Interpretive Staging

This is a performance reflection and Powerpoint visualization of my group’s performance and class discussion of Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice, done for Erin Kelly’s ENGL 441 Shakespeare class. The goals of this assignment are to embody the kinds of dramatic choices that we discussed throughout the semester and to hone our public speaking and teaching skills. We were responsible for discussing and deciding upon an interpretation of their chosen scene where the classroom performance would illustrate this interpretation in some way. We were responsible for line memorization and blocking (physical arrangements and movements of the actors and props on the stage).

After the performance, we lead the class in a 10-15 minute discussion where we (1) answered questions from the class; (2) lead a conversation about your group’s interpretation and dramatic choices with the class; and (3) guided the class in making connections between your scene and the rest of the play.

I believe this performance demonstrates my ability to critically analyze and perform canonical texts as well as my ability to engage in the theatrical processes while communicating with an audience about the issues of the human condition found throughout the play.

I believe this paper satisfies the following program standards:

Communications: Speech, Media and Creative Performance

Demonstrate and evaluate oral performance in a variety of forms, using appropriate delivery criteria.
Demonstrate the ability to analyze and respond to components of communication discourse such as audience feedback, supportive listening and critical thinking.
Learn and apply strategies used by the media to impact society and evaluate the impact.
Specify the processes and techniques for making presentations in a variety of media forms.
Participate in dramatic performance, such as traditional playscripts, reader’s theater and oral interpretation.
Engage in theatrical processes, which apply production techniques, such as rehearsal strategies, principles of theatrical design and textual interpretation.
Produce creative writing in a variety of genres using processes and techniques that enhance the text.

Literature and Textual Analysis:

Read, study and analyze works of literature from the canon, including the literature of diversity, from a variety of literary traditions, movements and historical contexts.
Know and analyze a variety of literary elements, their forms and uses.
Analyze literary and non-literary texts and understand their structure, content and interpretations.
Consider and articulate the ways in which literature can engage readers and cause them to reflect on their own experiences and the human condition.
Reflect on the ways literature can inspire personal and social growth and change.