Throughout my research and when reading the script, I felt that there were many obstacles that formulate or could formulate in the production of Michael Frayn’s “Noises Off”. For starters, this production is unlike any other I have seen. This is because it can be compared to a shirt, seen both inside and out. This just means that the production shows all sides of the play, from the set to the back stage to the actors both in and out of character. I would think that a show of this magnitude would only be performed on a main stage theatre due to the amount of activity of the actors and large expanse of the set in general.
As for set design, I would ask for the insight of the designer and for them to give their personal opinion of what design concept would look best for this production. However, I would also give them specific instructions to make it a two-story set and implement some way of creating as many rooms as possible so that the actors have extra room for “play”. I would also explain how I relate the play to a shirt and ask them to try and include that concept in their design. This is important to me since there are multiple perspectives within the play and it is necessary to see all sides of the production. This aspect would be difficult to portray to the audience simply because of the nature of it, but it could be completed with a substantial amount of research. I feel this it is possible because other complex set designs already exist, such as revolving sets that allow multiple views to be seen.
As for the lights, I can only imagine how difficult it would be for the lighting designer to incorporate and portray all of the feelings associated with the story. This also includes showing the differences between the on and off stage sides of the set. While this is possible, it would require a lot of brain storming and research to determine what color schemes would yield the best outcome. Another difficult aspect of the design would be lighting both stories and keeping it balanced without lighting one story more than the other. Creating this balance is important because both stories will be used equally.
Concerning the prop designer, there would be a great deal of research involved in order to understand the time and place that the production is taking place in. This research is vital to prevent failure and allow the production to flow correctly. Examples of this research include exploring furniture options and determining which electronics were used during that time. As mentioned, researching the place is very important. This production was produced in the United Kingdom, so many differences with the props will exist since it is not based in the United States. Appliances are just one example of items that are distinctly different from those in the United States. Having incorrect props for the production could completely change the basis of this production. If the props did not fit with the time and place of the production, it would also not flow with the dialogue of the play or reflect the social and economic conditions of that time. Ultimately, they will need to have the appropriate props for the success of this production. Since the show was produced in the 1980s, there will be a lot of items for the prop director to work with. However, this also creates a lot of room for error and failure.
As for costumes, make-up, and hair, it would also need to be appropriate for the time the production was set in. If clothing styles or hairstyles were not adequate for the time, it would affect the flow of the production and hinder us from telling the story. It only makes sense to try to keep with the correct time period and ensure that everyone is dressed accordingly. This allows for the production to be cohesive and keep with the same concept that every other area of this production has based its design off of. Keeping every aspect of the production on the same page enables the concept of the shirt to stay intact without it turning into a tie dyed t-shirt.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Statement:
Statement: Producing the Play
Well for starters things that are posed problems in such a production as this would be that of age and also in the understanding of time and dialects. Starting with the age stand point I feel it is a very important thing as well as a key role in order for the show to have depth as well as variety and imbalance to the audience. I feel that although that makeup could make younger adults looked aged to possibly play the parts it just wouldn’t add the adult humor that is strongly based in this show. In seeing this production done by a high school years ago only makes me have these assumptions. Only due to the students knew the lines but, did not understand the crude humor that is placed in the dialogue by Michael Frayn. Following this would be the time period given for the show to take place. It’s a hard thing to give or take at that time only because of the way of risqué dress in the present is definitely not what it was in the 1980’s and would also not be acceptable on stage. I feel that I would prefer setting it back in the 1980’s only because of such choices as costumes would be a major factor because of the variety that is given. Lastly I feel that dialects are a major part of this play this isn’t a Texan play or a play based in New York it is based in London. Some people can do great London accents although some can be very airy or have one that comes in and out or changes from British to Scottish. This poses a problem but, can be solved with a visit from a dialects coach.
As for problems/answers that would be caused by doing “Noises Off” here at Sam Houston would be that of choosing a designer to make a design that would work for the show. The set in this show I feel is a very key concept and has to utilized and abused constantly. All throughout the show you have people coming in and coming out and slamming doors and abusing the set. I would have to rely on someone who understood that and also that the set if I were to direct show it would not be one stationary piece. As I have researched threw these few weeks the pictures that I have seen of past productions of this show is of revolving sets. As I looked thru these pictures I felt more as though the show could be preformed and understood better by having this in perspective. It gives more dept to the inside-out perspective of what this show is really about. Another thing that would pose a problem would be that of age casting. I know we have a variety of ages of people to play parts but, for the depth that I feel that this show has cast wise I feel that auditions would definitely have to be posted weeks ahead of time and also not one sided to majors due, to not having such a depth of different age groups. I feel that this show has to have these age levels to make the production balanced and work and get the laughs from the audience that are supposed to be there with the humor of the dialogue.
As for a critic’s perspective from what I read over and also seen that critics love this show and can watch it over and over again. In looking at the pictures though a lot of it has to do with the age casting as well as the technical aspect of things with things such as the set or the lights of the show itself. Many critics loved the show but, said that without the support of the amazing set design that the play would not be able to tell the story as well as it did or that the actors would not of been able to tell it as well either with giving the audience the inside-out affect needed to understand the dialogue. Having the stage side/ back stage style set that revolved really helped the actors in more ways than one. It just gives the audience a better understanding of everything and doesn’t keep them guessing. As for age casting majority of the shows that I had seen production pictures used or tried to incorporate different ages of actors for the parts of the show. After reading threw the parts I feel strongly that the critics thrived more on having an older gentleman play the part of Selsdon than someone of the younger perspective because it was someone that they could relate to and understand his anger towards what others say about him needing to retire. Overall I never really saw/read about a critic that hated this production in general and majority of them enjoyed it and could not stop laughing.
Well for starters things that are posed problems in such a production as this would be that of age and also in the understanding of time and dialects. Starting with the age stand point I feel it is a very important thing as well as a key role in order for the show to have depth as well as variety and imbalance to the audience. I feel that although that makeup could make younger adults looked aged to possibly play the parts it just wouldn’t add the adult humor that is strongly based in this show. In seeing this production done by a high school years ago only makes me have these assumptions. Only due to the students knew the lines but, did not understand the crude humor that is placed in the dialogue by Michael Frayn. Following this would be the time period given for the show to take place. It’s a hard thing to give or take at that time only because of the way of risqué dress in the present is definitely not what it was in the 1980’s and would also not be acceptable on stage. I feel that I would prefer setting it back in the 1980’s only because of such choices as costumes would be a major factor because of the variety that is given. Lastly I feel that dialects are a major part of this play this isn’t a Texan play or a play based in New York it is based in London. Some people can do great London accents although some can be very airy or have one that comes in and out or changes from British to Scottish. This poses a problem but, can be solved with a visit from a dialects coach.
As for problems/answers that would be caused by doing “Noises Off” here at Sam Houston would be that of choosing a designer to make a design that would work for the show. The set in this show I feel is a very key concept and has to utilized and abused constantly. All throughout the show you have people coming in and coming out and slamming doors and abusing the set. I would have to rely on someone who understood that and also that the set if I were to direct show it would not be one stationary piece. As I have researched threw these few weeks the pictures that I have seen of past productions of this show is of revolving sets. As I looked thru these pictures I felt more as though the show could be preformed and understood better by having this in perspective. It gives more dept to the inside-out perspective of what this show is really about. Another thing that would pose a problem would be that of age casting. I know we have a variety of ages of people to play parts but, for the depth that I feel that this show has cast wise I feel that auditions would definitely have to be posted weeks ahead of time and also not one sided to majors due, to not having such a depth of different age groups. I feel that this show has to have these age levels to make the production balanced and work and get the laughs from the audience that are supposed to be there with the humor of the dialogue.
