Hey guys! If anyone wants to watch the re-enactment Dawud and I did, here’s the link. Enjoy!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2YiKvZiANbzVnlVdGFLZ1VPMW8/view?usp=sharing

Phantom Of The Opera is the first actual Broadway production that I’ve seen in my life. I never knew the story behind this play since I wasn’t really into theater, although the title sounded very familiar which gave me an idea that the play might be a scary production since the title had the word “Phantom”. On that note, let me tell you about my experience watching the “Phantom Of The Opera” at the Marquee Theater in New York City.

As soon as I entered the auditorium, my eyes directly noticed the large stage in which there was a large dark grey cloak over shadowing the whole entire stage. Along with the large cloak, there were props on stage which also were covered with grey cloaks giving me vibes in which I felt the play would outline the genre of horror. As the play started, I took my seat and admired the beauty of the theater in which the stage and auditorium reminded me of an older form of entertainment in which also made me feel kinda fancy and bousie. The introduction of the chandler was very nice, the lighting and the way it raised to the ceiling with that phantom theme song really set the stage of to a good start. On another note as the play was going on I kept my focus on the lighting, stage, costumes, sounds, and acting.

Right off that bat, I noticed the costumes of the actors and actresses on stage. I noticed that they were dressed in traditional English outer wear, which included black suits and black top hats. Shortly after I got thrown off when the second stage gets introduced in which the cast was wearing Egyptian or middle eastern clothing, only later to find out that it was a part of the play in which a play was being rehearsed. Throughout the play the costumes of the cast seemed to be constant in which the men wore tuxedos or suits with hats representing traditional English outerwear, and the women would wear long dresses in which I’d say looked like cast of Cinderella. It outlined the rich with fancy expensive clothing, and the less fortunate like the workers with more peasant clothing for example the Ladie who was in charge of the ballet dancers and the man who looked all crazy kinda like the dungeon keeper in Harry Potter. I really liked the the costume of the Phantom because I felt that it was a clean cut suit, kind of more of a modern touch than most other cast members.

Along with costumes, I noticed that the sounds of the play really impacted the way the director wanted the audience to feel. For example, whenever the Phantom would be introduced, I noticed that the sound of the play would get more suspenseful, and the theme song which I really liked and hope to make my ringtone would start to play. The orchestra and band would set the pace of the play in which when actors or actresses sing they would play to accommodate the scene being played may it be a fast pace scary scene, or a slow love scene. Correlated to sound, I found the acting of this play to be really amazing. I admired the way the cast members sang because I don’t think it is easy to sing and act and dance at the same time. Also the way they used the opera style to sing was very new to me but also very cool. Watching the play I felt like I was watching a movie because the actors/actresses worked so smoothly. Two characters that I felt did a great job of engulfing the role of the part were the Phantom and the girl named Christine who the Phantom admired. The reason I say this is because I felt that the phantom did a great job in acting powerful and dominant and his voice while singing had that Frankenstein touch to it. On the other hand, Christine’s acting was great because she did a great job in outlining her character and did a good job acting submissive to the Phantom. All of the other cast members also did a great job in acting as a whole to get the message to the audience.

Last but surely not least, the stage and lighting were absolutely superb ! I have never seen which great transitioning from one stage setting to another in just seconds without any obvious upfront changes. I really liked the way the stage would have a background making the setting look more broader than it really is. Along with that I liked a couple stage set ups. The first was when Christine is in her bedroom after her show. I liked the open concept to her room that allowed the audience to see both in the inside and outside of what was happening. Along with that I liked the stage set up of the Phantoms layer, because of the way the green smoke through lighting effects made it seem like there was actually water on which the boat was floating. I also liked that stage set up because there was a large cage or guard rail in the back symbolizing captivity or isolation from the normal realm of reality. Last I like the stage with the large stair case setup which you’d usually see in a mansion. I really like it because I has no idea how in the world they got that huge staircase there in just seconds. Hats of the the stage directors or whoever does that part of the show because every stage transition was so smooth. When it came to lighting I noticed that whenever the Phantom would be around that the light would go dim and the stage would become scary looking. On the other when there was no Phantom the lighting would be bright. I also noticed the spotlight and its importance in outlining the role of a character in a certain scene by emphasizing their part but putting them in the spotlight.

