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Modern Broadway Musicals, 2006.
A paper looking at why the modern Broadway musical genre is not faring as well as older musicals and revivals of shows.
3,356 words (approx. 13.4 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 95.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at the changes that Broadway, as a physical place, as well as a genre, has undergone since its inception, in an attempt to understand why modern Broadway musicals are not doing as well as they had in earlier years. The paper concludes that the diminishing popularity of Broadway today is due to both financial reasons and audience-motivated reasons.
From the Paper
"Currently, according to Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, at least one fourth of the 30 million visitors to New York each year still come to see a Broadway play (Kroll 64), making it one of the top reasons tourists travel to New York. However, while there indeed seems to be a resurgence of interest in Broadway, there is a great disparity in profits for older musicals and revivals of shows from earlier decades and the more current modern musicals."
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Fifty Years of "Death of a Salesman", 2006.
A summary and analysis of Arthur Miller's famous play, "Death of a Salesman".
1,341 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the plot and characters in "Death of a Salesman" and explains how the message of the play can be applied to the times we live in now. The paper also makes comparisons between real characters in the life of the author and the fictional characters in the play.
From the Paper
"Arthur Miller is considered by many to be the greatest living playwright. 1999 marks the fiftieth anniversary of Miller's Pulitzer Prize winning play, Death of a Salesman, perhaps his greatest work. The story of Willy Loman, who could no longer sell whatever was in those suitcases he carried on stage, became the symbol of Americana, false pride and self-deception. Broadway is honoring the anniversary with a return of Death of a Salesman. The play, and the book which has sold eleven million copies, do not differ very much. In fact, the play follows the book word for word. The differences are in the way the play is presented, but there are more similarities than differences. Early in Miller's and Biff's lives, family crisis set an irreversible force which determined the positive and negative consequences in their future. The play takes place in the post depression era, both Miller and Biff grew up in the depression and were effected by the harshness of the times."
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?Macbeth? and ?Madea?, 2006.
A comparative analysis of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and Euripides' "Medea".
2,645 words (approx. 10.6 pages), 0 sources, $ 79.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how Shakespeare's "Macbeth" and Euripides' "Medea" are both tragic plays in the classical sense. It looks at how both Medea and Macbeth lust for the unattainable and how that lust destroys them. It cannot be said which character is a truly tragic figure, because both fit the description. It contends that if either character deserves more sympathy it is Madea, the jilted wife, not Macbeth the King killer since Macbeth's lust for power and his willingness to please his wife leads to his downfall.
From the Paper
"Macbeth is by far one of the greatest of Shakespeare's tragedies. Its images and representations of ambition, guilt and the degradation of being make him a truly tragic character. Macbeth starts out as a pretty-cool guy - he's a Scottish general and a gentleman, but has always wished to be more. It is not until after Duncan's death, that Macbeth truly begins to deteriorate into a faithless and remorseless man. He tells one lie to cover up another, having to commit one murder to cover up the other, until he looks back, and cannot even remember the first little step he took over the line. Only MacDuff, a faithful servant and soldier of Duncan and Malcom, can bring him down, even though the witches have rightfully prophesied that "no man of woman born" could possibly bring down Macbeth's reign of terror."
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"Death of a Salesman", 2005.
Examines the tragedy of women in this play by Arthur Miller.
832 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 0 sources, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper shows that Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" is packed with masculine overtones. Willy's heroes, the father-son relationship, and the sibling rivalry, all focus on the dynamics among men. The paper shows that the women in the play become the victims of the self-centered fears and inadequacies of Willy, Biff and Happy. They are instruments, exploited by these men in their quest for the American Dream. In other words, they are essentially conquests for them to overcome in order to get what they want out of society and life, in general.
From the Paper
"Nevertheless, Willy habitually condescends, patronizes, and demeans her, particularly in front of Biff and Happy. While he does offer some praise, it usually involves what she does for him. For example, Willy tells her that she is his "foundation and support." He is often full of contradictions. One minute, he is yelling at her to stop interrupting him, and the next minute, he is lamenting to Ben over how much she has suffered."
