Comments Post

Prompt 7
http://devinangelique.blogspot.com/2014/10/prompt-7-space.html?showComment=1418413919927#c7483598940828464381

Prompt 8
http://gtpbloggo.blogspot.com/2014/10/prompt-8-ive-recently-had-some-hands-on.html?showComment=1418414414597

Prompt 9
http://sanchavis.blogspot.com/2014/11/post-9.html?showComment=1418415619489#c7817423730742034655

Prompt 10
http://bturn4130.blogspot.com/2014/11/post-10.html?showComment=1418417406239#c6302255156893789369

Prompt 11
http://alexandriaandarathtr4130.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-uncanny.html?showComment=1418417779429#c8224065939826210236

Final Prompt

As I reflect on our past semester of readings, in-depth discussion, and performance experiments, I can think of a few ideas and concepts that I have trouble digesting or taking an opinion on. I think that having an internal struggle about how I feel about these ideas is not a bad thing. I've really enjoyed exercising my analytical skills this semester by reflecting on our classes. This class has also enlightened me to a field of study that I am incredibly interested in but have not been aware of until now.

Something that I have struggled with and have discussed repeatedly outside of our class is the concept of "liveness", and how pre-recorded implements are used in performances. I can understand that using pre-recorded elements are necessary for many live performances, but there is a line that can be crossed when they are over-used. When I go to see a theatrical performance, I have certain expectations. A live and alive performance allows you to suspend your disbelief and become more immersed with the action on stage. When pre-recorded elements are over-used in live performance, the juxtaposition of the two takes me out of the show because I'm aware of the differences.
An example that comes to mind is the opening sequence of LSU MainStage's production of Fifth of July. A sequence of pictures and video clips preceded the action of the play, which I assume was to give us context for the time period. I found the context helpful, but the sequence to be a bit too lengthy. The sequence was displayed on a large projector screen behind the set. Perhaps if the video was displayed on a television set that was on the set, it would have established more of a connection to the action on stage. It really felt removed from what I came to the theatre for that day- a performance of Fifth of July.
Hopefully the careful balance of live and pre-recorded is respected for the future ahead. I do not want to be phased out by a projector.

Post Prompt #11 Using "the uncanny".

The first example of "the uncanny" that I could think of is the 1999 film "Bicentennial Man", starring the late Robin Williams. This film (set in 2005?!) experiments with elements of the uncanny, as Williams' character transitions from a robot with very rigid movement, then an "android"- a more upgraded model, and eventually into a "human body", which eventually leads to the end of his life. Towards the later half of the movie when the robot named Andrew transitions into his more human form, we start to feel that familiar uncanny feeling.
Bicentennial Man has the advantage of having a real human actor playing this "robot coming to life", but there is still an attempt to make the "robot-ness" of the character apparent. I think the use of the uncanny in this film is to remind us of our feelings about the mixing of human and robot elements. I'm not sure how successful this movie was in its effort to show... well, I'm not sure. "Robots have feelings too?" I remember this being a pretty strange film.

I think the uncanny can obviously lend itself to horror, but some elements could be used in comedy. There are some who can find a lifelike Japanese humanoid robot very humorous, because it is an attempt at a human-like form that does not quite make it there. Some may find the inadequacies of these robots creepy, while others may find them humorous. It depends on the context in which they are set.
I'm sure that the more technology advances, the more experimentation with "live but not alive" performance we will see. My current view is that a performance that is not alive is not one that engages me as much as one that is alive.

The feeling for the uncanny is an important sense for artists to develop so that in the future, the fine line that can be tread when using this technology in an art form that is meant to be viewed by the public isn't crossed. The artists wouldn't want to make their audience feel unnecessarily uneasy.

Maggie's Blog Prompt #10: EMPATHY - Response

I can certainly agree that we are living in a world of increasing cynicism, narcissism, and apathy. I think that utilizing the tools that Boal offers via Theatre of the Oppressed could be a window into the future. Theatre can help remind us of the world around us and that humans need interaction that is more than hiding behind a computer screen. The experience of attending a performance of something whether that be a dance, music, theatrical, or other kind of performance reminds us of the amazing things that we can do as humans.
I think that forum theatre is a great way to create discussions between those who wish to initiate social change. Giving people the ability to step into someone else's shoes while discussing these important issues can I've some much needed insight to some who might not get the opportunity in any other kind of way.

The answer to combating injustices and wrong doings across to world boils down to one word: "awareness". If we are made aware of issues and told the real facts, not biased opinions, our very nature will lead us to find solutions. That could mean electing new leadership, lobbying for new legislation, or joining a protest.
I think that theatre doesn't need to always be the "answer", but it can be a much needed release as well as a forum to discuss topics in new ways that can continually be modified and updated depending on the needs of the piece. It is a place to air out opinions about these topics, but if done in the right way, can inspire social change. If injustices are brought to light in a popular public forum, there's a higher chance that someone will be inspired to initiate social change. Theatre has that powerful tool that many other mediums do not have.