For this blogging assignment I chose to design costume for the performers of the play in the heights. The play, in the Heights is based out of predominantly Dominican neighborhood of Washington heights, in New York City, and takes place over the course of three days. In those three days we follow many characters with their own unique story all dealing with the same struggles of living In the Heights. The two characters I will be creating costumes for are Usnavi who according to www.inthehieghtsmucial.com is the owner of a bodega in Washington Heights. He was named after the first boat his parents saw when they arrived in America which actually said "U.S. Navy." He dreams of going to the Dominican Republic, his parents' homeland. That dream was almost a reality until he realizes that the barrio is his true home. The second character I will be designing a costume for is Vanessa who is Usnavi's love interest. She works at Daniela's salon. She dreams of getting out of the barrio and getting an apartment downtown. Her mother "drinks away her money" so Vanessa cannot afford an apartment. Usnavi and Vanessa are regular people you will find in Washington heights section on New York City. So for their costumes I would like to give them a tasteful urban look that represents what is the norm for the people of that area plus add a little signs that represent that they are Dominican. Usnavi would be dressed throughout the performance in a fedora, shirt, some jeans and some classic shoes. Vanessa would be seen dressed in stylish dresses flaunting a Dominican flag wherever the opportunity is granted.
The first step in designing a play is to read and fully understand the play so you can create scenery that compliments the play. The play I decided to read was The Lion King. I chose to read portions of this play and design scenery for it because it leaves a lot of space for imagination. I also read interviews from the director Julie Taymor to see what he was thinking about when they were directing the play. The next thing I decided to do is think about if I was in the audience what would I want to look at. I would not want to look at anything boring or dull so I chose colors that resemble the jungle or wild areas of the African continent. I wanted the background to consist of the colors orange, red, yellow, blue and green. These colors are one that I believe are natural colors and colors that a person visiting African will see in the environment. The set will not change from scene to scene so this set up will be the only one in the performance. I want the background to consist of images of the lion king logo, which can be seen below, trees, rocks, grass, and a sun. Below you will find images of what I would hope to include in my set. I want to make the stage set flexible so a lot of moving can occur so everything I plan on doing will be placed against or far away from the center stage.
From what I have learned in this course about theatrical language, practice, and theory I think theater relates to many aspects of my life. I look at life as a stage that we humans perform on daily. When we interact with other people we engage in a form or art that can be later used in a theatrical production. In this blog I will explain how I believe theater is in my life in relation to family, friends, aspirations and life goals.
My passion is not any one simple thing, but enjoying the many simple things that life has to offer. When I am doing an activity like, going out to a party or something I think about theater. I think about how will the venue look like, what kind of people will be there, what will these people be wearing, and what will be served. These are the same questions one would ask them when going to see a live production of any sort. Another similarity is that the people you meet will have all kinds of different personalities and will have different attire that separates them from the rest giving each character a sense of self.
My family is from Nigerian and they are deeply rooted in their culture and there are many traditions in our family that can relate to theater. There are forms of celebrations that may occur for special occasion like weddings, birthdays and holidays. These events consist mainly of singing, acting and dancing, which is done mainly by the members of the church. From these events I see a relation to theater because what they are doing is considered a form of art, the only difference is that they are not actors, dancers, or singers but people who just happen to know how to act, dance and sing.
Other aspects of my life interact with theater as well, for example my work life, my social life as well and my day to day life in school. My co-workers love to laugh so all most of the time we tell jokes and imitate our favorite TV personalities. This is our form of acting, we incorporate what we see in our environment with our personalities and a performance is made.
Each day we encounter different people that trigger emotions we have inside of us. For example when at school we have to do many assignments and projects that require us to think or act as if we were in a certain profession. This gives us another opportunity to perform and use our imagination.
I would not consider my actions to be similar to an actor in a play inhabiting a part. Acting means putting on a show or changing into a character and in the world I live in, I don’t believe that changing is necessary. Although it may not be acting it is still theater. On this stage, in which my life is performed on, I often see an expansion of traits I already posses.