As for a critic’s perspective from what I read over and also seen that critics love this show and can watch it over and over again. In looking at the pictures though a lot of it has to do with the age casting as well as the technical aspect of things with things such as the set or the lights of the show itself. Many critics loved the show but, said that without the support of the amazing set design that the play would not be able to tell the story as well as it did or that the actors would not of been able to tell it as well either with giving the audience the inside-out affect needed to understand the dialogue. Having the stage side/ back stage style set that revolved really helped the actors in more ways than one. It just gives the audience a better understanding of everything and doesn’t keep them guessing. As for age casting majority of the shows that I had seen production pictures used or tried to incorporate different ages of actors for the parts of the show. After reading threw the parts I feel strongly that the critics thrived more on having an older gentleman play the part of Selsdon than someone of the younger perspective because it was someone that they could relate to and understand his anger towards what others say about him needing to retire. Overall I never really saw/read about a critic that hated this production in general and majority of them enjoyed it and could not stop laughing.
Theatre To Go's 2009
Theatre To Go
Wakefeild, Massachusetts
Director: Kevin Baldwin
Stage Manager: Melissa Ehlers
Tech Designer: Rob Macrobbie
Set Designer: Jenn Macrobbie
Wakefeild, Massachusetts
Director: Kevin Baldwin
Stage Manager: Melissa Ehlers
Tech Designer: Rob Macrobbie
Set Designer: Jenn Macrobbie
Friday, July 31, 2009
New Harmony Theatre 2009
New Harmony Theatre
New Harmony, Illinois
Artistic Director: Scott LaFeber
Management Director: Steve Renner
Set Design: Todd Rosenthal
Light Design: Nelson Downend, Jr
New Harmony, Illinois
Artistic Director: Scott LaFeber
Management Director: Steve Renner
Set Design: Todd Rosenthal
Light Design: Nelson Downend, Jr
Armed with Frayn's map, director Michael Unger, his production team and 10-member cast, followed through with a frothy, frenzied, often breathlessly funny evening of folly.
It was a wild, bumpy ride, with ax attacks, crashing scenery, pratfalls on sardine-slicked floors, and a full-body tumble down a flight of stairs.
The entire cast plunged through the show's polyrhythmic choreography of door-slamming entrances and exits, axe, cactus and sardine attacks with abandoned precision.
Theatre Royal Brighton 2008
Theatre Royal Brighton
Brighton, UK
Director: David Gilmore (Jeremy Sams, original)
Design: Robert Jones
Sound Design: Fergus O'Hare
Lighting Design: Tim Mitchell
Jonathan Coy, whose voice is heard from the back of the auditorium, from where he makes his entrance, plays an increasingly frustrated director trying desperately to whip his actors into shape on the final dress rehearsal before the opening night of a tour of Nothing On.
Laura Matthews as his leading lady is holding up rehearsal as everybody looks for her contact lens, lost while prancing about the stage in black tights, suspenders and a bustier. Meanwhile, Maggie Steed as the fraught housekeeper is having trouble with a plate of sardines, whether to take them or leave them, and Colin Baker as a delightfully bungling burglar has a problem hearing his cues.
http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/21755/noises-off
Brighton, UK
Director: David Gilmore (Jeremy Sams, original)
Design: Robert Jones
Sound Design: Fergus O'Hare
Lighting Design: Tim Mitchell
Jonathan Coy, whose voice is heard from the back of the auditorium, from where he makes his entrance, plays an increasingly frustrated director trying desperately to whip his actors into shape on the final dress rehearsal before the opening night of a tour of Nothing On.
Laura Matthews as his leading lady is holding up rehearsal as everybody looks for her contact lens, lost while prancing about the stage in black tights, suspenders and a bustier. Meanwhile, Maggie Steed as the fraught housekeeper is having trouble with a plate of sardines, whether to take them or leave them, and Colin Baker as a delightfully bungling burglar has a problem hearing his cues.
http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/21755/noises-off
Queens Theatre 2009
Queens Theatre
Corona, NY
Director: Bob Carlotn
Set Designer: Rodney Ford
Light Designer: Paul Stone
It’s the first act, when chaos is still – just – controllable, that Carlton defines all these characters, from the technically-accomplished auto-pilot ingénue to the motivation-obsessed actor, the company gossip to the alcoholic old pro. Only Carlton’s view of director Lloyd Dallas seems askew, his leather-jacketed heaviness at odds with Lloyd’s suave sarcasm and suppressed fury. For the rest, they’re familiar enough, including Simon Jessop’s hesitant Freddy, Rowan Talbot, overcoming initial awkwardness to delve into Garry’s intensity, or Lucy Thackeray’s overburdened stage manager, plus Kim Ismay as the faded star who put the Nothing On tour together, on it reaching the end of the road.
http://www.reviewsgate.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4482
Corona, NY
Director: Bob Carlotn
Set Designer: Rodney Ford
Light Designer: Paul Stone
It’s the first act, when chaos is still – just – controllable, that Carlton defines all these characters, from the technically-accomplished auto-pilot ingénue to the motivation-obsessed actor, the company gossip to the alcoholic old pro. Only Carlton’s view of director Lloyd Dallas seems askew, his leather-jacketed heaviness at odds with Lloyd’s suave sarcasm and suppressed fury. For the rest, they’re familiar enough, including Simon Jessop’s hesitant Freddy, Rowan Talbot, overcoming initial awkwardness to delve into Garry’s intensity, or Lucy Thackeray’s overburdened stage manager, plus Kim Ismay as the faded star who put the Nothing On tour together, on it reaching the end of the road.
http://www.reviewsgate.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4482
Cal State Fullerton 2008
Department of Theatre and Dance at Cal State Fullerton
Little Theatre, California State University, Fullerton
Director: Joseph Arnold
Scenic Designer: Lindsey Gassaway
Costume Designer: Monica French
Lighting Designer: Ryan Joyner
Sound Designer: Heather Alvear
Make-up Designer: Alicia Haneiwich
Little Theatre, California State University, Fullerton
Director: Joseph Arnold
Scenic Designer: Lindsey Gassaway
Costume Designer: Monica French
Lighting Designer: Ryan Joyner
Sound Designer: Heather Alvear
Make-up Designer: Alicia Haneiwich
The South Coast Repertory, coupled with the insightful comedic mind of Michael Frayn, proudly presents a unique and overly exaggerated look at the complications theater productions encounter on a daily basis. This creative situational comedy about a cast and crew that struggle to make it through their show is full of laughter and unexpected twists and turns that occur on stage, as well as backstage.
This intricate on and off stage ballet of the characters' double lives comes across to audiences through the misinterpreted love triangles and complicated hiccups that make this play a must see if a good laugh is in order.
