the activities to the students. Sometimes, students can not relate it themselves. Teacher should assist them in order to get a successful learning session.
Second, I would consider for the evaluation is the set induction. I think the best way to attract students’ attention is by giving an interesting pre-presentation. In fact, students always think that literature is a boring subject. Therefore, teacher should prepare as attractive as he/she can to motivate them. Third; the activity in the pre and while reading stage. It should be appropriate for secondary school level. It is very important to set questions that suit them. The activities could not be too difficult nor to easy.
Forth, I will look at their presentation performance. Some teachers were not having an eye contact with their students. And some were like mumbling to themselves and even talking to the white board. Their gestures were also distracting if they can not stay still or always walking back and forth. Besides, the voice projection is also counted. There were teachers who using a monotonous tone and some could not help with their accent and hesitation. Teacher should also beware of their used of language. Some grammatical mistake is acceptable to me. But if it is been repeated for so many times, the teacher should work on it.
I also take into consideration if the teacher would summarize all the activities to the students. Sometimes, students can not relate it themselves. Teacher should assist them in order to get a successful learning session.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Shakespeare Wallah
We were asked by our lecturer to watch a movie related to our study on drama. Therefore, on February 21, 2008 we got the opportunity to watch it; “Shakespeare Wallah”. The movie is about a group of Britain who temporarily stayed in India to perform the Shakespeare’s collections of plays. They traveled to one place and another in order to show their enthusiasm towards the playwright’s masterpieces. Plus, they were trying their very best to preserved the plays from extinction and forgotten.
As the plot progress, they found that the emergence of movie production contribute to the less interest in watching theatre. People are preferred to watch movie at the cinema rather than the live performance of theatre on stage. One of the antagonist character said that the world of theatre is dirty and bad. She referred to the costumes, props and their acting. However, those bad perceptions and accuses were ignored by the group even tough it was hard for them to. Besides, the challenges they faced, such as the death of one of the members in the group had lessen their spirit to go on with their acting.
But then, the love story between the protagonist and the beautiful young lady in the group had at least rainbow this movie. Their relationship was eventually led to the one of the conflict in the movie. The protagonist did not like the world of fame and found it hard when his lover became popular.
In conclusion, “Shakespeare Wallah” presents to us the acceptance of theatre by public in this modern age. Only some of us are still like and enjoy watching live play. But for most, movie promise a better entertainment.
As the plot progress, they found that the emergence of movie production contribute to the less interest in watching theatre. People are preferred to watch movie at the cinema rather than the live performance of theatre on stage. One of the antagonist character said that the world of theatre is dirty and bad. She referred to the costumes, props and their acting. However, those bad perceptions and accuses were ignored by the group even tough it was hard for them to. Besides, the challenges they faced, such as the death of one of the members in the group had lessen their spirit to go on with their acting.
But then, the love story between the protagonist and the beautiful young lady in the group had at least rainbow this movie. Their relationship was eventually led to the one of the conflict in the movie. The protagonist did not like the world of fame and found it hard when his lover became popular.
In conclusion, “Shakespeare Wallah” presents to us the acceptance of theatre by public in this modern age. Only some of us are still like and enjoy watching live play. But for most, movie promise a better entertainment.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
teiresias
Teiresias played a major role in ‘Oedipus the Rex’ by Sophocles. In fact, this character emerged in most ancient Greek theatre. Teiresias was a famous blind seer of Greece. He was born at Thebes. He was the son of Eueres and Chariclo, descendant of Udaeus of Sparti.
There are numerous versions of how he became blind and how he gained the second sight or prophetic gifts. The most wide accepted tradition was that at age seven the Gods blinded him, because the Gods feared that Teiresias would see too much that the Gods wished to keep conceal since he was born with the gift of foretelling. So the gods took his eyesight, depriving the seer of physical vision.
According to another tradition, in the poem Bath of Pallas by Callimachus, he was blinded after he saw goddess Athena taking bath by accident. Athena immediately struck Teiresias blind, by threw water in his eyes without thinking. His mother, Chariclo, after the event, was upset and begged the goddess to restore her son's sight, but Athena was unable to do this and instead gave him a staff, which made him, walk like having vision. Athena also gave him other several gifts. According to Apollodorus, Teiresias was given the ability to understand the speech of birds. He was also awarded an unnaturally long life, which spanned over 7 generations (he lived in the time of Cadmus to the time of Epigoni). And after his death, he would still have the ability to retain his memory and his second sight, when he will reside in the Underworld.
Another story made Hera responsible for his blindness. Zeus and Hera were having an argument over who has the most pleasure in a sexual intercourse, a man or a woman. Zeus teased Hera, by saying that the woman had more pleasure than a man did. Hera had the opposite view. To prove their point, they went to see Teiresias, who had sex as a man and a woman. According to Hesiod and Ovid, Teiresias had lived his live as a woman for seven years.
This is regarding of the story when the young Teiresias was out in the country, at the foot of Mount Cithaeron. He came upon two snakes mating. With his staff, he killed the female snake, which caused him to transform into a young woman. Then he came upon the same snakes and was transformed back into a man. Thus, Hera and Zeus taught that Teiresias was the right person to judge their disagreement. Teiresias told them that a woman had more pleasure during intercourse than a man. Comparing to a scale of ten, woman enjoy sex nine out of ten, compare that of man with one out ten. When Hera lost the argument, she had also her temper, so she was swift with her punishment. Hera struck Teiresias blind.