There is no effect or transformation on my identity, because all emotions and behaviors are incorporated into what makes me, me. I am a walking show, a show that does not go off. The people around me catch on quickly and contribute to the show. They react to my actions and a performance is made!
Just recently, I've had the pleasure of attending an introduction to theater workshop where they introduces us to the many plays that were being shown on Broadway. There were a few Broadway plays that stood out to me and that I believe I would enjoy if ever I was granted the opportunity to see them. In this Blog I will tell you how to get tickets for a Broadway performance, what plays are showing on Broadway and last, what I find to be the hottest shows and why I believe so.
Tickets for Broadway shows can be purchased in numerous ways. You can purchase tickets online at discounted prices, you can order them directly from ticket masters, or if you are in the New York City area you can purchase them the same day from the TKTS Discount at reasonably lowered prices that sometimes lead to 50% in savings. Tickets can be very pricey so it is important that you shop around for good deal before making your purchase. As a student there are a lot more resources out there to help us save money on these performances. Groups of students can usually get discounted rates for their party or student discounts may be applied with the presentation of a school idea. Getting the tickets to the performance is the first step in making the viewing of a Broadway production possible.
Some of the performance I would like to see include; "Aida", starring Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child, "The Color Purple", starring Fantasia Barrino and of course the performance based of legendary activist and Musician Fela Kuti, "Fela". I have seen Fela Recently and would not mind watching the performance again. I have selected each of these plays because besides the fact that I feel they would be they entertaining, they each share a great deal of history based on the evolution of the African culture. Aida is a love story based on a princess who was enslaved by an Egyptian Army man that later on fell in love with her. The Color Purple produced by Steven Spielberg, tells the story of a woman in a similar situation to that of Aida though the endings differ a bit. Fela! As I explained in the Broadway review derived from the storyline of an artist who experienced a great deal of struggle and turmoil. He mustered all of his experiences and triumphs and delivered his political and personal messages through his afro beat music.
Each of these plays have an amazing storyline and the stage set up and design, from what I see in pictures are very creative and inspiring. Next I plan to see Disney's "the Lion King" on Broadway, which I heard about from some friends, is said to be the hottest movie on Broadway and is a must see classic . I am not a huge fan of Walt Disney films but, Lion king was always one of my favorite Disney Films and TV shows. I Think this film is the hottest show on Broadway because I think it would be funny, have good music and incorporate the traditional African dances which I enjoy watching. This film is also interesting, in particular because I have heard that the storyline is not as trivial as we grew up to believe. The lion king is said to actually be based on biblical stories of Joseph and Moses as well as a sample of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet". I do not how accurate that rumor is, but it is enough to make me believe this show is the hottest show on Broadway! Overall the Broadway experience us one that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
The live theatrical production I chose to watch and review for this assignment was the Off Broadway production of FELA! The show is about the life of musician, and activist Fela Kuti. The show is presented by Shawn “jay-z” Carter and Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith.
The acting was very good. The actor Sahr Ngaujah who played Fela Kuti did an excellent job of portraying the legend. He was sincere in his words music and emotion. I could see the face of Sahr and see that he was really into his role. I had to constantly remind myself that I was not watching Kuti himself but an actor portraying him.
The writing was brilliant. The dialogue that came before the music gave a proper introduction to the Fela song that would play next. Instead of a theater, the main character acted as if we were at one of his concerts. So he spoke to us not as theater patrons but as fans of his. Amazing I actually felt like I was at a concert. We were told to stand up from time to time and sing along and they displayed the words. Interesting concept and I enjoyed it a lot.
The characters and actor were indeed connected to become one. Like I said earlier I felt as if I was watching a concert and not a play so from time to time I actually forgot I was watching a play. All the characters from the main one to the dancers did a good job of executing their roles.