National Theatre 2001
National Theatre
South Bank, London
Director: Jeremy Sams
Designer: Robert Jones
Lighting Designer: Tim Mitchell
Sound Designers: Fergus O'Hare
Laughter springs from the sight of actors in Nothing On made tense by props that fail to behave properly. Christopher Benjamins's Selsdon Mowbray, a deafish, mildly senile old thespian, in thrall to the bottle, is an accident waiting to happen. But in Frayn's gloriously comic second scene, which enables the audience to watch Nothing On being performed from a backstage perspective, Selsdon is not the only disaster-prone performer. The on-stage passions run in contrast to the actors' off-stage sexual relations, not to mention Peter Egan's nicely caddish two-timing director.
http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/?lid=1232&dspl=reviews
South Bank, London
Director: Jeremy Sams
Designer: Robert Jones
Lighting Designer: Tim Mitchell
Sound Designers: Fergus O'Hare
Laughter springs from the sight of actors in Nothing On made tense by props that fail to behave properly. Christopher Benjamins's Selsdon Mowbray, a deafish, mildly senile old thespian, in thrall to the bottle, is an accident waiting to happen. But in Frayn's gloriously comic second scene, which enables the audience to watch Nothing On being performed from a backstage perspective, Selsdon is not the only disaster-prone performer. The on-stage passions run in contrast to the actors' off-stage sexual relations, not to mention Peter Egan's nicely caddish two-timing director.
http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/?lid=1232&dspl=reviews
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Old Town Theatre 2009
Old Town Theatre
San Diego, CA
Director: Sean Murray
Properties Designer: Bonnie L. Durben
Set Designer: Sean Fanning
Wig and Makeup Designer: Peter Herman
Costume Designer: Corey Johnston
Sound Designer: Matt Lescault-Wood
Lighting Designer: Eric Lotze
Give kudos all around, with hopes that everyone makes it through the play’s demanding run. Sandy Campbell, a fine Belinda, took a spill that didn’t appear to be part of George Ye’s accurate stunt choreography. Rosina Reynolds, as Dotty, proves once more that she is equally adept with any role’s verbal and physical challenges. Jessica John, flowingly blonde in the most prominent of Peter Herman’s designed wigs, appropriately non-acts as Brooke, the requisite ingénue who spends most of the play in her underwear. Kim Strassburger, as the put-upon Poppy, again demonstrates her talent for comic victimhood — and also loses part of her clothing.
http://www.sandiego.com/index.php?option=com_sdca&target=f08ce45c-2889-496e-bd7c-7c3d2ada20c5
San Diego, CA
Director: Sean Murray
Properties Designer: Bonnie L. Durben
Set Designer: Sean Fanning
Wig and Makeup Designer: Peter Herman
Costume Designer: Corey Johnston
Sound Designer: Matt Lescault-Wood
Lighting Designer: Eric Lotze
Give kudos all around, with hopes that everyone makes it through the play’s demanding run. Sandy Campbell, a fine Belinda, took a spill that didn’t appear to be part of George Ye’s accurate stunt choreography. Rosina Reynolds, as Dotty, proves once more that she is equally adept with any role’s verbal and physical challenges. Jessica John, flowingly blonde in the most prominent of Peter Herman’s designed wigs, appropriately non-acts as Brooke, the requisite ingénue who spends most of the play in her underwear. Kim Strassburger, as the put-upon Poppy, again demonstrates her talent for comic victimhood — and also loses part of her clothing.
Bonnie L. Durben’s prop design provides all the essentials, plus a chuckle-worthy cactus plant that resembles male genitalia.
http://www.sandiego.com/index.php?option=com_sdca&target=f08ce45c-2889-496e-bd7c-7c3d2ada20c5
Paper Mill Playhouse 2000
Paper Mill Play House
Millburn, New Jersy
Director: James Brennan
Set Design: Michael Anania
Lighting Design: Jack Mehler
Costume Design: Jan Finnell
Sound Design: David B. Smith
The Paper Mill troupe, led by Brian Murray who is reprising the role of Director Lloyd Dallas which he played on Broadway, does it admirably wellt. The rest of the cast performs well, particularly Fiona Gallagher as Brooke Ashton and Leo Leyden as Selsdon Mowbray. I confess that I missed Dorothy Loudon as Dotty Ottley but Anne Rogers plays this part well even though, she's missing a bit of Loudon's sarcastic edge which is an interpretation that worked better for me than Rogers' more clownish choice. But this is a criticism so insignificant as to be nothing more than some minor noise from me. Disregard it and go have a wonderful time at the Paper Mill.
Millburn, New Jersy
Director: James Brennan
Set Design: Michael Anania
Lighting Design: Jack Mehler
Costume Design: Jan Finnell
Sound Design: David B. Smith
The Paper Mill troupe, led by Brian Murray who is reprising the role of Director Lloyd Dallas which he played on Broadway, does it admirably wellt. The rest of the cast performs well, particularly Fiona Gallagher as Brooke Ashton and Leo Leyden as Selsdon Mowbray. I confess that I missed Dorothy Loudon as Dotty Ottley but Anne Rogers plays this part well even though, she's missing a bit of Loudon's sarcastic edge which is an interpretation that worked better for me than Rogers' more clownish choice. But this is a criticism so insignificant as to be nothing more than some minor noise from me. Disregard it and go have a wonderful time at the Paper Mill.
http://www.curtainup.com/noisesoff.html
Sunday, July 26, 2009
World Play:
Statement: In Europe in this era many things were taking place such as the Falklands war, Pope John Paul II being wounded to Jets crashing in Norway. Many of these controversies hold true to the way that the actors as humans may hold themselves. Many things were different in the world of 1982 compared to that of today’s standards. Such discovers as Satellite as well as MRI machines were introduced to Brittan in 1982. Although hair and clothing in Europe seemed to fall towards what the TV and movie actors were wearing. Such TV shows such as Magnum, P.I and Knight Rider where hits with the teenagers and gave them a new rugged outlook on how the cool kids looked. In the music world Michael Jackson came out with his debut of “Thriller” which sky rocketed his adult solo career. While on the other side of the music standard you had Ozzy Osbourne biting the head off of a bat during a performance on stage. Over all music was in its beginning stages of showing itself in a new light and also showing its own new genre of music call “punk” which was music that seemed to be geared for that of the teenager of this era. As for Technological advances developers created the CD player which people thought took away a lot of the bulk and compacted everything into an even smaller set up to carry around. Also human insulin was produced and sold out for the very first time. Also in 1982 scientist Scott Fahlam suggested using such expressions in e-mail such as emoticon which was said to be a way of expressing one’s self and their emotion on e-mail. These occurrences help form and create as visual aids for the characters of noises off. Many of these things need to be addressed in order to gain a better understanding of the technological as well as other advances in the world that the playwright lived in at the time that he wrote the production. These key issues could be things that Frayn is addressing and without the research could be lost in the dialogue if not used in the correct manner as they were placed for comedic humor on issues that he was dealing with in that time era. This research also helps technologically for the set designer to give them an outlook of what things need to be discussed about as for that of setting and placement of furniture of the set itself. As well as that for the sound designer this research gives good examples of the types and styles of music that was listened to during this era. Although it may not be the proper choice per say it gives him/her somewhat of a better direction to look into.
Macro View:
War:
British overcome Argentina in Falklands war (April 2–June 15). Israel invades Lebanon in attack on P.L.O. (June 4).
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0005264.html
Statement: This occuring during the year and time of the play would cause an substainal effect of the actors. this could also effect the writing styles of the playwrights.
Pope John Paul Wounded:
A priest who attacked Pope John Paul II in 1982 reached the pontiff with a bayonet and drew blood, it has emerged.
The extent of the injury from the attack in Portugal was kept quiet, a film based on an aide's memoirs says.
The ultra-conservative Spanish priest, Juan Maria Fernandez y Krohn, was convicted and jailed in Portugal.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7673443.stm
Statement: This tragic event also is something that could cause an effect on the outlook of a production and how it is directed.
Europe discovery of Oil and Gas:
The exploration of new areas has culminated in rank new-field wildcat discoveries throughout Europe. Mesozoic discoveries offshore Norway dominate. This area is at peak (North Sea) or past peak (continental northwestern Europe) production of the large Mesozoic oil fields discovered in the 1960s and 1970s. An increase in the level of exploration for the Tertiary and little explored Mesozoic oil plays of the Mediterranean region will ensure an increase in the momentum of development and production of these resources.--Modified journal abstract
http://aapgbull.geoscienceworld.org/cgi/content/abstract/67/10/1948
Statement: Europe just like the rest of the world is trying to find alternate means of energy to survive.
