WRITING A RESPONSE PAPER (100 points)
This class paper will be a typed MLA response to Passing Strange.
Using the MLA format style, please be clear, honest, and look over your paper for any spelling errors and incomplete thoughts or new ideas. Be specific and give detailed examples.
Please do not just state, “ I liked it . . . or this was good . . . or that was great” without any descriiption, discussion, and explanation of why you enjoyed/disliked the production. You need to answer the questions of: What was the reaction to the work? What made it unique or memorable? What little details were noticed?
Guidelines:
2 -3 pages MLA Formatted College Level Work, covering the points numbered below.
*Do not use first person – “I” (i.e., instead of stating “I thought the costumes were. . . just simply say “The costumes were . . .”)
-2 per each use of first person within the paper.
*Do not just summarize the plot or moment to moment action in the play, rather focus and speak to the three main points below.
THREE MAJOR POINTS TO COVER: (not in any specific order)
1. Message of the Play–discussion of theme(s) or meaning and characters.
2. Production Quality — evaluation, descriiption & analysis of theatrical elements such as acting, directing, lighting, sound, etc.
3. Impact of the message and the production values on the audience.
1a. A few questions to help you in the discovery of the “big picture” or message of the play: What did the play/musical reveal to you on a personal level? Were there any outstanding moments in the play/musical that you connected with visually?
Was there any specific dialogue, music/songs or characters that captured your attention?
2a. Analysis of the actual production:
How did the design elements work to assist the plot? How did the actors engage with the design elements? What did you think were the director’s and the actor’s interpretations of the play? For further reference on theatrical elements, please see pages 21-23 in the Unit 1, Chapter 4 study guide, and see Chapter 4 on writing the theatrical review.
3a. Final thoughts:
Use the “World of the Play” to help be your guide. Did the play surprise you? Did you understand the interpretation of the play? Did you believe it?
Were you emotionally or intellectually connected to the performance?