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Tom Stoppard's "Travesties", 2006.
A look at the life and career of playwright and author, Tom Stoppard, and his critically acclaimed play, "Travesties".
2,229 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 69.95
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Abstract
This paper begins with a brief biographical sketch of the life of Tom Stoppard, outlining his adolescent years in Japan, his university education and his career accomplishments. The paper also explains how Stoppard's early works led to the writing of his play "Travesties" and how Stoppard would mix humor with seriousness and moral concern when he wrote. Finally, the paper examines and analyzes "Travesties", explaining the central concept and theme running throughout the play.
Outline
Thesis Statement
Tom Stoppard: The Man
The Early Works as a Background for Travesties
The Close Up Look at Travesties
From the Paper
"Although there does not exist a book with the title of "Travesties," that was written by Tomas Straussler, now known as Tom Stoppard the worldwide acclaimed playwright and author, there is indeed his stage play with this title. The critically acclaimed play had its first performance by the Royal Shakespeare Company on June 10, 1974, at the Aldwych Theater in London and has played to packed houses throughout the world for several years following its debut and indeed is still performed by younger theater groups particularly in the United States on the university levels."
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The Ritual of Tonsuring, 2005.
This paper uses dramaturgy techniques to analyze the Roman Catholic ritual of tonsuring, the consecration of a monk, as a theatrical performance .
3,145 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 21 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Roman Catholic Church abolished the practice of tonsure to consecrate monks in 1972; however, the ritual tonsuring remains as part of the liturgy of the Russian Orthodox Church, "The True Catholic Church" (splinter group originating in Holland) and Buddhism. The author points out that, although modern anthropologists have correlated ritual and performance, the end result of ritual is usually substantially different than the end result of modern secular theatrical performance. The paper concludes that, although the ritual of tonsure may have some minor theatrical aspects including its use of antiphons (a form of liturgical theatre in the 9th century), this ritual is not a theatrical performance but rather a semi-private ritual between postulant monks and their bishop with a few personal observers. Long quotations.
Table of Contents
Description of the Ritual of Tonsuring in the Roman Catholic Church
Dramaturges Definition of Theatrical Performance
Ritual of Tonsuring as Liturgical Theatrical Performance
Theatrical Critique and the Ritual of Tonsure
Ritual and Theatrical Performance
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The primary reason is how do we critique an ancient ritual? When we critique modern productions, we evaluate many things, the production itself, the actors and their portrayal of the characters in the play and the settings.. Only, if one were to have attended several rituals of tonsure in order to look at their individual production value. How good was the choir, how smooth was the ritual performed, how involved were the individual supplicants? Then, we might begin to apply such methods of critique. The fact is these rituals are rare and private, usually attended only by the supplicants, the bishop, the choir and the supplicant's families."
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Father-Daughter Relationships, 2005.
Examines the father/daughter relationships in plays by William Shakespeare's, focusing on "King Lear".
1,257 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 3 sources, $ 42.95
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Abstract
Most, if not all, of Shakespeare's plays carry a theme where the relationship of the main father and daughter has an important role in the climax and outcome of the stories. By examining the relationship between King Lear and Cordelia in Shakespeare's "King Lear", this paper presents the opinion that the play has the most significant father and daughter relationship out of all Shakespeare's works. The paper also examines "The Tempest" and "Othello".
From the Paper
"In King Lear, Cordelia, the youngest daughter of Lear, refused to go overboard in her statement of love towards her father. When asked for her testimony, she simply replied, "Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave my heart into my mouth. I love your Majesty according to my bond, no more no less." Lear became enraged and casted her off saying, "Here I disclaim all my paternal care, propinquity and property of blood, and as a stranger to my heart and me hold this from thee for ever." Some think that Cordelia was prideful, or even a fool in her response, but I believe she was simply being honest and true."
