Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Zoo Story; Short Play Project: Day 2

Please continue writing your play scripts.

For a visual representation of the format for plays, please refer to the handout this morning.

Each period (3 & 4), please try to write at least 2 pages. If you do, you will have the minimum length for your play script. We are aiming for about 10 pages in script format, with 7-8 being a good standard length.
--Your play requires a monologue (use monologues to develop characters or to remove difficult to stage scenes)
--Your play requires 2-4 characters. If you are writing with a partner, please "play" one or two characters, allowing your partner to "play" one or two characters. Share the responsibility of the writing.
--Limit your stage directions. Remember: you are not the director, designer, or actor--let these people use their knowledge, skill, and artistry to add to your really cool and effective dialogue. Your job as a writer is to create an interesting, creative play--not to direct.
HOMEWORK: For extra credit: please read Albee's The Death of Bessie Smith and the Sandbox as other examples of absurdist theatre. Be prepared to be a little shocked and confused. This is natural with Albee's work. See below:

The purpose of absurdist theatre is to metaphorically or figuratively comment on some aspect of the human condition in symbolic terms. Often, in absurd plays, the meaning reflects the existential philosophy of the playwright (which can be bleak sometimes).

Part of the fun of Absurdism is the dream-like quality of the story (which doesn’t always make sense at the moment). After reading these two plays, respond to them as a reader and writer. Consider what surprised or pleased you, what frustrated you with the style or characters, what you would do differently, what you understood and got out of the play, etc. Your response is extra credit and is also due on Thursday, Dec. 11. I'll even take it on Monday, Dec. 15 since that's my birthday. 

No comments:

The Graveyard Book - Discussion Questions

  In your discussion groups, please answer 5 of the 10 discussion questions. Choose a member of your group to record your answers. Make sure...