When people think of “theater” they often think of big, beautiful Broadway performances. These are typically performed on an older proscenium stage with the crowd located directly in front of the performers. In the typical Off-Off Broadway performance, however, “black box” style spaces are utilized to great effect. For this week’s discussion I would like you to discuss why it is that productions with lower finances would utilize a “black box” space rather than larger finance productions and how this style of space can be used to the benefit of the audience? A few things to consider: Where are these spaces typically located? How big are the spaces? Where is the audience located in a black box theater? What is the goal for the audience?
After having read Ch. 3: Tragedy or Comedy? Dramatic Genres participate in the following discussion. Our textbook references a statement made by the philosopher Kierkegaard who said, “Existence itself, the act of existence, is a striving and is both pathetic and comic in the same degree.” For this week’s discussion board assignment I want you to reflect on this statement and then answer the following question: What is your favorite example of a Tragicomedy? Some things to consider in your discussion include: While examples drawn from theater are preferred, feel free to discuss cinema if necessary? What are the defining principles of a tragicomedy? Which principles of the genre speak to you in the example you chose?
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