Part 1 Information about the play (20p.)
Part 1: Information about the play (20p.)
What’s the name of the play? (2p.)
The barge (Albarg)
Who is the playwright? (2p.)
Felol Al Felkawi and Ibraheem Nayroz
Who is the director? (2p.)
Hani Al-Nassar and Shamlan Al-Nassar
What is the name of the performing group? (2p.)
Kuwait Theatre Troupe
Where and when was it staged? (2p.)
In the Kuwait Theater Festival in 16 December 2019
Theme of play: What was the main subject matter or message of the play (10p.)
The events of the work revolve in a previous era, bringing us back to pre-oil Kuwait, where the heritage atmosphere through a story that appears to bear a romantic character, but between its folds bears many interpretations. Some may go to consider “fedah” the focus of events is the homeland.
Part 2: Performance analysis (80p.)
SCENOGRAPHY: Did the setting, lighting, costumes, make-up, sound effects, etc… fit the play? Did they help communicate the play’s message or detract from the play in some way? Be specific, give details. (20p.)
The lighting is very inconsistent. At times it was too dim and at some scenes it was too bright to see the performers. The dark contrasting background light is, however, very important because it ensures that all of the audiences’ focus is on the acting and the props that stand out.
The costumes worn are an added advantage to the play and the setting. The dark and bright contrast converges all attention to the actors and their actions. It helps in ensuring that the body movements and the facial and other bodily gestures are easily noticed. For example, in 43:15, the costumes worn combine well with the mood and tone used by the actress to present the emotions and to help the audience connect more with the overall mood. Combined with the stage movements, the costumes are a very important element used in the play.
Sound effects are also very important in the play. The use of the traditional drums and other sounds fit the play well and help to augment its message. For example, the use of the traditional drums helps to create a tense atmosphere that helps the audience to pay attention to climax scenes. In another example, at 45:01-49:15 uses a lot of background sound effects from a religious tone, music, drums, and the sounds of thunder and lighting. Again, the lighting comes in handy, helping the audience to read the mood and to connect with the message. The blue lighting, albeit being very conspicuous, helps in the transitioning of scenes and in highlighting attention to certain characters. It matches the sound effects, in their intensity and volume, to help communicate the play’s message.
ACTING: Were the actors convincing in their characters? How would you describe the connection between the characters in terms of acting? How did actors work on the physical characterization and vocal characterization? Be specific, give details. (20p.)
In some respects, theatre is the epitome of commercialization. Throughout Shakespeare’s lifetime, and even in ancient Greece, there was an element of response in theatre: if the audience did not appreciate it enough to show up, the performance could not continue. The audience is the main consumer of what the performance is all about and buys into what the actors present.
In the play, the actors are convincing in their characters. One way this emerges so well is in the way they relate to the fourth wall and the way they command the attention of the audience. It is very clear that the audience is buying into what the actors are presenting. The actors are actively, and sometimes passively, involving the audience. They have managed to inculcate them into the play giving them the role of responding. For example, in some scenes, it is clear that the audience is amused, laughing out loud, and sometimes a somber mood rents the air. These are all evidence of active participation, and element that is key to establishing the convincing nature of an actor in their role.
The most thrilling performances occur when instinct and technique operate in perfect harmony while yet contradicting one another. The performers’ flamboyance and inner lives merge, changing emotions into thoughts and words. What happens when this intriguing combination of wildness and control explodes is as cryptic as alchemy; the stage crackles and the audience is left reeling. The actors are able to transform the room, making sure the audience is attached to the characterization, understanding the movements, the subtle differences in tone and attitude, and so on. In this play, the actors are able to use the space, the lighting, the costumes, and the background sound effects to create an environment for the audience to move together with the play.
The connection between the characters in terms of acting is very harmonious. It has a smooth flow to it. Every actor knows and understands their individual role. It also seems as if the other actors are able to read the intentions of the next actor, creating perfect symmetry in the body movement, speech, and the connection to the audience, the latter being the most important aspect in the performance.
The actors become entirely absorbed in their roles as they use their bodies to communicate the characteristics of their characters on stage. They add depth to their characters by using their posture, stride, voice, and physical look to enhance their performances. In this physical and vocal characterization, the actors are able to use not just their physical and voice elements but also other body movements to make their performances more engaging, real, and to fit their presentation.
DIRECTING: Did all aspects of the production communicate the same idea or feeling, or were there some things not harmonious? Were any aspects of the play confusing? Be specific, give details. (20p.)
I found the majority of the aspects of the production to communicate the same idea and feelings. However, some elements were a bit off and did not add to the harmony. For example, the sound effects, costumes, physical and vocal characterization, and synergy between the actors were all very well aligned. However, sometimes the lighting went a far off, creating a distraction and driving away the attention of the audience from the play to the flickering lights. The sound effects were also distracting and creating a performance of their own at some points. For example, the lightning and thunder scene was very effective, but the background singer was louder than the actors. This led to a distraction and the focus on the wrong points. Overall, the play was majorly harmonious and easy to understand.
PERSONAL OPINIONS: Discuss any element of the play from your point of view. Give reasons with specifics to justify or explain your opinions. (20p.)
I felt that the play was very well executed. I particularly enjoyed the infusion of the traditional musical setting, the cultural dancing, and the acting all in one setting. There was a lot of culture and native Kuwaiti living showcased in the play, an element that I always take pride in. For example, the dancing and the costumes worn differently between the actors and the actresses is unique to the Kuwait national culture. All other elements are easier to spot in every other play, even those from other nations and cultures. However, the music, the dance, and the costumes, and the fact that all of these are very well aligned to the overall theme are important to me as an audience member.