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"Romeo and Juliet", 2006.
Summarizes William Shakespeare's famous love story.
925 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 0 sources, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the five acts in William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet", a tragic love story which involves rival families, forbidden love and suicide. The paper shows why its message is still considered relevant in this day and age.
From the Paper
"However, the playing off of conflict and compassionate love presents some of the greatest works of the genius of Shakespeare's writing skills. The vast scene portrayals are numerous and should be devoured slowly and with deliberation to absorb their full beauty and to determine their importance as they lead to the climatic scenes of Act V and the ending of the poem."
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"The Tempest" Critiqued, 2005.
Examines the views of two critics on William Shakespeare's "The Tempest".
3,459 words (approx. 13.8 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 97.95
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Abstract
The play, "The Tempest" by Shakespeare, has elicited many and varied responses. Some believe that Shakespeare wrote the play to symbolize himself in Prospero. As Prospero is bidding farewell to his magician's staff, Shakespeare is bidding farewell to his magical pen. Some critics have emphasized the romantic and comic elements in the play, while others disagree by emphasizing the tragic. This paper presents a discussion of two such opinions, followed by a discussion of the play with these opinions in mind. The critics examined are E.M.W. Tillyard ("The Tragic Pattern") and J. Warton ("Amazing Wildness of Fancy").
From the Paper
"The further tragedy of Prospero's life unfolds. He had once been the Duke of Milan, trusted and respected by all his subjects. His main mistake was however that he failed to give sufficient attention to his politics, and that he trusted the wrong people. His mind was occupied by intellectual pursuits, mainly of the supernatural kind, and thus he freed some time for himself by delegating the tediosness of government to his brother, Antonio. Prospero's naivete in doing this is another typical element of tragedy. His brother thus takes advantage of the opportunity to further his own ambitions. Naivety and pride therefore work together for a tragic result."
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"Romeo and Juliet", 2005.
Examines themes of love and hate in this tragic play by William Shakespeare.
1,045 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 1 source, $ 36.95
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Abstract
William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" is, first and foremost a love story. However, the real point of the play is the devastating effect of hate. The paper shows how the play is set in an atmosphere of hatred between the Montagues and the Capulets, and it is significant that Shakespeare juxtaposes the most beautiful of human emotions with the most terrible. The paper shows that this concept of love set amidst hate is spelled out in the prologue and within the first few lines we are told that the love of these two young people will be destroyed by the mutual hatred of their families.
From the Paper
"By the end of the play, Romeo's manliness has become his driving force. When Paris is killed and begs him to lay him in Juliet's tomb, Romeo remembers that he was Juliet's suitor and is filled with pity for him, granting his last request. When he sees Juliet, He is overcome with grief and in his last speech, vows to protect her and keep her company even in death..."
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George Bernard Shaw, 2006.
A biography of the Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw.
2,617 words (approx. 10.5 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 78.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the works, political and social beliefs and life of playwright George Bernard Shaw. It also discusses Shaw's influence on British and world theater and analyzes his most successful plays and the characters.
From the Paper
"George Bernard Shaw would hate to be called a great English playwright. Not that the "great" part would bother him. But he was born in Ireland (and died there at age 94). As one of his biographers put it: "Shaw draws from his own nation two unquestionable qualities, a kind of intellectual chastity, and the fighting spirit." Where some "names" we may be familiar withm\, Oscar Wilde and Noel Coward, sparred and took on "society" with clever words, Shaw was far more than a writer of clever, interesting plays. He was opening the eyes of his audiences well beyond the theatre to the struggle of class, and education. There is always a social moral to be found in his plays. As a pacifist and a Fabian socialist, he usually undertook to defend the poor and the unwary against the foibles of the leisure class."
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Actress and Teacher Stella Adler, 2005.