Satellite in Europe debuts in 1982:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyVMDShFUnM
Statement: This is something that should be viewed and directed upon by the director of the production to understand the technological era that he/she is set in.
Jets crashing in Norway:
A Norwegian investigation into whether British military jets were involved in a fatal mid-air collision with a passenger plane over northern Norway was thrown into fresh controversy yesterday by the Ministry of Defence.
A Norwegian investigation into whether British military jets were involved in a fatal mid-air collision with a passenger plane over northern Norway was thrown into fresh controversy yesterday by the Ministry of Defence.
A parliamentary inquiry in Oslo is examining the circumstances of the crash on 11 March 1982 in which 15 people were killed when their turboprop plane came down in the sea near Mehamn, in Norway's northernmost province of Finnmark.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/mystery-of-1982-norway-jet-crash-deepens-572129.html
Statement: Although this has no involvment with the production itself I beleive in a sense that it could be utlized by a prop such as a newspaper.
ESU was created for education in 1982:
European Students' Union (ESU) formerly known as ESIB - The National Unions of Students in Europe - is the umbrella organisation of 47 national unions of students from 36 countries and through these members represent over 10 million students. The aim of ESU is to represent and promote the educational, social, economic and cultural interests of students at a European level towards all relevant bodies and in particular the European Union, Council of Europe and UNESCO. ESU is a full member of the European Youth Forum (YFJ), the ESU nominee for 2006 was elected the president of the YFJ.
British overcome Argentina in Falklands war (April 2–June 15). Israel invades Lebanon in attack on P.L.O. (June 4).
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0005264.html
Statement: This occuring during the year and time of the play would cause an substainal effect of the actors. this could also effect the writing styles of the playwrights.
Pope John Paul Wounded:
A priest who attacked Pope John Paul II in 1982 reached the pontiff with a bayonet and drew blood, it has emerged.
The extent of the injury from the attack in Portugal was kept quiet, a film based on an aide's memoirs says.
The ultra-conservative Spanish priest, Juan Maria Fernandez y Krohn, was convicted and jailed in Portugal.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7673443.stm
Statement: This tragic event also is something that could cause an effect on the outlook of a production and how it is directed.
Europe discovery of Oil and Gas:
The exploration of new areas has culminated in rank new-field wildcat discoveries throughout Europe. Mesozoic discoveries offshore Norway dominate. This area is at peak (North Sea) or past peak (continental northwestern Europe) production of the large Mesozoic oil fields discovered in the 1960s and 1970s. An increase in the level of exploration for the Tertiary and little explored Mesozoic oil plays of the Mediterranean region will ensure an increase in the momentum of development and production of these resources.--Modified journal abstract
http://aapgbull.geoscienceworld.org/cgi/content/abstract/67/10/1948
Statement: Europe just like the rest of the world is trying to find alternate means of energy to survive.
Satellite in Europe debuts in 1982:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyVMDShFUnM
Statement: This is something that should be viewed and directed upon by the director of the production to understand the technological era that he/she is set in.
Jets crashing in Norway:
A Norwegian investigation into whether British military jets were involved in a fatal mid-air collision with a passenger plane over northern Norway was thrown into fresh controversy yesterday by the Ministry of Defence.
A Norwegian investigation into whether British military jets were involved in a fatal mid-air collision with a passenger plane over northern Norway was thrown into fresh controversy yesterday by the Ministry of Defence.
A parliamentary inquiry in Oslo is examining the circumstances of the crash on 11 March 1982 in which 15 people were killed when their turboprop plane came down in the sea near Mehamn, in Norway's northernmost province of Finnmark.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/mystery-of-1982-norway-jet-crash-deepens-572129.html
Statement: Although this has no involvment with the production itself I beleive in a sense that it could be utlized by a prop such as a newspaper.
ESU was created for education in 1982:
European Students' Union (ESU) formerly known as ESIB - The National Unions of Students in Europe - is the umbrella organisation of 47 national unions of students from 36 countries and through these members represent over 10 million students. The aim of ESU is to represent and promote the educational, social, economic and cultural interests of students at a European level towards all relevant bodies and in particular the European Union, Council of Europe and UNESCO. ESU is a full member of the European Youth Forum (YFJ), the ESU nominee for 2006 was elected the president of the YFJ.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Students
Statement: again this has nothing to do with the production although it is a strong happening in Europe to get a better understanding of the world around them.
Technology:
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machines are introduced in Britain.....According to a Surgeon General's Report released in March, lun cancer kills 111,000 Americans, up from 18,313 in 1950.....Electronic mail gains in popularity after third-generation Japanese technology reduces transmission time to 20 seconds a page, reducing per-page costs from $4 to $1; by the end of the year there are 350,000 fax installations in the U.S., up from 69,000 in 1975.
http://www.eightiesclub.com/id87.htm
Statement: This I feel is very helpful and subjective due to the fact that it is also something that shows the technological era in which the production is set in.
Pornography:
In Britain, where pornography is already more restricted than it is anywhere else in the English-speaking world or in Western Europe, sexual media is easily smeared for an audience that is seldom given an opportunity to see what really is sold under the name of "pornography". However the Obscene Publications Act 1959 (in England and Wales) and the Civig Government (Scotland) Act 1982 currently ban the publication and distribution of such material, but not its possession. British-made pornography tends to focus on a rough-and-ready semi-amateur look rather than the more stylized glamourous look of mainland European pornography.
Producers such as Ben Dover concentrate on producing "girl-next-door" or "candid" material. Some British pornography concentrates on sexual fetishism, particularly erotic spanking and rubber fetishism which has been popular in Britain since the 1950s. The advent of the R18 certificate has allowed slightly more hardcore videos to be sold in licensed sex shops such as those in Soho. However, all videos sold legally in the United Kingdom must be passed by the BBFC, and this has restricted the amount of graphic sex that can be depicted, even under the new R18 rating. The UK porn industry is estimated to be now worth about 1 billion pounds, compared with 20 billion pounds worldwide.
http://www.artandpopularculture.com/European_pornography
Statement: This could play a huge part in the production due to the crude humor in the production as well as direction of just how much clothing is to be worn by the actress "Vicki".
European Union created in 1982 to better health care and to gain knowledge of the health and disease rate etc in other countries:
an economic and political union of 27 member states, located primarily in Europe. Committed to regional integration, the EU was established by the Treaty of Maastricht on 1 November 1993 upon the foundations of the pre-existing European Economic Community. With almost 500 million citizens, the EU combined generates an estimated 30% share (US$18.4 trillion in 2008) of the nominal gross world product.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Union
Statement: Although this is something of no involvement of the show it helps to know the outlook or timeline of events that went on in the time that the production was written.
Hairstyles of the 1980's:
Hair in the 1980s was generally bouffant and heavily styled. This was in contrast to the long, straight, natural styles worn in the 1970s. Curly hair was all the rage - those who were not naturally endowed with curls could go to the hairdresser and get a permanent wave, or perm. Some people spent a great amount of time taming their hair into the latest style, with the help of styling products like mousse and hairspray.
Statement: This to me is very helpful to the make-up designer of how she wants her actors/actresses to look for the show to set the play in the correct time setting.
Princess Diana:
In 1981, Prince Charles of Wales married Diana Spencer, a young English nanny. Throughout the 1980s, Diana was transformed from a shy princess into a fashion icon - closely followed by the press and frequently appearing on the covers of women's magazines. All over the world, women copied Diana's ever-changing clothing and hair styles. In the 1980s, Diana often wore lace collars, blazers, pearl necklaces and hats.
Statement: This has not involvement whatsoever to the show but, is also a good outlook for a costume designer when it comes to researching for clothing of that era.
