Theater
To write the performance review, view a live drama, drama-musical, opera, concert, oral performance, or other performing event (no sports events or movies, please). Inform your reader about the performance and evaluate its execution. The review should be two to three pages and formatted according to Turabian standards. The main elements of a review require you to do the following:
Introduce the performance, answering basic questions, such as who, what, when, and where. If it is a dramatic performance, name the director and producers, the actors in the lead roles (at least), and the author of the play. It may be appropriate to do some basic research on the author. For example, look up Thornton Wilder and a short description of Our Town and its place in American drama.
Give an overview/summary of the performance. For example, list musical pieces played in a concert, or briefly summarize the plot of a play or opera. Strive to give an accurate impression of the entire performance. Indicate the text’s subject matter its content.
Discuss the “staging” and execution of the performance–that is, its formal qualities. Were the actors convincing in their roles? Why or why not? What was the overall mood for the performance? Did it evoke participation from its audience? How did the set aid in or detract from the play’s content? Discuss its tragic and/or comic qualities. For a concert, comment on which pieces or movements were most effective and why you thought so. In this part of the discussion, incorporate the terminology of art criticism from the chapter germane to your review.
End the review by suggesting a specific audience who would most appreciate this performance.
Writing should be clear, organized, lively, and relatively free of grammatical errors and mechanical problems.
Feel free to note inconsistencies or weaknesses in the performance as part of your review in addition to noting the elements that were well accomplished.
Use Hamilton for this review, as I have already seen it and can provide proof to the Prof.