As a result I would recommend this play to anyone who is interested in a horror kind of play along with anyone who enjoys the art of theater and it’s great transformations throughout the years of its growth. A person like me who hasn’t gone to see one play, enjoyed the show and would definitely be looking forward to watching another play in the near future.

Before going to watch a movie, or start a new television show, I always read a synopsis, or see a trailer. Maybe look through some reviews to see if it is even worth it. I thought to take the experience whole-heartedly and try to enjoy the experience without any outside knowledge to what I’m stepping into. Squeezing in to the first row seat where legroom is scarce, comfort was not a top priority at the theater, I said. Hiding behind the bar set on stage, facing everyone’s back was the view I thought I was going to get. But as the play began, I realized my point of view was way better than I had originally thought.

Daphne’s Dive was an emotional rollercoaster. From beginning to end, it keeps you intrigued, while making you laugh and on the brink of tears in every act. The beginning of the play did not foreshadow or allow you to prepare for what was going to happen next. Every Act had its own climax, and each one was just as powerful. The most impactful scene in my opening came towards the middle of the play. The acts were arranged according to the age of Ruby, one of the protagonists. At the age of 20, she was in Boston with her step-mother Daphne and Pablo. Her mother gave her the news about their family friend Jenn, who had committed suicide two days earlier. Daphne kept it away from Ruby because of her big art exhibit she set up for Pablo for school. The scene did not leave a dry eye in the theater. No one saw the brutal news coming, which made it harder to fathom.

Jenn was a free soul, who paraded around public buildings and protested against organized government. Ruby always stood up for her antics and supported her throughout. When she heard about Jenn, she rushed to her defense and would not accept it as being an act of suicide. Yes, she killed herself, but doing so to make a political statement for a good cause. Is Ruby right? Is what Jenn did to herself actually an act of suicide, or an act of aggressive activism? I intend to show that Jenn’s death was indeed an act of suicide and how her actions directly influenced Ruby’s life for the next 10 years.

Jenn is introduced 5 minutes into the play barging through the bar door in an American Flag bikini. Her free soul was made very clear after her first few lines. She describes to Daphne about her dancing act through the streets of Philly, and then running from the cops soon afterwards. You can tell she’s very passionate about what she does. Acosta is another protagonist in the play, whose success is prevalent throughout. Jenn asks him for a place to stay because she cannot afford rent. This gives us a glimpse of the kind of life Jenn lives. Acosta provides her a warehouse he owns for three months, only under the condition that she cleans it up to perfection.

Fast-forward from Act Two to when Ruby is 15 years old. She was found at the end of Act 1 at the age of 11. It’s made clear that Daphne has already adopted Ruby at this time, and has become very close to everyone at the bar. Acosta is running for City Council, and they are all supporting him, except for Jenn. She explains that she protests and prances around public buildings against people who Acosts is trying to become. She continues to tell Acosta that he has changed, and he isn’t the man he used to be. Acosta used to accompany Jenn on protests and marched with her for justice. Now, Acosta is ashamed of her, as he asks her not to come to his press conference because of her attire. Granted, she was wearing the most atrocious, outlandish outfit known to mankind, she is still family. Jenn was happy for Acosta when he won, and celebrated with Daphne at the bar.

The end of Act Two gave us more insight to Jenn’s life. Grown up to a struggling Chinese-American family, she was kicked out at a young age. She was married briefly to a man who was not faithful. She ended up leaving him and becoming a hooker. Her excuse was “I needed money, and I wanted to make him jealous.” As she took shot after shot with Daphne, she opened up about a “prophecy” she had. She referred to herself as a Messiah. She continued to tell a story about a vision she had to follow her heart and become a free-spirit, someone who brings about change and exposes the evil’s of the world. Personally, it all sounded like a hallucination, but I do believe it lead her away from being a prostitute, which is a positive.

As Jenn opened up about her past, so did Daphne. She opened up about never being in love and being a good Christian. The scene ended with Daphne and Jenn kissing passionately. After the play, this scene made me think a lot about the relationship these two shared. The play centered heavily on the relationship between Jenn and Ruby, and the impact she had on her. But looking back, I can only imagine how Daphne felt about losing Jenn the way she did. Her free-spirited self was in full affect again. Her reckless behavior with lovers may correlate to her using aggressive activism as an excuse for suicide.

