The Plan (what are we doing?)
When planning what to do with this project, we settled on doing a modernized version of The Contrast. Our current plan is to modernize the script in the style of a screenplay. Instead of the setting being New York, our setting will be located in the South. Along with the modernized text, we plan to use a cast of modern celebrities, redesign the costumes to fit the current fashions, and make a short trailer with our suggested cast. To do this, we plan on editing together clips from movies that the cast members have previously performed in.
The Purpose (how does it make the text easier to understand?)
Our purpose is to make the ideas of The Contrast stand out in a modernized setting, as easily as they would have in the original play performed in the late 18th century. The main idea of the original play was for America to make their own way, not just follow the old European way. That idea simply breaks down into a “be yourself” type theme and encourages people to create their own selves, not be a copy of something already done. Be an original! Our ideas will focus around that idea and attempt to make it relevant in the lives of today’s people.
The Application (how does this apply to the themes of the class: comedy, laughter, or society?)
Modernizing The Contrast will help draw a connecting line from its original purpose to current societal standards. A modern screenplay will emphasize the role of originality. Creating artistic renditions of certain character costumes in this remake will align with The Contrast's theme of American versus European fashion. Selecting a cast from today's popular actors and actresses will help fellow classmates visualize (and connect with) the characters, and a short movie trailer will add vivid reality to the play's modern setting and updated message.
Andrea Brys
Olivia Jolley
Whitney Stevens
I am interested in seeing your movie trailer. I think being able to see the characters in a modernized text will make it much easier to understand the overall purpose of the text.
ReplyDeleteThis idea is very creative and I believe that you will enjoy working on it. However, I do not believe that the effect The Contrast would have had on audiences in the late 1700s would be equal to the project you are creating. I think that when The Contrast was performed its message of America setting itself apart from Europe was set in the minds of all Americans and they hated anyone who thought America should be more like Europe. That is not the response we have today when people try to imitate the styles and actions of others, and that is why I beleive it will not have the effect on people that I believe you are hoping for.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your input, Stevan! I agree that the shock of America vs. Europe would have been a more prominent mindset at the end of the 18th century, but will have to diverge when it comes to the interpretation of modern dichotomies. I believe there are a lot of shocking cultural styles and modern actions that can cause rifts between sociological groups (anything LGBTQ related, for instance, or even North vs. South in the USA). Still, I think you're absolutely correct that this sort of project has the potential to be mundane, and will definitely heed your advice by bringing something fresh to the table!
DeleteAs a fan of American History, The Contrast was one of my favorite plays and I'm excited to see what you come up with.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see which actors or actresses you would pick to correspond to the different characters in The Contrast and what kind of costume designs would you be using to make sure that they fit the current fashion styles yet stay loyal to the core message of the play.
ReplyDelete