Writing About Use of Production Elements in Performance (ELEMENT IS LIGHTING)
You will write a 300-word essay about how your assigned production elements were used in a live performance of a play in production.
This assignment gives you the opportunity to practice writing about performance, which we will be doing throughout the semester.
Here are your instructions:
Watch two short sections from different productions of Shakespeares Hamlet (links to these clips are below). Both clips are from the same scene in Hamlet, but they make very different production element choices. While watching the clip, focus on the production element assigned to you by your TA (lighting). Here are the clips:
Paapa Essiedu in Hamlet, Act Three, Scene 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fybsIB-Erhw
Andrew Scott in Hamlet, Act Three, Scene 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHK-xtGWYc8
2. After watching the clips, determine which of the two clips you think used your assigned production element in the more interesting and engaging way.
3. Write a very short essay (300 500 words), stating which of the clips you thought employed your production element better. Your essay needs to support your opinion with examples and s. Note that you should write only about the production element you are assigned.
4. Your paper should include:
A thesis statement in which you state which clip you preferred and why.
At least two examples from the clip that support your claim.
5. Your paper will be graded under the following criteria: Thesis (Main idea), Content, Organization, Grammar and Mechanics, and Style.
Extra Help:
A of the action that occurs in the clips: Act 3, Scene 2 of Hamlet
Hamlet Act 3, Scene 2
In this section of the play, the character Hamlet is having a terrible crisis and is in fear for his life. He was having fun at university when he was called home because of the death of his father, the king. By the time he gets home he learns that his mother has married his fathers brother, so it appears that his fathers brother may have murdered Hamlets father to gain the throne. To make things worse, Hamlets father has appeared to Hamlet as a ghost telling him to avenge his death. In short, Hamlet is paranoid. Hes angry at his mother, he thinks his uncle killed his father and hes pretty sure that his uncle/stepfather is asking other people to spy on him.
In order to prove to himself that his uncle killed his father, Hamlet hires a theatre company to perform a play for the court which re-enacts Hamlets fathers murder. By watching his uncles guilty and frightened response to the performance, Hamlet surmises that his uncle, did in fact murder his father.
Act 3 Scene 2 occurs shortly after the scene in which Hamlet figures out his uncle killed his father. In other words, this scene occurs right after everyone watched the play, and Hamlet is certain is uncle killed his father. Hamlet is hanging out with his friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, whom he knows have been hired to tell his uncle what hes thinking. In other words, his friends are spying on him. Hamlet is pretending to be emotionally unstable to protect himself against his uncle. But his comments to others in this scene also show that he knows his friends prying him for information. Hamlet asks his friend to play a recorder. When the friend refuses, Hamlet responds in a way that infers that his friend is trying to play him by asking him to reveal his secrets. He says, (Im paraphrasing here) You think you can play me like Im some musical instrument? Why dont you play on this flute (pipe) instead? Thus, Hamlet compares his friends asking for information about Hamlets feelings to a person playing on a pipe. In other words, he infers that his friends are trying to manipulate, or play him. This analogy connects on the larger theme in the play: the struggle to understand oneself and others in a world filled with dishonesty and ambition.
Grading Rubric for Production Elements Paper #1
Grading Rubric for Production Elements Paper #1
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMain idea/thesis
15 to >13.5 ptsExcellentClearly presents a main idea and supports it throughout the paper or project. Main idea is insightful, creative and original. 13.5 to >11.0 ptsGoodThere is a main idea supported throughout most of the paper or project. Main idea is good but not particularly original or thought through 11 to >9.0 ptsAcceptableMain idea needs to be better developed, and/or is weakly supported throughout the paper or project 9 to >0 ptsNeeds WorkNo main idea or thesis
15 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent
60 to >53.5 ptsExcellentExceptionally well-presented and argued; ideas are detailed, well-developed, supported with specific evidence and facts, as well as pertinent examples and specific details. 53.5 to >45.0 ptsGoodWell presented and argued; ideas are detailed, developed and supported with evidence and facts, most details are specific. 45 to >29.5 ptsAcceptableContent is sound and solid; ideas are present but not particularly developed or supported; some evidence, but usually of a generalized nature. 29.5 to >0 ptsNeeds WorkContent is lacking or inaccurate
60 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization
10 to >8.5 ptsExcellentPaper offers introductory chapter, body paragraphs that offer and explain explain examples to support the main idea, and conclusion. Organizational structure is clear and easy to follow. Paper also follows all instructions regarding format and presentation. 8.5 to >7.0 ptsGoodOrganization is clear and contains an introduction, body and conclusion, but may jump once or twice, causing reader confusion. Paper follows most of the formatting guidelines. 7 to >5.5 ptsAcceptableLacks a clear and logical organization, or is missing parts. Unclear transitions from point to point in the argument of the paper. Several parts of formatting instructions not followed. 5.5 to >0 ptsNeeds WorkPaper lacks organization, and does not follow most or any of the instructions for formatting.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGrammar and Mechanics
10 to >8.5 ptsExcellentWell planned, includes title, other required formatting. Follows assignment instructions and parameters. Excellent grammar, spelling, syntax and punctuation. 8.5 to >7.0 ptsGoodIn writing, paragraphs show clear ideas and planning, a few errors in grammar, spelling, syntax and punctuation, but not many. 7 to >5.5 ptsAcceptableWriting is clear but not particularly varied in sentence structure or word choice. Ideas in writing and/or project is disorganized and unoriginal 5.5 to >0 ptsNeeds WorkWriting lacks clear ideas, does not include title, shows many errors. Project follows few if any of the instructions assigned.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStyle
5 to >4.5 ptsExcellentWriting clear and varied in pattern, using simple to complex sentences, with proper use of punctuation. A personal and unique style of writing, and a personal and unique approach to the project at large. The paper or project is both engaging and informative. 4.5 to >4.0 ptsGoodWriting is clear. Project organization, tone and style is clear and designed to engage the reader. 4 to >3.0 ptsAcceptableWriting is clear but not particularly varied in sentence structure or word choice. Ideas in writing and/or project is disorganized and unoriginal 3 to >0 ptsNo MarksWriting is not clear. No use of specific examples are used to support the main idea of the paper or project.
5 pts
Total Points: 100
