Project 6 (project 2)

1)

HAMLET - A Puppet Tragedy

Czechoslovak-American Marionette Theater

Adapted by Vit Horejs from text by Shakespeare and a 1920's Czech puppet version.

Directed by Mr. Horejs

Songs by Ben Seessel

“Tis True, 'Tis a Puppet: Hamlet Hangs by a Thread”

http://theater.nytimes.com/mem/theater/treview.html?res=9b01efde153cf933a25753c1a961958260

This show is unconventional due to it’s Shakespeare done with puppets. The show uses puppets to tell the classic story in a totally different way. One would think also that since it is puppets it might be appropriate for children, but it is not. The puppets are used in a very erotic way. Also, the puppeteers are not hidden which makes it unconventional.

2)

Faust

Majak Theatre Group and Jezek and Cizek Theatre Group

August 15, 2007- August 19, 2007

Director: Jakub Capka

"One of our fundamental ideas is combining different worlds, and different circles of people. For example, we have homeless people working with both professional artists and amateur artists in an auditorium with an underground rock band. And together it works."

http://www.radio.cz/en/article/94499

This show is unconventional for two reasons. It is produced not only outdoors, but also in an unused reservoir. The second reason is that its actors are either homeless or have been homeless sometime during the life. This show combines both amateurs and professionals.

3)

Pippin

Deaf West Theatre

January 15, 2009 - March 15, 2009

Director: Jeff Calhoun

ASL Masters: Linda Bove and Alan Champion

"...the use of deaf and hearing performers together enhanced the show."

http://www.talkinbroadway.com/regional/la/la287.html

This show is unconventional because its leads are deaf. The leads do all the motions but have separate actors to provide the voice. The voice actors are not seen on stage. Sometime’s during the show the deaf actors will use sign language to communicate. I think this allows a more friendly environment to a deaf audience member

4)

Macbeth

Washington Shakespeare Company

Approx July 9, 2007 Through July 22, 2007

Director Jose Carrasquillo

“Macduff appears in the buff in all-nude Shakespeare performance”

http://www.thespec.com/Wire/article/216671

This show is unconventional due to the fact the Macbeth is naked the whole show. The director wanted a more human connection with the show. It’s also allowed the audience to express their opinions of the show more. I believe that since it was successful that it makes it more unconventional.

5)

Ka

Cirque du Soleil

February 2005 - Present

Creator & Director Robert Lepage

Slave Cage

http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/nvlv/a/cirqueka.htm

I have seen this show and I believe its Unconventional in two ways. First, there is no permanent stage. The stage is made up of 5 different moving plat forms. Secondly, none of the words are in english except for the warning at the beginning of the show. The actors still portray astory and plot through another language and body movements.