Ms. Monsod

For those who want to read The Theater and Its Double by Antonin Artaud here is the download link for the pdf:

The Theater and Its Double

Angela S. was ready to give a workshop today. I prefer that she she postpones this to next week because I want to witness it. Sorry, Angela, I know you worked hard on it but I cannot bear to miss it.

So, in lieu of her workshop, the class will:
1. In pairs, do enrichment research on any of the sources mentioned in the chapter from Drama and Theater Studies that they read this week. For example, one pair may want to report on the production of Frankenstein by The Living Theater (see page 282). The presentation the students make to the class next week (after Angela’s workshop, of course) must help stimulate more ideas for the upcoming Artaudian piece that the class will present in mid-September. Please make a list of the topics each pair has chosen. Sources must be acknowledged properly during the presentation. PLEASANTLY SURPRISE ME, people. Remember, thou shalt create thine own path (eventually, masterpiece). Also, while you are expected to be an expert on your chosen topic, thou shalt not bore us.
2. Start their reflections on last session’s activity which they will place in their sketchbook journal (due Tuesday). The more visuals the reflection contains, the better.

REMINDER FOR THE CLASS: Bring sketchbooks and media for next meeting.

Read carefully the chapter on Antonin Artaud. What does he mean by “cruelty” in staging? How does this apply to the relationship between audience and performers? Sound? Lighting? Acting? Scenarios? Language?
Why is Artaudian theatre also “ritual theater?”

Reminder: By next week (Aug. 15 for Block A, Aug. 16 for Block G), each of you must be equipped with a sketchbook journal and preferred media (ink, pencils, craypas, etc.) that you can use to illustrate your ideas.

Watch and have a good laugh. Then, after reading about Artaud (Mackey, 256-291) explain how this relates to his ideal theater.  Give specific examples from the film.

What effect does this have on you? What theater piece can you envision that incorporates aspects of this performance?

Lucas Van Leyden's Lot and His Daughters from http://www.art-prints-on-demand.com

This painting, dated 1521 and attributed to Lucas Van Leyden, inspired Antonin Artaud. What information can you find about the story behind the painting? What are outstanding characteristics of the painting?  What kind of theater (theme, characters, movement, lights, sounds, set, relationship to the audience) do you think this painting inspires? Why?