The sound was a major part of the production as it included the actual music from Fela himself. I enjoyed the afro beat that one would hear in Nigeria around the 1970s. I felt as if I was listening to his album itself. Also included in the production was the great music of the late great James Brown. A+ performance.
The costumes took me back to the time of the 1970s where people were rebelling against government and were dress as “hippies”. The costumes did include some tribal African attire for the dancers which I feel gave the dancers soul. I could not see from my seat the details of the costumes or makeup but from my position they looked great.
The theater experience was satisfactory as we did not have great seats but I did enjoy the aura of the place. The bar had drinks named after characters from the performance which I found to be cool. I believe the show aimed to be different from other shows and I think they succeeded in that aspect, from what I have seen previously. They maintained their political view, added some theatrical effects, and displayed nice indoor lighting and sounds that made it a complete performance.
Overall, I had a great theater experience and would recommend this show for anyone who is interested in seeing something, different, entertaining, and meaningful. The production attracts people from all ages and races from what I have seen at the theater so I genuinely think it is for everyone who enjoys theater
Daniel: I am just one semester away from graduation and I have yet to find a home Juan: hey it's going to be ok, momma used to say that "God will make a Way" Daniel: Maybe you're right but this car is no place to raise you Juan Juan: just focus on getting you're degree, I'm proud of you and momma would be too if she was still here (sighs) Daniel: Cool, are you going to be alright while I head out? Juan: I'm grown ill be just fine go on!! Daniel: Alright I'll be back later, make sure you finish you're food before you go to sleep tonight Juan: How many times are you going to tell me that?? Just go Daniel: Alright Alright! Daniel: (at the poetry club) "I called this poem the little girl in me, who will cry for the girl who has never had her own? Who will cry for the girl who feels defeated, beaten and internally bruised? Who will cry for the woman I was forced to become? Who will cry for the girl who fought but never won? I want this girl to live and not die, for she deserves a chance a chance to give life another try..Thank you! (claps) Speaker: lets hear it for the beautiful Daniel audience (audience continues to clap) Daniel: Dear Diary today I had lunch with my best friend. We have been best friends since freshmen year and now we are both juniors. I feel bad because she still does not know where I live and I would hate to burden her with my struggles. I mean that's my friend but no one cares about poor little me n my hungry sister. Ok goodnight! Marsha: hey you ready for class? Daniel: yea I guess Marsha: what's wrong? Daniel: oh nothing just a little tired I had a long night tonight Marsha: well what happened? I would've told you to come over but you never call me like you say you will Daniel: yea I have to pay my phone bill later Marsha: yea yea yea I've heard it all. Well just come over tonight n we can have a girls night in Daniel: sorry I have to pick up Juan from school and help him with his homework. Tonight’s not good maybe tomorrow ok? Marsha: ok I guess. Well call me when your "phone bill is paid" Daniel: yea later Daniel: dear Diary, I can’t tell my best friend about my poetry gig because if I do she'll want to come over afterwards and unfortunately my car is only fit for two. Juan: hey how was school D? Daniel: it was cool no complaints and you? How are your grades looking? Juan: ok, I guess Daniel: just ok? If you want to get out this car "ok" is not an option. Mother would not want us kiving in a car! Juan: I understand, but sometimes I feel like giving up. Daniel: No we can’t give up. Juan: well I’ll try Daniel: well I’m getting ready to go to the poetry lounge to perform again. Juan: ok I guess Daniel: anyway mother would be proud of you Juan. Juan: Would she? Daniel: yes we have not given up and I am so close to graduation. I can get a real job and find us a place to live kiddo Juan: Sounds good Sis. (Daniel enters the poetry lounge and performs her newest poems about her situation) Daniel: (after performance) thank you thank you very much everyone! Marsha: Daniel???? Daniel: what you doing here? Marsha: I came here with some friends. You never told me you were a poet, and was that a personal story Daniel: ……………I was just here to share one poem for the night but I don't usually come here (Realizing that Daniel is obviously lying Marsh confronts her about her situation) Marsha: ok Daniel, Honestly I followed you from your car and I saw your brother sleeping in it, are you moving or something? Daniel: um yea I-I-I-I-I am moving soon ( she says in a stuttering