Which Play Do You Recommend?

[millie_dillmount]

Which Play Do You Recommend?#0

Posted: 2/2/05 at 11:16pm

I am going to be doing a major AP English project. Our group has to pick a book from a list or one approved by the teacher. Three of the plays caught my eye:

- The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
- A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen
- Long Day's Journey Into the Night by Eugene O'Neill

I also had my eye on "Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton (enjoyed her Ethan Frome). Any feedback or opinions on these plays would be greatly appreciated...P.S. - I read Glass Menagerie.

"We like to snark around here. Sometimes we actually talk about theater...but we try not to let that get in our way." - dramamama611

[#1Elphie]

re: Which Play Do You Recommend?#1

Posted: 2/2/05 at 11:27pm

Ooh, I love all three of those plays! I love Age of Innocence, too (I'm an English major, I get so excited about this kind of stuff). It really depends on what interests you, though. What's the project? Certain works of literature might be better suited to different types of projects. Long Day's Journey Into Night is so depressing; I don't know if I'd want to spend a long time focusing on that even though I loved reading it. The Glass Menagerie is the easiest read of those, and there's also a lot to analyze in it, so its a good choice. A Doll's House is great as well, it was ahead of its time. Can you give us a good idea of what the project is?

[munkustrap178]

re: Which Play Do You Recommend?#2

Posted: 2/3/05 at 12:25am

My favorite of those plays is definitely A DOLL'S HOUSE.

"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy." -Charlie Manson

[MusicMan]

re: Which Play Do You Recommend?#3

Posted: 2/3/05 at 12:28am

They're plays, they're short---you can knock off the last two in one day and have time to start a chapter or five of the Wharton. For Gesu's sake, read them all!

[millie_dillmount]

re: Which Play Do You Recommend?#4

Posted: 2/3/05 at 12:52am

The project is very complex. The class is being divided into "literary circles" and each group has to read the book. Along the way, we can take various notes, such as quotes, summaries, etc. We have to do a final presentation of the book that must include:

1) Background/research on the history of time period of the book
2) A poster advertising the book

In addition, we have to choose one of the following:

- Character impersonation w/ props and costumes
- Board game based on book
- Letters to and from characters in book w/ costumes and props
- Video of dramatizations of different sequences in the book
- Siskel and Rowper type of review "duel"/literary crossfire

There were also various others, such as a story sequel, character diary, newspaper reflecting time period and events of the book.

In addition, we were given a list of open-ended questions that includes all AP Literature Examination Open-Ended Questions since 1969. We have to choose one question and dealing with the book we chose, write an essay answering that question.

That's basically it. Thanks for the help so far! I'm thinking Doll's House...I already read Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen and enjoyed it.

"We like to snark around here. Sometimes we actually talk about theater...but we try not to let that get in our way." - dramamama611

Updated On: 2/3/05 at 12:52 AM

[millie_dillmount]

re: Which Play Do You Recommend?#5

Posted: 2/3/05 at 12:52am

Double post! Sorry.

"We like to snark around here. Sometimes we actually talk about theater...but we try not to let that get in our way." - dramamama611

Updated On: 2/3/05 at 12:52 AM

[Mister Matt]

re: Which Play Do You Recommend?#6

Posted: 2/3/05 at 9:56am

I would also go with Doll's House. You can find a lot of literary criticism in libraries on the book that will discuss the female role in society of the period and it is fascinating stuff. When you learn about the period, you empathize with Nora more and learn how serious then end of the play really is. It's one of my favorite plays. I saw the revival with Janet McTeer and Owen Teale and was blown away by their performances.

"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian

[InfiniteTheaterFrenzy]

re: Which Play Do You Recommend?#7

Posted: 2/3/05 at 12:06pm

All amazing... there's no bad choice there.

[title of show] on Broadway. it's time. believe.