Problem
A. Identify one theme in The Tempest using the lens of post-colonial criticism. Use specific concepts in the chapter, such as "othering" (Dobie 212). Questions in the chapter might help you find themes as well. For instance, "Is the work critical of colonialism, approving of it, or ambivalent about its value?" (Dobie 213). What does the play say about the theme?
B. Select a scene that communicates the theme you just identified particularly well. Then explain how you would best communicate those ideas to an audience by choosing three staging elements, such as music, lights, casting, etc. in that important scene in the play. Be sure to use post-colonialism as lens.
1) Whom would you cast and why? Part of your reasons for specific casting would be that the actor you selected somehow conveys important features of your character in that particular scene. You can base that on the actor's previous performances, persona, what they are famous for, the way they look, etc. How do the actors you select convey important ideas about the scene you selected?
2) Would you, like director Trevor Dunn does in the Twelfth Night, change the setting of the Twelfth Night to the seventeenth century? Would you make it present-day Seattle? Would you, like in the movie She's the Man set it in a high school in the year 2006? Why would you choose that specific setting? Root this answer on the ideas from the play you wish to convey.
3) Would you include music in the scene? What song/composition? How does the music communicate important themes or ideas in the scene?
4) What props would you include? How do they enhance or convey ideas your group sees in the scene?
5) What about costuming? How would you dress the characters in the scene to suggest not only personal traits but also the themes conveyed in your scene, etc.
6) Whatever staging choices you propose, explain how your decisions reflect your interpretation of the text. Nothing should be random but you have to propose intentional choices to communicate your unique interpretation of the text.