Discussion Post
• Submits your weekly journal entry here. You should describe your observations and thoughts about what you accomplished and your experiences. How do you see the campaign going? What have you seen in the press or on social media?
• Why do you think the Royal Shakespeare Company production of Hamlet with Paapa Essiedu uses the artwork of Jean-Michel Basquiat as a prominent part of its design concept?
Watch Hamlet RSC starring Paapa Essiedu
Read article "Colour-Blind Casting: How Far Have We Really Come?" by Lyn Gardner, and "Review of Shakespeare's Hamlet (Directed by Simon Godwin" by Nour El Gazzaz
Writing a successful critique means going beyond simply deciding whether the film adaptation was "good" or "bad". Value judgments like "it was great" are impossible to support with any real evidence. Instead, carefully consider the effectiveness of the film adaptation, and how the creative choices made by the director, actors, and designers inform your understanding of the play. You may begin by simply asking yourself your general emotional response to the film (I loved it, I only liked certain aspects of it, I thought it would never end...) but that is merely scratching the surface. Your task is to determine critically and then articulate intellectually why you believe the film succeeds or fails in its adaptation of the play you read.
Justification of your opinions is key. There is no "right" or "wrong" response to a work of art. However, if your perspective lacks justification your opinions will lack validity. Stating "this film was effective because the acting was good" will not suffice. Why was the acting good, and what do you mean by "good"? Explain and use examples.
Example:
Incomplete:
Among the cast, performance styles varied. Meryl Streep's interpretation of Mother Courage also appeared inordinately funny.
Complete:
Among the cast, performance styles varied; rather than fragmenting the production, however, this collage of techniques complemented the evocative and eclectic setting and highlighted the way that Kushner's script spoke across specific historical moments. Meryl Streep's interpretation of Mother Courage also appeared inordinately funny, thereby turning preconceived notions of the tragic character on their head and allowing the contemporary audience to see the play with fresh eyes.
The response must include a reference list. One-inch margins, double-space, Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font and APA style of writing and citations.