Week 11

Preparation for Mon. Apr. 24

No new preparation – work on performances. Meet in Arboretum at the back of the Interpretive Center. If raining, meet in classroom. Please be prompt, come ready to rehearse and know your lines!

Preparation for Wed. Apr. 26

Read Plautus’ The Brothers Menaechmi (i.e. pp. 76-130). How is this play different from Plautus’ The Braggart Soldier? Jot down the main twists of the plot. Below are a couple of questions to consider as you read the play:

1. Plautus’ plays draw much of their meaning from structural polarities. One such polarity, for example, is the structural antithesis of forum vs. harbor. The forum is off-stage in one direction, the harbor is off-stage in the opposite direction. Characters who enter the acting space from the forum come from the world of business, those who come from or leave for the harbor represent a world of pleasure (otium) that is an escape from the world of business (negotium). For each of these two off-stage directions, identify one scene in which a character’s entrance or exit to or from the forum/harbor can be understood in these terms.

2. What different kinds of humor can you identify in the play? Here is a list of different types of humor. Draw up your list of the top five types of humor that you find in the play, then for TWO of them, find an example in the play and explain to the class how this humor plays out in your chosen example.

Preparation for Fri. Apr. 28

NEWSFLASH: Because of the weather, we will be rehearsing today in Alumni Hall. Please tell others in the class if you see them.

No new preparation – work on performances.

NOTE: Deadlines for performance poster (Monday, May 1) and program (Wednesday, May 3) coming up next week.