04.17.07
WEEK 7 – ADULTS, LEARNING AND DRAMA
In class today, Jo raised the question “Have you seen a piece of theatre that has really left an impression on youâ€. As soon as she asked the question my mind went into total overdrive. I attend theatre almost once a week – this may vary from a high school show, big budget musical, children’s shows or a community straight play. It baffled me that I couldn’t immediately think of something.
Off the top of my head if I had to pick something now, I would have to say the musical ‘Miss Saigon’ had affected me in some way or another, however I’m not sure if I’m saying that because it’s fresh in my mind as a show that I’ve recently seen and loved. I originally saw ‘Miss Saigon’ is Sydney in 1995 and fell in love with the music, characters and story of the show. Since then, I’ve also always wanted to visit Vietnam as a way of perhaps furthering my relationship to the show. On the surface, yes perhaps it has had a lasting impression on me (I’m seeing the show again on Saturday for the 3rd time), however when I compare it to other stories I’ve heard I question the depth of my connection.
I asked a theatre colleague of mine whether he had ever seen a piece of theatre that has left a lasting impression on him. (like me, he has seen a great array of theatre) He proceeded to tell the story of when he went to see RENT in NY and how after seeing the show, he cried for hours. He had a direct relationship to the show, as his life at that stage was parallel to one of the character’s in the show.
So really, what I’m saying is, things can affect you in different ways. I have fallen in love with heaps of shows or plays over the years… but do they hold a lasting impression on me? Or is it just simply that I like it and find it highly entertaining. I have performed in 2 versions of A Chorus Line, directed and choreographed it once, and probably seen about 6 different versions of the show throughout my years……….. Yes I love it……. But have I truly connected with it?? I’m not sure. And I’m not sure if anyone can answer that for me!
When you look at modern theatre today, you would have to say that the balk of it is directed at adults. If we are to look specifically at theatre to educate adults I think we need to look at the purpose and objective of the writer and director. As Zoe said in class, she’s thinks it inevitable that every piece of theatre has a moral lesson or story to tell, whether it was intentional or not. Let me just think of a few random shows I’ve seen –
Miss Saigon – Educates adults about the Vietnam War and the effects it had on both the American soldiers and the Vietnamese people
West Side Story – Educates adults about Racism and the need for societies to live as one.
Closer – Educates adults about relationships and infidelity.
Stolen – Educates adults about the stolen generation
So, are these pieces of theatre educational for adults???? I’m not sure – yes they can teach you a thing or two about life, however it’s not for me to say whether that was the direct intention in the first play. The intention of ‘Miss Saigon’ could have been to be the first theatrical piece to showcase a real life helicopter on stage???? I’m not sure…. I think the only theatre you can comfortable say is there for educational purposes is “Theatre in Educationâ€. Their aim, objective and obstacles are all centred round specifically educating their audience.
The Adults, Learning and Drama article by John O’Toole gives plenty of examples where drama is used to educate adults. This usually takes place in or around the workplace where adults play out possible scenarios or role play different situations. I think that adults might not be as receptive to drama as children as they don’t seem to be able to let go of their inhibitions as easily. Children have the cunning ability to be able to talk without thinking first, for adults, it’s a lot harder. My fear with teaching drama to adults is that they want to analyse everything too much and not just open their minds and bodies to the magic and possibilities that drama bring.
On the flip side of things, adults do bring with them a wealth of experience, knowledge and deep inner thoughts that can all be wonderful tools in drama education. These are the areas that I would tap into if I was in a position to teach adults drama.
After doing a quick search, I found a book that deals directly with Creative Play and Drama for Adults. There is a blurb about the book on the web. It’s interesting that they talk about adults perspectives that ‘Creative Play’ is childish and that where their hesitation to join in Drama stem from. Anyway, have a look if you like -
http://www.speechmark.net/speechmark/New_Titles/creativeplayadult.htm
Nick said,
April 18, 2007 at 1:25 am
It’s funny i never really thought about musicals having a meanign ebcause i’m not real into them but thinkign about it your right they all have some underlying tone to them spewing some message across just as every show is likly to do. The question is as you asked it was that their intial intention? I can’t answer it.
Nick