Micro View:
Weston-Super-Mare:
is a seaside resort town and civil parish in North Somerset, part of the ceremonial county of Somerset, England. It is located on the Bristol Channel coast, 18 miles (29 km) south west of Bristol, spanning the coast between the bounding high ground of Worlebury Hill and Bleadon Hill. It includes the suburbs of Oldmixon, West Wick and Worle.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weston-super-Mare
Statement: I feel this would be a good insight for a set designer on ideas for a set
Grand Theatre:
Work began on building the pier on 7 November 1903, with P. Munroe acting as engineer, and it opened on 11 June 1904. At the pier's end was a 2,000 seat theatre which was used as a music hall and for opera, stage plays and ballet. On 16 May 1907 an extension of the pier measuring 500 yards (1,500 ft) was opened, with the intention that the pier would be used as a docking point for boats to Cardiff. The dangerous currents in the bay made this too difficult, however, and the extension was demolished.
The theatre at the pier's end was destroyed by fire on 13 January 1930. As the building was underinsured the pier was put up for sale and bought by Leonard Guy, who opened a £60,000 new pavilion three years later. This second pavilion housed a large undercover funfair rather than a theatre.
Mr. Guy sold the pier in 1946 to Mr. A Brenner, who went on to improve the pier's facilities, adding new shops and an amusement arcade to the pavilion in the early 1970s. As a result of the extra investment, the pier became a Grade II listed building in 1974. It won the National Piers Society Pier of the Year award in 2001.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Pier,_Weston-super-Mare
Statement: This gives a great idea of just what the Theatre would look like setting wise and also be an added help in set design.
Goole:
town, unitary authority of East Riding of Yorkshire, historic county of Yorkshire, England. Situated at the confluence of the Rivers Don and Ouse, it is the most westerly port of the Humber estuary and the eastern terminus of the Aire and Calder navigation system. Although Goole is in the present unitary authority of East Riding of Yorkshire, it is part of the West Riding division of the historic county. The port, located about 47 miles (75 km) from the open sea, can accommodate only small vessels, but its trade is varied because it serves a rich agricultural hinterland and the industrial areas of South and West Yorkshire. The port, shipping, and transport are major sources of employment. Other industries include food processing and the manufacture of fertilizers
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/238864/Goole
Statement: I believe this will help the set designer also in knowing the setting of the area taking place and where the location of the town is to try to show differences from town before.
Stockton-on-Tees:
Stockton-on-Tees is a market town in North East England. It is the major settlement in the unitary authority area and borough of Stockton-on-Tees. For ceremonial purposes, the borough is split between County Durham and North Yorkshire as it also incorporates a number of smaller towns including Billingham, Yarm and Thornaby. The combined size of the borough equates to approx 180,000 people and makes it larger than Middlesbrough in terms of population and square miles.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockton-on-Tees
Statement: This would help in the set designer on location and also give an understanding of the distance that and strain that the actors have came in order to do the show.
Fashion Style in the 1980's:
Punk took off as a mainstream fashion trend in the mid-70s. It was given this high profile by English designer, Vivienne Westwood and the ambassadors of punk - The Sex Pistols. Their unique look was largely created by Westwood - it utilised zips, rips, chains, bondage, porn and slogans. The fashion tapped into anti-establishment feelings of the time with The Sex Pistols' music (God Save the Queen/The Fascist Regime/She aint no human being) and general punk motifs featuring Queen Elizabeth II.
One important point to remember - most aspects of punk had been around much earlier than The Sex Pistols. Punk's musical influences can be traced back decades through bands such as The Who, The Rolling Stones and even Elvis. However, as a mainstream fashion trend - the one most people equate with punk - it started in the UK in 1976 and lasted for around two years. The full-blown fashion didn't find such strong acceptance elsewhere in the world, but it was common to see small pockets of UK-style punks in larger cities.
http://www.eightyeightynine.com/culture/80s-punk-hair.html
Statement: This would help the costume designer as well as make-up in ideas of styles of dress in the 1980's.
Music in and around the area of 1982:
January 20 – Ozzy Osbourne bites the head off a live bat thrown at him during a performance.
April 7 - Bucks Fizz achieve their 3rd No.1 single in less than 12 months.
April 26 – Rod Stewart is mugged in Los Angeles, California. Stewart loses his $50,000 Porsche to the mugger, but was not hurt.
May 5 - "A Little Peace" becomes the 500th UK No.1 single.
May 26 – The Rolling Stones open their European tour in Aberdeen, Scotland.
August 28 - Eric Burdon gets arrested after a show at the Rockpalast in Cologne
September 22 – The Who begin their only formally-announced "farewell" tour in Washington, D.C.
November 5 – First broadcast of The Tube was shown on Channel 4 in the UK.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1982_in_British_music
Statement: This would be a great help to gain ideas of just the type of music or style of music that people listened to in 1982.
Cost of living in 1982:
Cost of Living 1982How Much things cost in 1982Yearly Inflation Rate USA6.16 % Year End Close Dow Jones Industrial Average 1046 Interest Rates Year End Federal Reserve 11.50% Average Cost of new house $82,200.00 Average Income per year $21,050.00 Average Monthly Rent $320.00 Cost of a gallon of Gas 91 cents New Car Average price $7,983.00 US Postage Stamp 20 cents Vic 20 $299.95 Satellite Receiver $245.95 Below are some Prices for UK guides in Pounds Stirling Average House Price 23,644 Gallon of Petrol 1.59 Yearly Inflation Rate UK 8.6% Interest Rates Year End Bank of England 10.00%.
http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/1982.html
Statement: This is a good way and example to show and give an idea of just how much money was available to someone in 1982. I believe this would help in greatly on a characters perspective.
Technology in 1982:
1982 New technology continues to change our buying habits with smaller and cheaper electronic gadgets appearing including the first CD player and a new industry is just beginning with the use of Genetic Engineering human insulin produced by bacteria is sold for the first time. On the world stage Argentina invades the Falkland Islands and Argentina and the UK go to war over a small island thousands of miles away. After many reports of Whales becoming and endangered species the International Whaling Commission decides to end commercial whaling, and a major recession hits the United States.
http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/1982.html
Statement: This gives a better understanding of the technological advances that were made in 1982 which I think would be helpful to any designer.
Popular TV and Movies:
Popular Films :
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Rocky III,
On Golden Pond
Porky's
An Officer and a Gentleman
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Poltergeist
Annie
Chariots of Fire
Gandhi
Popular TV Programs:
Magnum, P.I.
The Other Arf (UK)
Dynasty
Falcon Crest
Hill Street Blues
Only Fools and Horses (UK)
Knight Rider
http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/1982.html
Statement: This gives a greater outlook for the actors to understand the characters and perhaps some of the dialogue that is mentioned in the play.
Popular Culture in 1982:
Smileys 1982 was the year a computer scientist ( Scott Fahlman ) from Carnegie Mellon University first suggested the use of Smiley or emoticon as a way of expressing emotion in an email :-)Freeware first used by Andrew Flueleman and Jim Knopf to distribute their application which allowed programs to be copied, in 1984 the distribution of this type of software changed from freeware to Shareware ( name thought up by Bob Wallace )
Michael Jackson releases his second adult solo album, Thriller.
Graceland the home of Elvis Presley opens to the public
The screen legend Grace Kelly / Princess Grace of Monaco dies in car crash
Statement: This again gives a better outlook at the times that and more of an age reference to what was going on in 1982. This also would be beneficial towards character building.
is a seaside resort town and civil parish in North Somerset, part of the ceremonial county of Somerset, England. It is located on the Bristol Channel coast, 18 miles (29 km) south west of Bristol, spanning the coast between the bounding high ground of Worlebury Hill and Bleadon Hill. It includes the suburbs of Oldmixon, West Wick and Worle.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weston-super-Mare
Statement: I feel this would be a good insight for a set designer on ideas for a set
Grand Theatre:
Work began on building the pier on 7 November 1903, with P. Munroe acting as engineer, and it opened on 11 June 1904. At the pier's end was a 2,000 seat theatre which was used as a music hall and for opera, stage plays and ballet. On 16 May 1907 an extension of the pier measuring 500 yards (1,500 ft) was opened, with the intention that the pier would be used as a docking point for boats to Cardiff. The dangerous currents in the bay made this too difficult, however, and the extension was demolished.