Above all, Teiresias was a very important role in ancient Greek theatre. It is actually a new input for me to know that this character was not only appear in ‘Oedipus’, but in many plays. I look forward to search any other famous characters to know their interesting history, which somehow contribute to the plot of the play.
There are numerous versions of how he became blind and how he gained the second sight or prophetic gifts. The most wide accepted tradition was that at age seven the Gods blinded him, because the Gods feared that Teiresias would see too much that the Gods wished to keep conceal since he was born with the gift of foretelling. So the gods took his eyesight, depriving the seer of physical vision.
According to another tradition, in the poem Bath of Pallas by Callimachus, he was blinded after he saw goddess Athena taking bath by accident. Athena immediately struck Teiresias blind, by threw water in his eyes without thinking. His mother, Chariclo, after the event, was upset and begged the goddess to restore her son's sight, but Athena was unable to do this and instead gave him a staff, which made him, walk like having vision. Athena also gave him other several gifts. According to Apollodorus, Teiresias was given the ability to understand the speech of birds. He was also awarded an unnaturally long life, which spanned over 7 generations (he lived in the time of Cadmus to the time of Epigoni). And after his death, he would still have the ability to retain his memory and his second sight, when he will reside in the Underworld.
Another story made Hera responsible for his blindness. Zeus and Hera were having an argument over who has the most pleasure in a sexual intercourse, a man or a woman. Zeus teased Hera, by saying that the woman had more pleasure than a man did. Hera had the opposite view. To prove their point, they went to see Teiresias, who had sex as a man and a woman. According to Hesiod and Ovid, Teiresias had lived his live as a woman for seven years.
This is regarding of the story when the young Teiresias was out in the country, at the foot of Mount Cithaeron. He came upon two snakes mating. With his staff, he killed the female snake, which caused him to transform into a young woman. Then he came upon the same snakes and was transformed back into a man. Thus, Hera and Zeus taught that Teiresias was the right person to judge their disagreement. Teiresias told them that a woman had more pleasure during intercourse than a man. Comparing to a scale of ten, woman enjoy sex nine out of ten, compare that of man with one out ten. When Hera lost the argument, she had also her temper, so she was swift with her punishment. Hera struck Teiresias blind.
Above all, Teiresias was a very important role in ancient Greek theatre. It is actually a new input for me to know that this character was not only appear in ‘Oedipus’, but in many plays. I look forward to search any other famous characters to know their interesting history, which somehow contribute to the plot of the play.
Monday, January 28, 2008
ages of man
The Sphinx riddle by Sophocles, The Four Ages of Man by WB Yates, Life’s Brief Candle and As You Like It by William Shakespeare are all presenting the same issue of the level or ‘ages’ of man.
The sphinx riddle; “What goes on four legs in the morning, two at noon, and three at evening?” which the answer is “Man” , suggest that, as a baby he crawls on all fours, then as a man he walks erect, then as an old man he uses cane.
Next, The Four Ages of Man; “He with body waged a fight,But body won; it walks upright.Then he struggled with the heart;Innocence and peace depart.Then he struggled with the mind;His proud heart he left behind.Now his wars on God begin;At stroke of midnight God shall win.” is also imply the time when a baby try to walk, grow up to the innocent child and teenager, be mature during the adult times and the day when a man died regardless of age.
Life’s Brief Candle however, advocates that a man’s life is like a play. The life begins, when the play start. And when the play ends, it means death to a man.
Besides, As You Like It tell the whole life of man. The speech marked the seven ‘ages’ of man from infant, school-boy, lover, soldier, the justice, slipper’d pantaloon to an end of second childishness.
Personally, I prefer the speech by Jaques in As You Like It as it shows the ages of man explicitly. The stages are also very similar to what is almost happen in each man. Moreover, the words used are simpler than those poems mentioned above.
Nevertheless, those poems and riddle show that there are many of literary works talk about the man’s life, whether in general or specific. It is interesting actually to deal with a very close issue to us. Even though some of them are really hard to interpret, the subject is truly fascinating.
The sphinx riddle; “What goes on four legs in the morning, two at noon, and three at evening?” which the answer is “Man” , suggest that, as a baby he crawls on all fours, then as a man he walks erect, then as an old man he uses cane.
Next, The Four Ages of Man; “He with body waged a fight,But body won; it walks upright.Then he struggled with the heart;Innocence and peace depart.Then he struggled with the mind;His proud heart he left behind.Now his wars on God begin;At stroke of midnight God shall win.” is also imply the time when a baby try to walk, grow up to the innocent child and teenager, be mature during the adult times and the day when a man died regardless of age.
Life’s Brief Candle however, advocates that a man’s life is like a play. The life begins, when the play start. And when the play ends, it means death to a man.
Besides, As You Like It tell the whole life of man. The speech marked the seven ‘ages’ of man from infant, school-boy, lover, soldier, the justice, slipper’d pantaloon to an end of second childishness.
Personally, I prefer the speech by Jaques in As You Like It as it shows the ages of man explicitly. The stages are also very similar to what is almost happen in each man. Moreover, the words used are simpler than those poems mentioned above.
Nevertheless, those poems and riddle show that there are many of literary works talk about the man’s life, whether in general or specific. It is interesting actually to deal with a very close issue to us. Even though some of them are really hard to interpret, the subject is truly fascinating.
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