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.