First off, I’d like to confirm that I have no conflicts for the 28th. Hurray!
Unity 1918 and Village of Idiots
I think these two would work because they both take place in a small town that is changed substantially by a newcomer and by the outside war. Both talk about the insular nature of small town life and how such an attitude is not very practical when outside events threaten to destroy such solitude. I think that the approach each of these plays takes- one very serious and depressing, the other one lighthearted in comparison, provides for us an interesting balance to work with. I think that the two approaches aren’t as disparate as it would first appear. After all, to quote my favourite video game of 2011- comedy= tragedy + time.
Elizabeth Rex and Goodnight, Desdemona
The similarities between these two plays are interesting. Their respective treatments of gender in Shakespearean context complement and contrast with each other appealingly. Ned’s interpretation of the women’s part in the Canon are really different from Constance’s, and this is because their experiences with the plays are separated by centuries, Ned originating many of the roles and Constance left to theorize about the plays that are left in modern day. Both pieces deal with time, each with a framing device that takes place in the future relative to the writing of the plays. Both revise the common ideas about Shakespeare and his works in a humorous, sometimes heartfelt way.
I know that the other groups are probably eyeing this pairing, too, but that’s because it’s so immediately appealing
Love And Human Remains and Lilies
Both plays rely a lot on the characters storytelling, and both have the same sort of tone, dark and gritty. I like how they both deal with sexuality and sexual discovery, and the surreal elements that both plays have. Both also deal with the extreme side of human nature, and how one’s repression can lead to worse sins than the sins one tries to hide.