The theatre at the pier's end was destroyed by fire on 13 January 1930. As the building was underinsured the pier was put up for sale and bought by Leonard Guy, who opened a £60,000 new pavilion three years later. This second pavilion housed a large undercover funfair rather than a theatre.
Mr. Guy sold the pier in 1946 to Mr. A Brenner, who went on to improve the pier's facilities, adding new shops and an amusement arcade to the pavilion in the early 1970s. As a result of the extra investment, the pier became a Grade II listed building in 1974. It won the National Piers Society Pier of the Year award in 2001.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Pier,_Weston-super-Mare
Statement: This gives a great idea of just what the Theatre would look like setting wise and also be an added help in set design.
Goole:
town, unitary authority of East Riding of Yorkshire, historic county of Yorkshire, England. Situated at the confluence of the Rivers Don and Ouse, it is the most westerly port of the Humber estuary and the eastern terminus of the Aire and Calder navigation system. Although Goole is in the present unitary authority of East Riding of Yorkshire, it is part of the West Riding division of the historic county. The port, located about 47 miles (75 km) from the open sea, can accommodate only small vessels, but its trade is varied because it serves a rich agricultural hinterland and the industrial areas of South and West Yorkshire. The port, shipping, and transport are major sources of employment. Other industries include food processing and the manufacture of fertilizers
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/238864/Goole
Statement: I believe this will help the set designer also in knowing the setting of the area taking place and where the location of the town is to try to show differences from town before.
Stockton-on-Tees:
Stockton-on-Tees is a market town in North East England. It is the major settlement in the unitary authority area and borough of Stockton-on-Tees. For ceremonial purposes, the borough is split between County Durham and North Yorkshire as it also incorporates a number of smaller towns including Billingham, Yarm and Thornaby. The combined size of the borough equates to approx 180,000 people and makes it larger than Middlesbrough in terms of population and square miles.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockton-on-Tees
Statement: This would help in the set designer on location and also give an understanding of the distance that and strain that the actors have came in order to do the show.
Fashion Style in the 1980's:
Punk took off as a mainstream fashion trend in the mid-70s. It was given this high profile by English designer, Vivienne Westwood and the ambassadors of punk - The Sex Pistols. Their unique look was largely created by Westwood - it utilised zips, rips, chains, bondage, porn and slogans. The fashion tapped into anti-establishment feelings of the time with The Sex Pistols' music (God Save the Queen/The Fascist Regime/She aint no human being) and general punk motifs featuring Queen Elizabeth II.
One important point to remember - most aspects of punk had been around much earlier than The Sex Pistols. Punk's musical influences can be traced back decades through bands such as The Who, The Rolling Stones and even Elvis. However, as a mainstream fashion trend - the one most people equate with punk - it started in the UK in 1976 and lasted for around two years. The full-blown fashion didn't find such strong acceptance elsewhere in the world, but it was common to see small pockets of UK-style punks in larger cities.
http://www.eightyeightynine.com/culture/80s-punk-hair.html
Statement: This would help the costume designer as well as make-up in ideas of styles of dress in the 1980's.
Music in and around the area of 1982:
January 20 – Ozzy Osbourne bites the head off a live bat thrown at him during a performance.
April 7 - Bucks Fizz achieve their 3rd No.1 single in less than 12 months.
April 26 – Rod Stewart is mugged in Los Angeles, California. Stewart loses his $50,000 Porsche to the mugger, but was not hurt.
May 5 - "A Little Peace" becomes the 500th UK No.1 single.
May 26 – The Rolling Stones open their European tour in Aberdeen, Scotland.
August 28 - Eric Burdon gets arrested after a show at the Rockpalast in Cologne
September 22 – The Who begin their only formally-announced "farewell" tour in Washington, D.C.
November 5 – First broadcast of The Tube was shown on Channel 4 in the UK.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1982_in_British_music
Statement: This would be a great help to gain ideas of just the type of music or style of music that people listened to in 1982.
Cost of living in 1982:
Cost of Living 1982How Much things cost in 1982Yearly Inflation Rate USA6.16 % Year End Close Dow Jones Industrial Average 1046 Interest Rates Year End Federal Reserve 11.50% Average Cost of new house $82,200.00 Average Income per year $21,050.00 Average Monthly Rent $320.00 Cost of a gallon of Gas 91 cents New Car Average price $7,983.00 US Postage Stamp 20 cents Vic 20 $299.95 Satellite Receiver $245.95 Below are some Prices for UK guides in Pounds Stirling Average House Price 23,644 Gallon of Petrol 1.59 Yearly Inflation Rate UK 8.6% Interest Rates Year End Bank of England 10.00%.
http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/1982.html
Statement: This is a good way and example to show and give an idea of just how much money was available to someone in 1982. I believe this would help in greatly on a characters perspective.
Technology in 1982:
1982 New technology continues to change our buying habits with smaller and cheaper electronic gadgets appearing including the first CD player and a new industry is just beginning with the use of Genetic Engineering human insulin produced by bacteria is sold for the first time. On the world stage Argentina invades the Falkland Islands and Argentina and the UK go to war over a small island thousands of miles away. After many reports of Whales becoming and endangered species the International Whaling Commission decides to end commercial whaling, and a major recession hits the United States.
http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/1982.html
Statement: This gives a better understanding of the technological advances that were made in 1982 which I think would be helpful to any designer.
Popular TV and Movies:
Popular Films :
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Rocky III,
On Golden Pond
Porky's
An Officer and a Gentleman
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Poltergeist
Annie
Chariots of Fire
Gandhi
Popular TV Programs:
Magnum, P.I.
The Other Arf (UK)
Dynasty
Falcon Crest
Hill Street Blues
Only Fools and Horses (UK)
Knight Rider
http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/1982.html
Statement: This gives a greater outlook for the actors to understand the characters and perhaps some of the dialogue that is mentioned in the play.
Popular Culture in 1982:
Smileys 1982 was the year a computer scientist ( Scott Fahlman ) from Carnegie Mellon University first suggested the use of Smiley or emoticon as a way of expressing emotion in an email :-)Freeware first used by Andrew Flueleman and Jim Knopf to distribute their application which allowed programs to be copied, in 1984 the distribution of this type of software changed from freeware to Shareware ( name thought up by Bob Wallace )
Michael Jackson releases his second adult solo album, Thriller.
Graceland the home of Elvis Presley opens to the public
The screen legend Grace Kelly / Princess Grace of Monaco dies in car crash
Statement: This again gives a better outlook at the times that and more of an age reference to what was going on in 1982. This also would be beneficial towards character building.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Characters:
Characters:
Phillip – (Male) is the husband of Flavia and is in the process of trying to avoid the IRS at all cost and has been in Spain with his wife fleeing from them.
Flavia- (Female) is the wife of Phillip and her and her husband are fleeing or in the process of that from the IRS.
Roger- (Male) is a realtor and is a younger man that is more the less trying to get fresh with Vicki at Phillip and Flavia’s home.
Vicki- (Female) is told to be Roger’s assistant to the maid which in reality he is trying to get fresh with Roger at Phillip and Flavia’s Home.
Poppy- (Female) is the stage manager/prop manager for the production and is the director Lloyds assistant.