“Do you know what self-immolation is?” This powerful question sent gasps throughout the audience. An awkward silence lasted about 10 seconds until Ruby shook her head. It was hard to listen to Daphne as she continued speaking about how Jenn ended her life. The fliers she passed out, the notice she left to all her friends, it was all apart of her master plan. Daphne admitted herself she did not take this all seriously because Jenn has done things like this before. She always wanted to make a statement, and when her voice wasn’t being heard, she thought taking her life would.

Immolation is the sacrificial slaughter of a victim.(OED) Self-immolation is saying that you are a victim of a crime, and sacrificing yourself is the only solution. Throughout the play Jenn is never being portrayed as a victim to any crime, neither is she being discriminated. 1980’s Philadelphia was not a segregated community where Asians were being discriminated or any race was given less of an opportunity, and Acosta being a Spanish-American is an example of that. So why does Jenn go through great lengths to protest herself towards injustice? It all relates back to her past and her prophecy of being a Messiah. It is all because of a hallucination that she believes being a free-spirit and killing herself will bring justice and change to those being treated unfairly.

It was a very dramatic scene, and even from my obstructed view, I still felt very connected to the characters and their emotions. The great thing about the play is, no matter where you sit, you feel apart of the story and really understand the character’s emotions and roles.

The act was very moving in my opinion, but Charles Isherwood of the New York Times thought otherwise. He thought Jenn’s death was a little “contrived.” What he really means is that Jenn’s self-immolation uncreative and ingenious. Okay, Charles, like any Tom, Dick or Harry can create a heavy scene enough to make a room full of people cry. But what do I know? He also thought Acosta’s success throughout the play was too persuasive. I thought it was a great story of someone who did well for his community. I loved his character throughout the play.

It was a very dramatic scene, and even from my obstructed view, I still felt very connected to the characters and their emotions. The great thing about the play is, no matter where you sit, you feel apart of the story and really understand the character’s emotions and roles.

The acting throughout the play was phenomenal. But Samira Wiley who played Ruby really did a tremendous job, especially in Act Three. Quiara Alegría Hudes did a tremendous job with the characters and the story. It flows so well, and once again she has produced a play with great emotion. I never thought I would have so much fun at the theater.

If you wanted to watch the creative project by me, Abdu, Karim, and Ismail again; here’s the link!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/9p201mm8a4hr6ho/Antigone%20Project.wmv?dl=0

This is the link to the blog I created for my final project.

https://blogs.baruch.cuny.edu/othello2800/

I chose to create it based on “Othello” and really enjoyed using this text to do so. I ended up doing  two analysis of a passage pieces, two analysis of an image pieces, three analysis of a video pieces, and one creating a connection to another piece of literature we have read. Honestly I never thought I would enjoy reading Shakespeare so much, maybe it was the actual story of Othello itself that I liked and I wouldn’t find others by him as entertaining. Either way Othello turned out to be great for my final project in this class and I hope you guys like it!

The Tragedy Of Othello is outlined or illuminated fully in Act V. I say this because in Act V, the build up of internal anger from Othello grows to such an extent in regards to the false evidence provided by Iago. The word Tragedy poses negative connotations, and in this Act the actions of Othello towards the people around him show why this play is a tragedy. Othello in his hypnosis because of believing Iago he is being cheated on by Desdemona with Cassio, leads him to eventually kill his wife Desdemona who is a devoted loving wife. Only later to realize that he has been set up, then in his guilt killing himself for his immoral actions.

• My question to the class is, do you think Othello killing himself makes him a coward ? or do you think his action was right ?
• Another question for the class is, which do you think is a greater punishment for Othello’s actions, him killing himself? or Othello having to live knowing he killed his loving wife because of false evidence he was lead to believe?

Dear class ,

At the very beginning of Othello act 4 I was extremely puzzled. Its almost seems like I’m reading a play about high school kids, because of all the child like things Iago does to prove his statements about Desdemona.  It starts off with Iago stating that he will let Othello here for himself , what Casio and Desdemona have been up to , and ends up talking about Bianca. Also its strange to me that as a reader Othello doesn’t really show any hatred for Cassio , the first thing that he mentioned once the misleading conversation between Iago and Cassio Is that he will kill Desdemona by poisoning her.

