Discussion
1. The play achieves its social message through a contrast of presenting various points of view about the uprising/riots. Looking back through the actual script I posted, or remembering the film, can you find specific pairs of characters whose points of view contrast with one another? Describe how these characters' perspectives on the riots contrast (you may juxtapose as many pairs as you like, but the important thing is to be specific and explain HOW they contrast, as thoroughly and specifically as you can), and then try to explain where the author's own viewpoint lies, in relation to these characters. What is HER point of view? What is she trying to tell her audience? Does she seem to sympathize with some characters more than others? How so? How can you tell? You may feel free to reference the actual video we saw, but I expect you to have read through the script as well. Use specific quotations to support your point of view.
2. What is the effect of having one person play all of these characters? In the DRAMATISTS' PLAY SERVICE version of the script that I posted on blackboard, Smith makes suggestions about how this play could be performed by a cast of six actors. Do you think this would make the piece more effective, or less? What is powerful theatrically (in terms of the play's social message) about one person doing all of these roles? What would be lost by having more than one person perform the show? What would be gained? Use specific quotations from the play script to bolster your argument if you choose to respond to this prompt.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.
Text Book: Twilighrt Los Angeles, 1992 by Anna Deavere Smith.