Aaron

Even though Aaron was compared to an animal, I think the way he reacted to the Roman's view of his was a sign of strength. The Romans saw him as less than due to his skin color. However, Aaron could have melted down so to speak or given in to their accusations. Instead, he creates a "tainted" child with the queen and even down to his impending death, he clearly states that he does not regret his actions and if he had the chance, would commit many more. To me, it seemed like his actions showed the Romans that he wasn't going to act the part of a lesser than creature. I think the fact that he went after Tamora, the "forbidden" and on top of that, produced offspring was, was the strongest way he could have rebelled against the Romans.

Othello Play Group

Originally, Alexa wanted to do Othello as a reality TV show, such as the Bachlorette. However, Jai and Mark wanted to play specific characters. I'm glad she decided to go a different route because the police academy idea really focuses on the power Iago wants in the play. I'm not sure what I want to do as production designer, but Alexa and I have worked out the costumes and hair. We will mainly be in street clothes for most of the production, except for pant suits for the opening scene and hair will be pinned back or simply put up. Alexa wants to go for a "Law and Order" atmosphere, which is a show I don't watch. I don't mind this, but I probably should watch the show to get a better idea of where she wants to go with this production. I think after rehearsals and seeing the stage, it'll come together to be an interesting experience.

Romeo & Juliet

When acting out the scene before Juliet drinks the poison, I was keeping in mind how Claire Danes went back and forth when by the pool. Her soliloquy was indecisive in that she weighed both life and death. Pacing back and forth seemed to fit with her choice of words. To read Shakespeare is one thing, but acting it out gave everyone a chance to really get involved with it and I also think by adding the gestures and the facial expressions we gained a better understanding of the emotions of Shakespeare's work. I liked how the other groups put so much emphasis on Juliet's hatred for Paris, one Juliet keeping her distance and the other starring straight at him. Having four different groups perform allow for different interpretions of teh scenes.

Romeo and Juliet

Romeo's "book of love" implies that women are cruel to men. Men are supposed to be the more powerful of the sexes, but women do have the upper hand. A man can like a woman as much as he wants, but if she isn't going to accept his gestures, it doesn't matter. In the end, it's up to her. It's interesting that women, seen as weak, may be stronger when it comes to love. Men, like Romeo with Rosaline and Juliet, seem to just fall apart when truly in love. They can handle violence, fighting, etc, but love screws them up. Juliet seems a lot stronger than Romeo. As far as Romeo being a predator, men are supposedly the chasers, but Romeo seems like he needs attention from women in general.