manner) Marsha: Juan told me you guys are homeless, is that true? Daniel: (steps outside) yes…. Marsha: (eyes watering) Daniel how long have you guys been like this. I’m so sorry but you should've told me Daniel: For what you guys can’t help us nobody can, it’s always been me and Juan since our mom died, and we’ll make it. Marsha: yea but you guys can't live like this forever Daniel: we're going to be alright Marsha: I wont be able to sleep knowing you guys are on the streets homeless Daniel: we'll be fine, If you can’t sleep use the time to study, last thing I need is a hand out. (Daniel let’s her pride get in the way of a good thing and she walks off into the dark.) Juan: did anything interesting happen today sis? (implying that he told people about the situation) Daniel: yea some big mouthed kid is telling people we’re homeless Juan: yes I told everyone, because e its been 4 months and I refuse to spend my high school years living in a car Daniel: Your ungrateful! You should appreciate everything I have done for us. Juan: all you have done for us is keep us in this car and refuse help every time it is offered. I can’t live like this I’m gone Daniel: I knew this would happen, I guess its just me and my poetry (Daniel begins to cry as she wonders why she refuse help from everyone, her pride has left her homeless and now lonely, Juan walks off) Daniel: Dear Diary…….. it’s just me and you. (Juan returns a hour later with a few workers from a local shelter) Juan: They’re here to help us. Daniel: Help, yes Help…. I could use some Help
Throughout this course as I learned the theatrical language, practice of theater, and technology used in theater I continued to relate the subject back to my discipline of criminal justice. I tried to make connections from the field of theater to the field of law enforcement to see if I could come up with any parallels. I did in fact make some comparisons the whole criminal justice process and the process of creating a theatrical performance. I also thought about, as simple as it sound, the costumes that actors on stage where and the uniforms that police officers, correction officers, and court officers where. The significance is that the actors in a performance must be dressed appropriately because they are the most visual people throughout the performance. You do not see any other member of the performance, with exception of the musical band, so it is imperative that they look and dress their best. In the criminal justice system the most visible people are the officers who enforce the law, it is important that they look and dress their best because e they are the most visible part of the united states government and they represent the criminal justice system as a whole.
I can relate this course to my other course work and ultimately to my major of criminal justice simply because it takes a lot of people to get the job done. For example a production team will need a sound director, stage manager, choreographer, director and numerous other people to get the performance ready for the stage. Similar to the world of theater the criminal justice system has many agencies that work together to seek justice. These people include but are not limited to lawyers, judges, police officers, probation officers, and law makers. When all of these people work together it creates the criminal justice system, or in the case of theater a performance is created.
I also learned that theater does not relate to any one specific field but to life in general. Every aspect of our live from culture, background, religion and politics can and will be eventually displayed in the art form of theater. Theater is a form of art that allows us to relive a certain time period or takes us away to a place we would not have the option of visiting. With criminology facts and theories are constantly being research to form a educated opinion about a certain time frame. With theater the same research needs to be completed in order to accurately portray a time period or event. I think theater connects to my future endeavors in a few simple ways. I will remember that everything has a role. I will remember that theater has a long history and has evolved from styles and designs that came from other countries hundreds of years ago. Like theater the criminal justice system has evolved over that past hundred years and incorporates ideas and concepts from other countries
In my career goal I think I will remember that everything and everybody has a purpose. Everyone has a position, like a theater team, and every one position is needed to make the system function properly as a whole. I will remember that people are depending on me and my job is very important in keeping the system functional. Theater relates to my future in general because life is like a movie, you have the beginning, the middle, and the end, and at this point in my life everything I learn will help me become a better person later in this performance.
