Meditation #1

Title/Subject: Meditation #1

I have performed and read many plays throughout high school, so my personal experience is larger than my research experience, but I am looking forward to learning more through this class. History plays a vital role in all aspects of life, for me personally, it is an exciting pastime. As far as theatre history goes, I am not as well versed as I hope to become, I know some about the Greek influence in the creation of Theatre.

Since Moliere is one of my favorite playwrites, I did some biographical research on him and I discovered information I never knew about him. The following is an excellent link if you would like to learn more about his biographical information. http://www.discoverfrance.net/France/Theatre/Moliere/moliere.shtml

As for Madea, which is one of my favorite Greek tragedies, I tried to Google it, but all I could come up with was a movie called "Madea's Family Reunion", which is not what I was looking for. We had read it aloud in class once, and I just find the story so intriguing, the way she sacrificed her own children in order to cast revenge on her ex, Jason, it's just so morbid. I know about Homer, "The Illiad", "The Odyssey", both interesting epic tales. If you want a modern version of "The Odyssey", I would recommend the movie "O' Brother Where Art Thou?", with George Clooney. I find it interesting that such ancient works are still popular and are continuously reinvented to create modern movies, with mass appeal.

Shakespeare is another excellent example of adaptations that are popular. His same story line, modernized. I have performed different Shakespearean plays in the past, so I know some Shakespearean history. I enjoy Shakespeare, but I just think it is incredibly overdone. A great link for more Shakespearean information is http://absoluteshakespeare.com/

Through this class, I want to know more, information I wouldn't learn in a regular "theatre class". Important theatre history, dates and people who changed the course of theatre and made it what is today.