Tim- (Male) is the master electrician for the production and also is an extra for the male roles if needed.
Lloyd-(Male) is the director of the production that is taking place.
Mrs. Clackett – (Female) is the maid for Phillip and Flavia’s home and is taking care of it while Phillip and Flavia are in Spain Fleeing from the IRS.
Burglar- (Male) played by well known actor Selsdon is trying to prove to everyone that he still has what it takes to rob houses at an old age.
Phillip – (Male) is the husband of Flavia and is in the process of trying to avoid the IRS at all cost and has been in Spain with his wife fleeing from them.
Flavia- (Female) is the wife of Phillip and her and her husband are fleeing or in the process of that from the IRS.
Roger- (Male) is a realtor and is a younger man that is more the less trying to get fresh with Vicki at Phillip and Flavia’s home.
Vicki- (Female) is told to be Roger’s assistant to the maid which in reality he is trying to get fresh with Roger at Phillip and Flavia’s Home.
Poppy- (Female) is the stage manager/prop manager for the production and is the director Lloyds assistant.
Tim- (Male) is the master electrician for the production and also is an extra for the male roles if needed.
Lloyd-(Male) is the director of the production that is taking place.
Mrs. Clackett – (Female) is the maid for Phillip and Flavia’s home and is taking care of it while Phillip and Flavia are in Spain Fleeing from the IRS.
Burglar- (Male) played by well known actor Selsdon is trying to prove to everyone that he still has what it takes to rob houses at an old age.
Characters and Casting:
Characters and Casting:
From earlier plays that I have read in the past I feel that Michael Fryan’s “Noises Off” has to be the most fluid of any of the pieces out of any for that of Characters and that of Casting. I feel that the objects that do play a key role in such a role as this is the physical capability as well as age and gender. “Noises off” is in case in point seemingly a never ending up and down battle between two couples and the environment around them.
For the case gender I feel strongly for the couples of (Phillip and Flavia) and (Roger and Vicki) that they should be played by that of male and female parts that are given for the production. Only because it is more of a demand in part that one it helps with the comedic relief and also that it shows both opposite sexes at their best to their worst. For example when Phillip first arrives he is fully clothed and by the end of the act he is running around with a letter glued to one hand and a plate of sardines glued to the other with his trousers down to his ankles. Similar instances occur with that of (Vicki) when she and (Roger) show up to (Phillip and Flavias) home thinking that no one is there other than (Mrs. Clackett) and want to get fresh only end up having second thoughts and hearing what they think to be voices and (Vicki) losing her dress and running around the house in her underwear. I feel that this balance of the sexes is something that has to take place and helps keep the continuity of the production at hand. As for that of the character of (Poppy) I feel that this could be casted as a male or female role and also that of (Mrs. Clackett). Only because these are secondary characters in the show that play off of the two couples in the house.
As for the fact of this show being casted with different races I feel that it could strongly be possibility. The only thing that I could see that would be a problem with race would be the accents or dialogue of the production itself. In 2003 I helped a UIL one act with this production and the director casted an African American as the electrician (Tim) and it worked very well. I feel that any race given the opportunity could play the role given the understanding of the production and its dialogue.
I feel that one of the things that are a strong point for this production to run and flow and create the humor that is in the production is that of the age variations in the characters. My meaning for this is only to show the areas of grey that age gives for others in understanding the critical thinking of other age groups and their actions. For example I feel that (Phillip and Flavia) should be in their late 30’s possible 40’s and for (Roger and Vicki) to be in their 20’s to upper 20’s. This to me gives variety and also shows the audience the maturity of the characters by their age and helps them think of a time when possible their immaturity got the best of them. For the character of (Selsdon/Burglar) I think that he should be older individual only because of how the production portrays him out to be an older man in need of retirement. This keeps the continuity of the show and doesn’t throw it off balance with the older humor and more mature humor that is given by him as the burglar none the less as just (Selsdon). As for (Poppy and Mrs. Clackett) I feel that these two parts could range at any age but, that they would not be older than that of (Selsdon).
One of the draw backs to the show which cannot to me be helped is that the production of the play is set in a two story house which I feel is something that cannot be adapted. Only because this helps the production by creates levels to keep everything from seeming cluttered. The downside to this is that this hinders casting of anyone that is physically not able to work or act on a set with two floors. I feel strongly that any other person with any other physical handicap should be fine for the part of any of the characters. If they are able to play the part given and understand the physical activeness of the production and can be capable to make these feats possible.
From earlier plays that I have read in the past I feel that Michael Fryan’s “Noises Off” has to be the most fluid of any of the pieces out of any for that of Characters and that of Casting. I feel that the objects that do play a key role in such a role as this is the physical capability as well as age and gender. “Noises off” is in case in point seemingly a never ending up and down battle between two couples and the environment around them.
For the case gender I feel strongly for the couples of (Phillip and Flavia) and (Roger and Vicki) that they should be played by that of male and female parts that are given for the production. Only because it is more of a demand in part that one it helps with the comedic relief and also that it shows both opposite sexes at their best to their worst. For example when Phillip first arrives he is fully clothed and by the end of the act he is running around with a letter glued to one hand and a plate of sardines glued to the other with his trousers down to his ankles. Similar instances occur with that of (Vicki) when she and (Roger) show up to (Phillip and Flavias) home thinking that no one is there other than (Mrs. Clackett) and want to get fresh only end up having second thoughts and hearing what they think to be voices and (Vicki) losing her dress and running around the house in her underwear. I feel that this balance of the sexes is something that has to take place and helps keep the continuity of the production at hand. As for that of the character of (Poppy) I feel that this could be casted as a male or female role and also that of (Mrs. Clackett). Only because these are secondary characters in the show that play off of the two couples in the house.
As for the fact of this show being casted with different races I feel that it could strongly be possibility. The only thing that I could see that would be a problem with race would be the accents or dialogue of the production itself. In 2003 I helped a UIL one act with this production and the director casted an African American as the electrician (Tim) and it worked very well. I feel that any race given the opportunity could play the role given the understanding of the production and its dialogue.
I feel that one of the things that are a strong point for this production to run and flow and create the humor that is in the production is that of the age variations in the characters. My meaning for this is only to show the areas of grey that age gives for others in understanding the critical thinking of other age groups and their actions. For example I feel that (Phillip and Flavia) should be in their late 30’s possible 40’s and for (Roger and Vicki) to be in their 20’s to upper 20’s. This to me gives variety and also shows the audience the maturity of the characters by their age and helps them think of a time when possible their immaturity got the best of them. For the character of (Selsdon/Burglar) I think that he should be older individual only because of how the production portrays him out to be an older man in need of retirement. This keeps the continuity of the show and doesn’t throw it off balance with the older humor and more mature humor that is given by him as the burglar none the less as just (Selsdon). As for (Poppy and Mrs. Clackett) I feel that these two parts could range at any age but, that they would not be older than that of (Selsdon).
One of the draw backs to the show which cannot to me be helped is that the production of the play is set in a two story house which I feel is something that cannot be adapted. Only because this helps the production by creates levels to keep everything from seeming cluttered. The downside to this is that this hinders casting of anyone that is physically not able to work or act on a set with two floors. I feel strongly that any other person with any other physical handicap should be fine for the part of any of the characters. If they are able to play the part given and understand the physical activeness of the production and can be capable to make these feats possible.
