The Importance Of Being Earnest Play Review Essay
analytical Essay
603 words
On May 25th I went to see The Importance of Being Earnest performed at the Artist Repertory Theater in Downtown Portland. The Importance of Being Earnest written by Oscar Wilde and directed by Michael Mendelson and had a cast of 8 actors, Sarah Lucht, Ayanna Berkshire, Jamie M. Rea, Linda Alper, Kailey Rhodes, Vana O’Brien, Crystal Ann Muñoz, and JoAnn Johnson. In this analysis, many things will be discussed, such as the costume choice, the set design, and the performance of two characters Lady Bracknell and Reverend Chasuble. The set of the play would often change to various characters homes. The stage was a flexiable stage and consisted of a diamond shaped black and white tile floor with steps leading up to a set white french doors. Above the doors and around the top of the last wall there was thick fancy white crown molding, this molding was also framing a large screen. The screen would alter images to fit the scene better. …show more content…
In this essay, the author
- Explains that they went to see the importance of being earnest at the artist repertory theater in downtown portland. the cast included sarah lucht, ayanna berkshire, jamie rea, linda alper, kailey rhodes, vana o’brien, crystal ann muoz, and joann johnson.
- Analyzes how the set of the play was a flexiable stage with diamond shaped black and white tile floor and thick fancy white crown molding. the first set consisted of an arm chair with gold decorative nailhead trim.
- Analyzes how bobby brewer wallin used clothing that showed its age to keep the play in the original period. the character of lady bracknell was dressed in a dark lavender loose satin gown, with oversized ball-shaped shoulders, and an orange belt.
- Analyzes how lady bracknell would show off her wealth and class by the way she acted. she was rude, loud, and entitled, something linda alper performed very well.
To keep the play in the original period Wallin’s used clothing that showed its age. The character of Lady Bracknell was dressed in a dark lavender loose satin gown, with oversized ball-shaped puffed shoulders and had a high and tight collar around the neck. The dress reached down to her ankles and she wore an orange belt, which pulled in the dress around her waist. She had many accessories on as well, she was wearing an oversized Victorian hat that was a lighter purple than her dress with large feathers coming out of the top and a bow on the back. In addition, she was wearing a pair of white formal gloves and was carrying a gold handbag and a hand fan. She was also wearing a gold brooch and gold dangling earrings. I think Wallin’s made these choices, not only represent the time of the play, but to also show off the wealth and class that Lady Bracknell
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- The Nerd Play Summaryopinion essayThe setup of the stage was very simple. It was the living room of a home in the early 1980’s. It looked like a normal household, and it had small things such as crumpled up pieces of paper lying around the wastebasket. It also had a couch, circular class table and a recliner in the living room. The dining room was to the left side of the stage and only had the dining table and surrounding chairs. There was a door in the back of the set where characters entered and exited through. Beside the door was a table and stool where Willum presumably worked on his blueprints for the hotel. The lighting design was great; it put you into the atmosphere of the
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the berry college theatre company put on a production titled the nerd by larry shue. the cast is small and only has 7 people in it.
- Describes the setup of the stage, which was the living room of a home in the early 1980's.
- Opines that willum, played by alex rodriguez, was a decent actor, but he was not an astounding actor.
- Opines that their favorite aspect of the play was the lighting. it had a lot of blues in it and gave it that 80's vibe.
653 wordsRead More - Importance Of Being Earnest Movie Vs Play Analysisanalytical essayEveryone always says the story is always better than the movie, let’s say it’s always the truth. ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ is a theatrical play about two men Jack and Algy. Jack is a man from the country who lies saying his name is earnest when he goes into the city, he is very in love with Algy’s cousin Gwendolen. Lady Bracknell is Gwendolen’s mothers who very much does not like jack what so ever. Algy is a man in very much debt who ends up falling in love with Jacks ward Cecily, he also has some lies about who is. The whole point of lying about who they both are was to get away from the everyday lives they lived and not worry about being found out. In 2002 this famous play was turned into a movie, sadly though a lot of scenes were
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how 'the importance of being earnest' is a theatrical play about two men, jack and algy.
