Theatre Critique
Drama Assignment
PROMPT
Construct a detailed critique of the 2012 Donmar Warehouse production of JULIUS CAESAR
· This is not a formal essay, but I ask that you write in paragraph form, using the HEADINGS outlined below in ALL CAPS to organize your submission.
· Please avoid copying and pasting the directions into the body of your critique.
· THEME and ARTISTIC OBJECTIVE
· Examine the relationship between the play’s Themes and the production’s Artistic Objective.
· Identify and examine the play’s T hemes.
· What are the ideas that are at the heart of the authors’ script?
· How do the Themes relate to the Artistic Objective of THIS production?
· What issue or idea do the artists working on this production seem to want YOU, as a member of the audience, to focus on?
· DIRECTION
· Identify the Production Concept and explore how it works toward achieving the Artistic Objective.
· How does the director cast the roles to support/illuminate the Production Concept?
· How does the director block the performers to support/illuminate the Production Concept?
· DESIGN
· Critique EACH of the four key design disciplines:
· Scenic Design
· Costume Design
· Lighting Design
· Sound Design
· How do EACH of these designs support/illuminate the Production Concept?
· Support your conclusions by addressing topics such as:
· The objectives of each design discipline
· The use of realistic and non-realistic techniques
· PERFORMANCE
· Focus on the performance of a SINGLE actor, identifying the actor by their real name and the character they play.
· What are some of the challenges of playing this role?
· Consider elements such as complex language, challenging concepts or style, demanding emotional journey, arduous vocal or physical work, etc.
· How does the actor’s performance reflect or support the Production Concept?
· EVALUATION
· Conclude the critique with your educated and informed response to the production.
· Summarize the major points from your critique.
· Do you think the production achieved its Artistic Objective?
· Did you find value in the choice of Production Concept and appreciate its execution?
· WORKS CITED
· If you drew upon information learned from an outside source, please provide an informal list under this heading.
· Content taken from Drama 1 Canvas modules may be listed like this:
· Supplement 1.1
· DT+ Interview: ” Julius Caesar: Walk Like a Man”
· etc.
· Content taken from online resources may be listed like this:
· “Friends, Romans, Countrywomen” – https://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/10/theater/reviews/shakespeares-julius-caesar-by-women-of-donmar-warehouse.htmlLinks to an external site.