Questions: 1. Was Iago breaking the fourth wall , when he revealed his true plans about talking about Bianca with Cassio to make it seem as it was Desdemona they were speaking of; or was this just a way for the  writer to exhibit the Ludicrous mind of Iago?

2.Was Othello hiding when this was going on , because at one point Iago ask him to “withdraw”?

With out going into great detail on act 4 for the sake of those who have yet to read it, Desdemonda’s handkerchief plays a large role in pushing the plot further. It becomes the catalyst that brings the play to its tragic conclusion. Act 3 ends with a conversation between Cassio and his lover, Bianca. During the conversation he asks her to copy the design of the handkerchief. A conflict too small to be called an argument follows in which Cassio is accused of having another mistress. This event snow balls into an avalanche in act 4. The tragedy of Othello hinges on this scene; Up to it Othello has suspicions but shows no sign of acting on his anger and jealousy.  As I have said the scene is necessary for the story to develop as is leads to Othello’s breaking point, however it does not flow well into the play. It almost seems to have been written after the work was already completed as the final push for Othello’s actions to come. It is luck in Iago’s favor that Cassio finds and likes the  handkerchief enough to want it copied and asks his lover to copy it. It’s not even mentioned when he finds it, the way it is written it almost seems it just appears in convenience of the plot. Also instead of arguing with Cassio there she comes back in act 4 just in time to assure the push of the plot further. Overall I’m a fan of this play as I am of many of Shakespeare’s works. This scene could have been done better. Iago could have given it to Bianca or she could have found it in the room herself, leading to her anger with Cassio.

What do you think of the scene? Do you agree with me in saying the scene feels circumstantial and forced? Do you think it could’ve been executed better to fit more naturally? Do you like it and feel it was done perfectly?

Medieval romantic literature placed great emphasis on the significance of costume. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight quintessentially represents this ideal as well as underscores differences between characters through the detailed descriptions of their appearances.

In the beginning of the poem a description is given of the Green Knight as soon as he appears. He is described as wearing all green “with smoothly shorn fur clearly showing, and faced/with all-white ermine” (Fitt 1, lines 154-155). His attire is a direct representation of his wealth, as fur was, and still is, a luxury. Such a description makes readers wonder about the status of the Green Knight, and in turn his identity, as well as pose questions, such as: Is the Green Knight a wealthy gentleman? How did he become wealthy? The answers to such questions are more obvious in regard to Sir Gawain, who is depicted as clothed “in the costliest costume:/his coat with the brightly emblazoned badge/mounted on velvet; magical minerals/inside and set about it; embroidered seams;/a lining finished with fabulous furs” (4.2025-2029). From the poem, readers know that Sir Gawain comes from Arthur’s court—the reason for his wealth. Similarly, they can infer about his identity as a valiant knight. He is dressed in the most expensive clothing because he is a representation of the court; nonetheless, his attire is a direct representation of his identity. As seen in the imagine (below) from an online blog, Sir Gawain’s costume is not overly embellished with unnecessary jewels or pieces, it’s simple and humble like the knight himself. Similarly, the Green Knight is described as wearing “no helmet and no hauberk either,/no armored apparel or plate was apparent,/and he swung no sword nor sported any shield,/but held in one hand a sprig of holly…and in the other hand held the mother of all axes” (1.203-208). Interestingly, he isn’t covered in armor, but sports a more down-to-earth look, which underscores his correlation with nature as opposed to humanity, as he is hidden away in the woods. His weapon, an axe, also relates him to a forester, which further highlights his relationship with nature. Likewise, the photograph makes him appear as though his body is a part of the leaves and trees growing in the background, rather than makes him stand out like Sir Gawain himself.

It’s apparent that descriptions of costumes and appearances play a major role in characterizing both Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Questions for the class: Do you believe costume and/or appearance descriptions evident throughout the poem were deliberately incorporated to attribute certain characteristics to the characters? What else can costumes and/or appearances be used to depict or convey within literature? Can these costumes and/or appearances simply be based on fashion seen during the era from which the work was created and nothing else?

Works Cited

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Trans. Simon Armitage. The Norton Anthology of                             World Literature. Gen. ed. Martin Puchner. 3rd ed. Vol. B. New York: Norton, 2012. 725-780. Print.

Liz. “Story Seer.” Web log post. Story Seer. N.p., 20 Apr. 2013. Web. 25 Apr. 2016. <http://storyseer.blogspot.com/>.