- Analyzes how a lot of scenes were added in the movie compared to the script, since they have more time and space. the addiction gives it more life, showing the life of wealthy people at the time.
- Analyzes how in act two a lot is switched and placed in different places in the movie.
- Analyzes how the movie adds comedic scenes to give it more life. miss prism went to see dr. chasuble when he was working and lady bracknell called for her.
- Opines that the importance of being ernest is a delightful play. they compared the script and the movie since they could knit pick it.
824 wordsRead More - Algernon Essay: The Importance Of Being Earnestanalytical essay"You can't possibly ask me to go without having some dinner. It's absurd. I never go without my dinner. No one ever does, except vegetarians and people like that" (Wilde 42). Algernon cannot believe Jack has just asked him to leave his house without providing dinner first. Even though Algernon has just made Jack confess his fake identity of Ernest to Gwendolen, and also has been caught in the act of deception trying to be Ernest for Cecily. Yet, through all the pretense and distress Algernon still clings to the fact that it is preposterous for Jack to not serve him an evening meal. During the Victorian Period, food is of the upmost importance. The role of food within the play is to create the customs of good society, shield feelings of disdain,
In this essay, the author
- Opines that sugar isn't fashionable anymore, and cecily looks angrily at her.
- Opines that jack is at the muffins again! they wish you wouldn't. there are only two left.
- Analyzes how algernon clings to the fact that it is preposterous for jack to not serve him an evening meal. the role of food within the play is to create the customs of good society.
- Analyzes how algernon is delighted to see jack until he feels that jack has not appreciated his customary refreshment at five o'clock.
- Analyzes how algernon's relations with his aunt make it acceptable for him to partake of the cucumber sandwiches but it is impolite for jack to eat them.
- Analyzes how the subtle remarks and actions display the amount of displeasure that is appropriate for a victorian women quarrel.
- Concludes that trickery and scorn are associated with the food that is served. victorian aristocrats hide behind their polite customs of good society by concealing refreshments.
871 wordsRead More - Queen Elizabethexplanatory essayThe layout of the Globe Theater was very complex in which it could house up to 3,000 people. The Globe was like an open arena, but with a stage in the center. The Globe had only one main entrance. The theater was an octagonal shape with approximately 20 sides and was three tiers high of roofed wooden galleries. There were two sets of stairs on either side of the entrance. In the middle of the theater there was a stage, supported by two columns. In the middle of the stage there is a Trap door. The stage wall framework included two doors on both sides of the stage, which lead to the back stage where all the props and costumes were stored. Between the two doors is curtained off for the inner stage which sets an indoor setting. Just above the inner stage there would be an upper stage, where they would do bedroom scenes or balcony type scenes. Unlike the Globe Theater, the stage had a roof and hut on top. On top of the hut there would be a flag, the flag would symbolize which type of play was being performed. The Globe didn’t have an artificial method of lighting, the light used was from the sun, so the plays normally were performed in the afternoon.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the globe theatre was the most popular and unique elizabethan theater in the late sixteenth century.
- Describes the complex layout of the globe theater, which was like an open arena, but with a stage in the center.
- Explains that the admission cost was based on the location of the seat, making it affordable to everyone.
- Explains the layout of the theater provided elegant comfortable seats for the rich and standing room only for commoners. the upper- middle class would tend to sit in the first gallery.
- Lists the actors who performed at the globe theater, including william shakespeare, henry condell, richard burbage, and john hemings.
- Opines that a day at the globe theater would have been fun similar to the mullet festival in niceville. the theater attracted young folks and many people would skip out of work to come see the plays.
- Explains that the globe theater opened on bankside in southwark, london in 1599. the first play to be performed at the theater was "julius caesar."
- Cites badian, e., "marcus junius brutus." encyclopdia britannica online.
707 wordsRead More - ANd People all Aroundopinion essayIn my opinion the set and the special effects were rather bleak. There was only a stage with a high rise and steps as well as a box and a bench for props. There was a phone however that was used for a few scenes. The colors of all of the props as well as the stage were a dark grayish color. In reference, I did wonder if that was purposely done for the nature of this play or if it was coincidence.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the play was a success. the lighting was adequate, the set was slim, sound was contributed, and the acting was outstanding.