This paper discusses the life and work of Stella Adler (1902-1992), one of the most outstanding personalities on the American stage of the twentieth century.
1,355 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, for almost ninety years, Stella Adler, who was born into one of the most distinguished and celebrated acting families in theater, had a successful career acting, directing and teaching. The author relates that she founded the Stella Adler Conservatory of Acting in New York City in 1949 and taught such as famous students as Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro and Warren Beatty. The paper stated that Stella Adler had the best teaching approach: She was tough but her students did not fear her, they respected her and listened.
From the Paper
"From 1927 through 1931, Adler played over 100 roles in various productions. Her association with the Group Theater began in 1931. This famous organization was formed by Harold Clurman, Lee Strasberg and Cheryl Crawford. Adler won high praise for her performances in "Success Story" by John Howard Lawson, and later in two seminal Clifford Odets plays: "Awake and Sing" and "Paradise Lost". She married Harold Clurman in 1943, having previously married and divorced Horace Eleascheff. Her marriage to Clurman ended in divorce in 1960. She stayed with the Group Theater for a decade and lamented and deplored the fact that there was a dearth of good roles for women. She felt that the theater was geared for men and that the plays were written for men only. However, she credited the company for bringing the best out of her and for revitalizing her life in theater."
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"A Midsummer Night?s Dream", 2004.
A review of William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream".
1,070 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 0 sources, $ 37.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the play, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare. The paper examines how the play employs the same parallels that exist in reality within the make-believe world of the enchanted forest. The paper explains how the placement of a play within a play superimposes life's small episodes within the larger framework of reality. While the play is a comedy about life, the paper contends that it also alludes to the absurdity of resolving conflict.
From the Paper
"The two sets of lovers that enter the forest leave the reality of Athens for the magic of the fairyland. Unbeknownst to them, it is the magic of the fairies that sorts out their tangled relationships while they sleep. In the real world of Athens, the harsh reality is that Hermia must either wed the man her father wishes her to, live the life of a cloistered celibate, or be put to death. The acquiescence of Theseus and his persuasion of Hermia's father to permit the wedding between Hermia and Lysander, allow the returning lovers and Demetrius and Helena to remain partners. The four lovers are changed from an uncertain future in Athens to a life together after spending the night in the forest. This is a fairy-tale story from many viewpoints. It is the fairies that have worked their magic on the couples making the outcome viable. The pairing that results is the best for all involved. Although it appears Demetrius remains under the spell of the love juice even after they return to the city, the other individuals are now guided by their own passions, and any misguided love has been redirected to the appropriate partner."
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"Othello", 2005.
This paper discusses the character of Othello in Shakespeare's "Othello".
1,790 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 0 sources, $ 57.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Othello, like most of Shakespeare's tragic heroes, is a man notable for the contradictions in his character. The author points out that the combination of vanity, naivete and an inability to perceive correctly the world around him are the three characteristics that allow Iago to transform Othello from a conquering and triumphant war-hero into a cold-blooded murderer. The paper stresses that the most dramatic way in which Othello is imperceptive is that he fails to recognize Iago's lies before killing Desdemona; and, even after learning that she did not have an affair with Cassio, Othello still failed to realize that he has been manipulated by Iago. Many quotes as illustrations.
From the Paper
"One of the most striking things about Othello is his naivete. Although Othello is a renowned war hero who has seen and experienced horrors throughout his lifetime, he retains a basic naivete about life, especially life in society. Initially, Othello, though able to confront and kill the enemy, is unable to conceive of the idea that one who calls himself friend could be a threat. Othello's naivete is first demonstrated by his lack of knowledge regarding Desdemona's character. Othello idealizes Desdemona, and has characterized her deception of her father as something necessary in order to further their love, instead of considering that they could have admitted their romance to Brabantio rather than eloping. It is Brabantio, not Iago or Othello, that first brings up the concept that Desdemona might deceive Othello."
