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For E-mail Contact please use the following: Professor Gilliam: slgdesign@satx.rr.com
2/4/04 You should be on Journal Entry #5. I will endeavor to mention this in class as we go along.
2/3/04
Great class today. I thank you for your focus and willingness to participate. I thoroughly enjoyed the action scenes.
The FAIRY TALE ASSIGNMENTS. Go to the Assignment Link to read the overview of this Mid-Term Project. If you are not certain which Fairy Tale you are to prepare, click on the FAIRY TALE COMPANIES on the Homepage. Consult the below listed web site for copies of your story. You may find it convient to print a hard copy. We will continue to discuss aspects of this assignment in class. Next Tuesday, Sam will discuss material to assist you in adapting literature to the stage.
http://www.facethemusic.org/fantasy/kids/kidlitfairy.html
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK:
LITTLE PIGS
LITTLE RED
PRINCESS & THE PEA
EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES
PINOCCHIO
1/30/04
MATCHBOX THEATRE PLAY OUTLINES
Mr. Razavi forwarded the following email regarding this semester Matchbox Theatre shows, which I want to share.
"I have a theme/title for the shows "Gods and Monsters"
And here are some of the ideas
Zombie Beach Party -- MTV Spring Break Beach Party attacked by a zombie.
Browns -- a family reunion picnic with the extended Brown family where the college-age Charlie Brown and Encyclopedia Brown meet up.
Mozart meets Frankenstein -- I can't believe no one had thought of this one before.
The Real World Mt. Olympus -- Greek deities have to live together with TVcameras everywhere.
The Time Machine -- where a time traveller goes into a post-apocalyptic future only to realize that he only went forward 20 minutes and then keeps going back trying to figure out what went wrong.
Oranges and Lemons -- a piece with Jimmy the Orangeseller in a sort of Hellevatorish vein."
As Willy writes these, I will post them on our web site. Incidently, if you would like to read some of his earlier MATCHBOX THEATRE plays, they are linked to our web site at The Collected Plays of William M. Razavi. The last show mentioned above, ORANGES AND LEMONS, will feature Jimmy the Orangeseller who first made an appearance in the 1997 production of DUCK, DUCK, MOOSE.
1/25/04
Several Announcements:
You should complete JOURNAL Entries #1 an #2. Check the web site for JOURNAL Questions.
I have created a PHOTO ROSTER of our class. A link is attached to the Homepage. I will use this as I learn your names.
Also, through the wonders of digital photography, I have recorded photos of your Engaging Companies. Some of the poses you struck were true to the characters you created in the presentations. Check them out.
Soon, I was forward specific observations and feedback regarding your group's performances via email. Please read the following General Observaitons.
General Observations:
Everyone is to be commended for ENTHUSIASM and EFFORT! Bravo, well done and thank you; each group presentation was engaging, preparatory work and planning were clearly evident and time requirements were met. We are off to a great start!
Comedy was definitely the choice of the day. No heavy drama, no serious subject matter, no preaching, no social consciousness raising; however, quite a few significant and classic elements of COMEDY were demonstrated in choice of subject matter and in execution of the chosen idea. Here are a few pointed observations for your consideration:
Whether you knew it or not, most groups demonstrated basic elements of ancient Roman Comedy! This style of comedy is the most accessible and universal. Roman Comedy deals with the basics of our human condition, its most natural and instinctive behaviors (i.e. broad, physical action, bodily functions and the whole spectrum of sexual relationships). Most, not all, scenes dealt with the games people play when seeking sexual gratification; many scenes offered various stereotypes of "the macho man", "the geek", the "dumb chick". We joined the ancient Romans who enjoyed clowns and rustic productions that poked fun at humankind and our many weaknesses and foibles. This style of comedy is often called Low Comedy or Broad Comedy. Slapstick and Burlesque found their roots in Roman Comedy.
A few scenes included more intellectual comedy that emerged in clever dialogue and word play. Some scenes dealt with well worn subjects (guys out to get girls), a few scenes offered comic parodies of current TV trends, several dealt with situations you have all experience. For some, it was very difficult to get up on stage. I suspect most of you were nervous (fear of making a fool out of yourself). Others, came alive in front of an audience and fed off laughter. All, all of these presentations were engaging. I am so pleased with this beginning. Aren't you?
. . . A BLATANT ADVERTISEMENT. The Speech and Drama Dept. need Work-Study students. If you qualify and would like to work in one of the theatre shops (scenery, costumes or props), we can use your assistance. Please let me know.