- Opines that the lights did not play an important role in this play, but they did set the spaces from each point of the play. the only lighting effects were during the scenes when the choir started singing.
- Opines that the set and special effects were rather bleak. the colors of all of the props and the stage were a dark grayish color.
- Opines that the costumes were normal and nothing exquisite, since the story line took place in a small southern town in mississippi.
- Opines that sound was not a major contributor throughout the play. during particular scenes, you would hear choir singing and one particular black girl with long hair.
- Opines that the acting in this play was the only thing that made it possible.
625 wordsRead More - War Horse Play Analysisanalytical essayThe set was a relatively simple proscenium stage. It protruded into the audience slightly in a semi-circle. This made the viewer feel more involved with the performance and closer to the characters. This connection with the characters meant every decision and every scene made the audience feel something, as if it had happened in their own life. This effect could have been put in place to reprosent that many people were affected by the world wars and wars in general.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the proscenium stage protruded into the audience in a semi-circle, making the viewer feel more involved with the performance and closer to the characters.
- Analyzes how the general who was riding joey into machine gun fire and was killed was left on stage for the next one or two scenes, dead, with people sitting in the stools.
- Analyzes how the massive black girders represent the burdens on albert's mind, such as finding joey and his struggle for a life he truly cares for.
- Analyzes how the scene where albert and one of his comrades are hiding and albert kills a german soldier was symbolic of their relationship.
- Analyzes how the set was non-naturalistic, with props, parts of set, characters coming on and off stage, and a large spinning plate in the centre of the stage.
- Analyzes how the torn piece of paper hung at the back of the stage was massive compared to anything else on stage. it was a similar shape to the paper that albert ripped from the sketchbook.
- Analyzes how paule constable's lighting was effective to show atmosphere in the scenes. when there was an explosion on the battlefield, the lights were strobing and moving sporadically all over the audience.
- Analyzes how the lighting was a deep night blue, which was consistent throughout the scene. the argument between ted and albert was serious, as they spoke differently after the fight.
- Explains that when joey first came home to the farm there was a very distinct yellow/golden light shining down of the two while they bond.
- Analyzes how the stage is blacked out except a bright white spotlight on the characters not in the still image. this symbolises the importance of the moment as it symbolizes the parting of two friends.
- Opines that the puppets used in the performance were amazing, not naturalistic, and choreographed with meaning and precision. joey and topthorn face off in an aggressive dance of sorts.
- Analyzes how the puppets were vocalised by people, which added to the anthropomorphism of the horses, letting the other characters and the audience connect with them on another level.
- Opines that the gestures were simplistic, like joey's tail flick, and albert’s family goose. most viewers probably wouldn’t have guessed that puppets could be so expressive.
- Analyzes how the appearance of a tank on stage illustrates the encroaching use of technology in warfare and the increasing industrialisation of society at this time.
- Analyzes how topthorn's death is symbolic of the morbidity and inhumanity of war going on.
- Explains that after topthorn had finished sputtering and dying, the three operators stepped out of the shell and seemed to show respect and look down on the puppet. this could be showing that the war had lost control.
- Opines that the story and how it was presented really showed what war can do and what some individuals must have gone through.
1800 wordsRead More - Theatre Comparison Essayanalytical essayThe scenic design was also set in various ways, some ways one may not even think of until being presented with them. When a train took off steam would come from a device under the musicians seat that was naked to the eye. When it was a dismal part of the play the lighting controlled by the technical individuals placed behind the audience was sure to express those feelings with the changing of the lights. When riding an elephant different furniture was stacked a rope was used to simulate the trunk, when at sea and sailing the sound was set to simulate being at sea and the lights were dimmed. All the while the actors would move there bodies to simulate actually riding on a train, elephant, or ship, while still putting on an awe-inspiring
In this essay, the author
- Describes how they went to see around the world in eighty days with a very open mind as it was the first professional play they have seen.
- Describes how the experience was different from the moment they walked into the theatre. the patrons were well-dressed and the staff was helpful.
