To me the difference between the reading and the performance was being able to connect to the actual characters in a stronger way. During the reading of “Endgame” i would visualize all that occurs in the story and have to create the images myself. While during the performance, I was able to connect to the characters and to the story in such a strong way. The quote “Nothing is funnier than unhappiness” is one that didn’t quite catch my attention during the reading but stood out to me during the performance. I believe that the meaning of this quote is what most presents a major theme in “Endgame” of tragicomedy. The actors did an excellent job in connecting the audience to the play with a lot of enthusiasm.
William Dayan
I agree with William on the fact that seeing the play in person adds to what the play has to offer on paper. I thought it was interesting how you mentioned there was a line which didn’t catch your attention when reading but rather when you heard it during the play it made you realize the importance of that line. I think that also has to do with the actors who take part in the performance and the way they chose to portray their character. Sometimes, like Nell’s actor for example, when she explained her views during the Q&A session after the play had finished, we were able to see he thoughts as to why she chose to act out Nell the way she did.
-Chi Z.
Crystal Wong
I tend to visualize the story and create images in my head too. I think everyone does it too, whether intentionally or not. However watching the play really made me understand how the characters felt, what the characters were really doing, and etc. I agree with your theme because it really relates to why everyone leaves/dies in the end of the play. Thanks to the actors’ choices in expanding the text more, I was able to gain more insight and knowledge from it.
Chi you brought up a good point, the Q&A gave the audience an insight as to what the characters were actually feeling and thinking: “…we were able to see he thoughts as to why she chose to act out Nell the way she did.” The actors really went into their role and it is very interesting that even after the play, they still know what the character is in the play to do or show. This shows that reading the play over and over again, can help you find deeper meanings within the text; also acting it out gives the actors an opportunity to mold the audience’s perspective.
I think what William points out is very true. In the writing you really can’t see the type of emotions the characters are displaying, but in the performance it can be seen. To the extent that the quote he mentioned; “Nothing is funnier than unhappiness” can be seen a lot clearer in the performance compared to the written play. The actors did do a great job in portraying the characters in a way that while reading the play the actors come into mind.
-Myra K.