Exegesis
Exgesis Selective
" A delightful 16th-century posset mill 25 miles from London." (Stage Direction)
Nothing On is set in "a delightful 16th-century posset mill2" that has been ... made of curdled milk, but it is uncertain what a posset mill might be. ...
http://www.nexthomegeneration.com/Noises_Off
" Great. Come on, then (starts upstairs) I've got to be in Basingstoke by four"(quote by Vicki)
Basingstoke is a town in northeast Hampshire, England. It lies across a valley at the source of the River Loddon. It is 48 miles (77 km) southwest of London ...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basingstoke
" I was having a little postprandial snooze at the back of the stall sa as to be ready for rehearsal." (quote by Selsdon)
Or fulfil the need for a post-prandial snooze. The more we become disconnected and disengaged from our real needs and values, the more worthless we feel.
http://www.dreamwork.org/index.php?s=true+purpose
" Why don't you sit down quietly upstairs and do all the company's VAT?"( quote by Loyd)
value-added tax n. ( Abbr. VAT ) A tax on the estimated market value added to a product or material at each stage of its manufacture or distribution.
http://www.answers.com/topic/value-added-tax
"Just go and hit the box-office manager with this, and you'll have finished off live theatre in Weston-Super-Mare."(quote by Loyd)
A relatively plain stretch of seafront until the early 19th century, when the town of Weston Super Mare was transformed into a popular seaside resort and tourist hotspot.
http://www.weston-super-mare.world-guides.com/
Town, North Someset unitary authority, historic county of Somerset.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/641157/Weston-super-Mare
" No bars, no burglar alarm. They ought to be prosecuted for incitment."(quote by burglar)
The mere advocacy of violence, however, is not regarded as incitement to imminent lawless action and does receive First Amendment protectionhttp://www.mttlr.org/volsix/Weissblum_art.html
" Only there does seem to be something of a hiatus between Freddie's exit and my entrance"(quote by Selsdon)
A gap or interruption in space, time, or continuity; a break: “We are likely to be disconcerted by.
http://www.answers.com/topic/hiatus
"Except when some stupid berk goes and starts talking about it. . ."(quote by Burglar)
The usage is dated to the 1930s. A shortened version of Berkeley Hunt, the hunt based at Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire. In Cockney rhyming slang hunt is made to rhyme with cunt giving the word berk its original meaning.
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/berk
slang for an idot
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berk
"W.C.? I'll fix it"( quote by Burglar)
WC or Wc commonly refers to a Water Closet (i.e. a flush toilet).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WC
water closet: a toilet in Britain
A flush toilet is a toilet that disposes of human waste by using water to flush it through a drainpipe to another location.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:w.c&ei=IDJjSqJt3IG2B7D_5P0P&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title
"We've only been on the road for a month! We've only got to Goole!(quote by Tim)
Goole is a town, civil parish and port located approximately 45 miles (72 km) inland on the River Ouse in the East Riding of Yorkshire
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goole
"Some of those OAPs out there haven't got long to go." (quote by Selsdon)
Accepted United Kingdom shortened form of Old Age Pensioner (OAP)
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=OAP
an acronym for Old Age
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oap
" A delightful 16th-century posset mill 25 miles from London." (Stage Direction)
Nothing On is set in "a delightful 16th-century posset mill2" that has been ... made of curdled milk, but it is uncertain what a posset mill might be. ...
http://www.nexthomegeneration.com/Noises_Off
" Great. Come on, then (starts upstairs) I've got to be in Basingstoke by four"(quote by Vicki)
Basingstoke is a town in northeast Hampshire, England. It lies across a valley at the source of the River Loddon. It is 48 miles (77 km) southwest of London ...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basingstoke
" I was having a little postprandial snooze at the back of the stall sa as to be ready for rehearsal." (quote by Selsdon)
Or fulfil the need for a post-prandial snooze. The more we become disconnected and disengaged from our real needs and values, the more worthless we feel.
http://www.dreamwork.org/index.php?s=true+purpose
" Why don't you sit down quietly upstairs and do all the company's VAT?"( quote by Loyd)
value-added tax n. ( Abbr. VAT ) A tax on the estimated market value added to a product or material at each stage of its manufacture or distribution.
http://www.answers.com/topic/value-added-tax
"Just go and hit the box-office manager with this, and you'll have finished off live theatre in Weston-Super-Mare."(quote by Loyd)
A relatively plain stretch of seafront until the early 19th century, when the town of Weston Super Mare was transformed into a popular seaside resort and tourist hotspot.
http://www.weston-super-mare.world-guides.com/
Town, North Someset unitary authority, historic county of Somerset.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/641157/Weston-super-Mare
" No bars, no burglar alarm. They ought to be prosecuted for incitment."(quote by burglar)
The mere advocacy of violence, however, is not regarded as incitement to imminent lawless action and does receive First Amendment protectionhttp://www.mttlr.org/volsix/Weissblum_art.html
" Only there does seem to be something of a hiatus between Freddie's exit and my entrance"(quote by Selsdon)
A gap or interruption in space, time, or continuity; a break: “We are likely to be disconcerted by.
http://www.answers.com/topic/hiatus
"Except when some stupid berk goes and starts talking about it. . ."(quote by Burglar)
The usage is dated to the 1930s. A shortened version of Berkeley Hunt, the hunt based at Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire. In Cockney rhyming slang hunt is made to rhyme with cunt giving the word berk its original meaning.
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/berk
slang for an idot
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berk
"W.C.? I'll fix it"( quote by Burglar)
WC or Wc commonly refers to a Water Closet (i.e. a flush toilet).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WC
water closet: a toilet in Britain
A flush toilet is a toilet that disposes of human waste by using water to flush it through a drainpipe to another location.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&defl=en&q=define:w.c&ei=IDJjSqJt3IG2B7D_5P0P&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title
"We've only been on the road for a month! We've only got to Goole!(quote by Tim)
Goole is a town, civil parish and port located approximately 45 miles (72 km) inland on the River Ouse in the East Riding of Yorkshire
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goole
"Some of those OAPs out there haven't got long to go." (quote by Selsdon)
Accepted United Kingdom shortened form of Old Age Pensioner (OAP)
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=OAP
an acronym for Old Age
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oap
Friday, July 17, 2009
Fable/Plot Summary
Fable:
http://www.stageagent.com/Shows/View/1248
This is a story of the trials and tribulations of a cast and crew as well as direction of a big London play days before opening night. It seems that throughout as time goes by more and more problems seem to construe and come to the surface as the actors as well as the director find problems as well as flaws in the play as well as in completing listening to direction by the director as well. The story is of a husband and wife that have left their house and belongings and fled to Spain to run away from their problems with the IRS. While they are away they have a maid who looks over the place while they are gone to make sure that nothing happens to the house and to also take care of any business needed such as phone calls etc. The maid understands that the IRS is planning on selling their house and everything and one day she has a Realtor and his assistant come in to check out the place and take measurements so they say. In reality they are there just because they feel that no one lives in the house and it would be a great place to get fresh with each other. Little do they know that although the maid is there and taking care of the place that the husband and wife return for the night also. As things progress the Realtor and his assistant feel that the house is haunted and feel as though they are going nuts because of the voices they hear and belongings disappearing and reappearing. Soon they find out that the husband and wife have returned although they think that the Realtor and his assistant are the IRS and are out to get them which in return scare the husband and wife into running in and out of rooms in order to get away from them and the situation at hand. While this is going on a burglar breaks in thinking after staking the place out for months that no one would be there. The burglar is an elderly man who feels although people thinks he is too old to be doing this any more still thinks that he has it in him. Little does he know that he finds himself caught by the husband and wife as well as the Realtor and assistant who the assistant happens to be his daughter who hasn’t seen her father in years after she had ran away. There is no end to this story as though it may seem there might be due to the fact that the last line is never given due to the actress that is the Realtor assistant has a nervous breakdown and runs off the stage. Therefore the show that is being acted is never completed and always is just one act repeated over and over again.
Plot Summary:
http://www.stageagent.com/Shows/View/1248
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