- Analyzes how the first actor set the scene with perfectly projected narration. the actors were dressed in victorian clothing.
- Analyzes how the scenery was pleasing to the eyes, the stage itself was circular, and the scenic design was set in various ways.
560 wordsRead More - Seascape Play Essayanalytical essayI believe this is a thrust stage since the setup was semi-circular. During the play, they used all the downstage position to act majority of the play. I loved the way the stage was set up as a beach scene, and to know most of the stages props was had more made them even more interesting. It had all the features of a beach such as the palm trees, sand, wooden walkway, and the beach sound. The lighting of the play did not really transform while they were acting. The only time the lights were very dramatic is when the first Act was about to end. I dislike the way they ended the play, they should have used curtains. It was amusing when Sarah and Leslie ended the act on their back in their submission pose. The sounds of the play were breathtaking, also they were precise when they needed to be. For example, when they needed the airplane sound effect, it was right on time. There should have been supplementary music added throughout the play in the background, even while they were acting. That would have made the play catchier and more realistic, the birds are nonstop, and the ocean sounds are always going. The conflict of the play was Man vs. Man and Man vs. Nature because Leslie the lizard and Charley the man, were extremely cruel to each other. Overall, my experience of this play was wonderful, the characters were well trained, and
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how seascape explores the human habit of creating illusions to fill an internal void or to sweeten the bitterness of life.
- Opines that the play setup was an example of a thrust stage since it was semi-circular. the lighting was dramatic and the sounds were breathtaking.
460 wordsRead More - The Importance Of Being Earnest by Wildeanalytical essayreveal the conclusion of "now realizing the vital importance of being Earnest." The play follows the seriousness of the life of upper class society and displays it as a joke.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how oscar wilde's the importance of being earnest criticized victorian manners and morals, attacking the society of the rich and luxurious.
- Analyzes how algernon's view of marriage is preposterous for the victorian age, but it is true in real life.
- Analyzes how wilde uses lady bracknell's interview of earnest to mock the values of london society, which put a higher premium on social connections than on character or goodness.
- Analyzes how jack/earnest and algernon's views on marriage suddenly change when they meet "the young and beautiful cecily."
- Narrates how algernon proposes to cecily within one day, and she responds with "of course. why [they] have been engaged for the last three months."
- Analyzes how cecily wrote herself letters to algernon and then responded to the letters as if she was. the reader is presented with an overwhelming parody and incongruity of her imagination.
- Analyzes how cecily and gwendolyn's friendship turns sour after they find out they are engaged to earnest. the girls bicker back and forth to prove that they're both engaged.
- Analyzes how jack discovers that his real name is earnest, and that gwendolyn and jack can finally get married in the last sentence of the play.
1057 wordsRead More - Importance Of Being Earnestanalytical essayTheatre Studies: Cat One Draft The Importance of Being Earnest is set in late Victorian England, a time of social reform. Society was rediscovering art in its many forms yet as a consequence, The Upper class continued their program of suppressed inferiority. The lower classes were treated with disdain and disgust and the animosity between the groups was easily visible. Essentially, the late Victorian era was the beginning of a mini cultural renaissance, yet Upper Class society, which forms the basis of the play was rigidly controlled by a set of unwritten rules, a code of conduct as it may, in which all were expected to conform with.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the importance of being earnest is set in late victorian england, a time of social reform. the upper class continued their program of suppressed inferiority, while the lower classes were treated with disdain and disgust.
- Explains that women rebelled against their stereotypes towards the end of the 19th century. they became active in the social scene with charities, churches, local politics, and the arts.
- Analyzes how the importance of being earnest is a play in the comedy of manners style that satirizes the ways of late victorian upper class and their social etiquette.
- Describes how the importance of being earnest was staged in conventional theatres in the confines of the proscenium arch. it used the ideas of realism and thrust them upon the stage.
- Analyzes how wilde uses alliteration and puns to create a complex, yet enthralling language.
- Describes their role in designing tickets for their production. they researched victorian society and found older examples of victorian work. after drafting the design, they presented the finished product to the class.
1045 wordsRead More