The thing that I loved most about these plays was all of the opportunities for interaction between the audience and the actors. The plays were written in such a manner that allowed the spectators to be a part of the production. The carnival plays wouldn't have had a halfway interested audience that played on their phones during the whole thing like most of the plays today, but an excited, rowdy audience that enthusiastically participated and would come back again and again.
As stated in the introduction, 'An actor may address the audience directly, pay them false compliments, and invite them to celebrate themselves with drink.'
All of these things really draw the audience into the performance and especially for plays performed during such jovial times, there has to be that interest.
While reading the carnival plays, I found my own interest waning and was only able to be fully taken by the story when I imagined it in my head. Unlike Lysistrata, I would rather see the play than read it. I don't think I will be able to fully appreciate the plays until I see them acted out.
A specific example of this, for me, was 'The wife in the well.' While reading, I absolutely hated Gritta the cheating wife for what she did to her husband and on top of that turning the blame on him. It was so frustrating to read about that happening. I wanted the husband to break down the door and let her get in trouble like she deserved. But if I were to watch the play, I have no doubt that I would be turned into Gritta's co-conspirator and would take pleasure in tricking the stupid husband right along with her.
In conclusion, the carnival plays are without a doubt meant to be performed and are best appreciated during a carnival setting. A dry reading of them leaves an slight aftertaste of disgust that I have not been able to shake. Hopefully, I'll be able to see them performed in person and then be able to appreciate the humour in them.
I agree Erin. I feel like I am at such a disadvantage when reading these plays because it is difficult to focus. There are many things I miss that would provoke emotions, but the dialect and all the other things such as the stage setting sort of throw me out of rhythm when trying to read the story.
ReplyDeleteI also agree. Sometimes it is hard to focus when you aren't able to fully see what is going on. I get distracted at times and lose my place while reading and have to start over. On the other hand, I like the imagination of being able to form my own images of characters and not simply see what is there.
ReplyDeleteI agree that these plays would be hilarious live, but I also liked being able to imagine what's going on. In my head, I could see something like the Hunchback of Notre Dame street fair mixed with old school eye brow wagging performances. Maybe it's just that I've read quite a few plays and I listen to "radio" shows that I don't mind not seeing it. Though visual aid is always great, the chance to imagine things is rarely lost on me.
ReplyDelete-Andrea