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Aeschylus' "Libation Bearers" and "Eumenides", 2005.
This paper discusses the Furies from Aeschylus' plays "Libation Bearers" and "Eumenides".
990 words (approx. 4.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 35.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the plays "Libation Bearers" and "Eumenides" are part of a trilogy of ancient Greek plays written by Aeschylus telling the story of King Agamemnon, his wife Clytaemnestra and their children. The author points out that, appearing in these plays, the Furies, who are the three daughters of Mother Earth, represent man's evil and hold him accountable for his evil actions thereby moving from justice to social change and merciful reform. The paper relates that the Furies, creatures of the underworld who become creatures of Athens, show that change and growth is good for society and good for individuals, like Orestes.
From the Paper
"The Furies are not evil, they avenge evil deeds, but they certainly are frightening and cause tumult around them. As they pursue Orestes throughout this play, they do indeed seem evil and vengeful. They can smell the blood of Orestes murdered mother, and that is how they track him all the way to Athens. Ultimately, the Furies could destroy Orestes, but Queen Athena intervenes, and changes the entire aspect of Orestes torment when she takes him to trial before a judge and jury. The Furies represent an old, archaic form of justice based on revenge, and that is another reason makes them ugly. Revenge and its' motives are often just as ugly as the Furies, and so, they represent a form of justice that may be quick, but is not always fair or even just. The Furies are living in the past, and Orestes, with his crime, will pull them into the future, where they can change the way they view the world and are viewed by the world."
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Nils Krogstad, 2005.
Examines the role of Nils Krogstand in Henrik Ibsen's play, "A Doll's House".
774 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
This paper shows that while Nils Krogstad is a minor character in "A Doll's House", he has a major function. He becomes an instrument of truth for us and for Nora because his letter reveals Helmer's true nature. While Krogstad causes Nora much distress throughout the play, he is indirectly responsible for her freedom. His desperation and his letter open her eyes to the fact that she is a prisoner in her own home. The paper concludes that from this perspective, his character is necessary to understand Nora's plight in "A Doll's House".
From the Paper
"In order for Nora to help Krogstad, she would have to tell Helmer everything and she is not willing to do this. Krogstad refuses to accept her explanation and simply tells her, "if I lose my position a second time, you shall lose yours with me" (I.144). Here we see how far he is willing to go with her. His sympathy for her situation is short-lived when he realizes that everything he has is at stake."
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?A Long Day?s Journey into Night?, 2005.
Examines the compassion conveyed in this play by Eugene O'Neil.
1,283 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the play by American playwright, Eugene O'Neil "Long Day's Journey into Night." The paper focuses on how O'Neil encompasses themes of family love and compassion in this autobiographical play.
From the Paper
"This connection through denial, love, and addiction is also seen between mother and sons. At one point, Mary is seen, like Jamie, refilling the liquor bottle with water to keep the level the same. The family 'trick' keeps up appearances for both characters. This sameness in protective mechanisms of addiction seems both touching as well as tragic-both child and mother protecting one another from one another's knowledge, through the same 'hiding' behavior, as if heredity creates both the hideous and debilitating nature addiction and the protective, loving mechanism to cover up the addiction from the family."
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Broadway Shows, 2005.
A paper arguing that the intellectual content of Broadway shows has declined.
1,908 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 60.95
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Abstract
In this paper, the author argues that, contrary to what is often assumed, Broadway has become more populist, not less. The author argues that, in spite of the spiraling cost of tickets to Broadway shows, the shows pander to the least demanding, most pedestrian of artistic sensibilities.
From the Paper
"It might be logical to surmise that because Broadway ticket prices have reached the dizzying heights of, say, tickets for major league baseball and football's better seats-in the neighborhood of $100 a ticket-the Broadway stage is becoming less populist, pricing theatergoers out of the velveteen seats. However, the opposite is closer to the truth. The higher those ticket prices go, the more populist the Broadway theater becomes."
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