Gender and Islam: A Muslim Hermeneutic of Liberation
Dr. Shabana Mir
I agree.
I enjoyed Dr. Mir's talk today about the importance of how people translate the Koran, and what they take from it. She described herself as both progressive and traditional in the sense that she beleives that some old lessons should be kept from the Koran, but that people should change with society. She also believes that sometimes people interpret what they want to interpret out of the Koran, and that this tilt is normally because of the patriarchal society.
For example in Pakistan it is illegal for a woman to marry without her father's consent. This is part of their religion. Dr. Mir believes that the Koran does not say to do this, but that people have chosen to interpret it this way. They ignore all of the evidence pointing that this is not the correct interpretation.
Dr. Mir explained that tradition has changed. What we think is tradition, habits from the past 100 or 200 centuries was once all modern. That true tradition began in the 7th century. In history women were a larger part of society. They had more (I don't know a good word for this) privileges. There were a few women whom people sought to receive their education from. In this sense, these women had the same prestige as an IV league degree does today. Another woman, men layed their lives down to support her word.
Overall her message was that the Koran seeks for equality in everything except (I don't remember the arabic word) the piety...pretty much the fait that they have in their heart. This is the only thing that separates person from person. She explained that from this some people have chosen to interpret the Koran with the message they wish to receive from it, but the true message and beliefs of the Koran are hidden.
- I believe this is the case for most religions now and days. Even Christianity, which i am most familiar with, has been interpreted unjustly by some people and has strayed from the true message of forgiveness. (this is perhaps why I am so bitter towards it.) I really appreciated what Dr. Mir had to say. I'm glad that I went to her lecture.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Lights, Camera, Action
Lighting
Since we no longer practice theater like the ancient Greeks by beginning our shows at sunrise (at least this isn't the norm), light has become a major component of theater. Thanks to technology, we can use light to create the "focus" "atmosphere" "mood" "3D rendering" and "reinforcement." From this the audience can make visual associations that help them better understand the performance.
The one use of light that we used during our monodramas was used for John's performance. We had no fancy lighting. There was the only the light used to provide the whole room with light. We manipulated the lighting when I heard his cue, the last line of the first part of his speech, and cut off all of the lights to create a blackout. Then he used this darkness to change his costume. Again the lights (should have been) were cut off at the end of the performance to give the audience that feeling of sudden change because his character had disappeared.
I'm curious now how the lighting is set up so that it hits the actors where it's supposed to. Are the actors asked to stand in certain places for this purpose? And does someone manually change the lights during the whole show? I understand that "changes can be timed automatically." So does this mean that during rehearsals they put into the computer the timing of the lights? Or something else? I think I'd have to see it done.
Since we no longer practice theater like the ancient Greeks by beginning our shows at sunrise (at least this isn't the norm), light has become a major component of theater. Thanks to technology, we can use light to create the "focus" "atmosphere" "mood" "3D rendering" and "reinforcement." From this the audience can make visual associations that help them better understand the performance.
The one use of light that we used during our monodramas was used for John's performance. We had no fancy lighting. There was the only the light used to provide the whole room with light. We manipulated the lighting when I heard his cue, the last line of the first part of his speech, and cut off all of the lights to create a blackout. Then he used this darkness to change his costume. Again the lights (should have been) were cut off at the end of the performance to give the audience that feeling of sudden change because his character had disappeared.
I'm curious now how the lighting is set up so that it hits the actors where it's supposed to. Are the actors asked to stand in certain places for this purpose? And does someone manually change the lights during the whole show? I understand that "changes can be timed automatically." So does this mean that during rehearsals they put into the computer the timing of the lights? Or something else? I think I'd have to see it done.
The audience/playwriting
Chapter...Audiences and critics:
The first thought that came to mind while I was reading the chapter was my classmates, the audience that watched me perform my monodrama. Half of the people had already seen me perform my monodrama, and laughed with me at my mistakes, while the other half were watching it for the first time. So the first half I was comfortable performing in front of because I knew that they were supporting me, while the other half I could only read their facial expressions and decide for myself what they might be thinking. If I made a mistake for them, I would need to just keep going because there are no retakes in theater.
As for everyone else's performance, I was part of the audience. I was the one "participating vicariously through the mind and the heart" of the performer (50). I could relate to what each person was saying. I could feel the emotions. At one point I almost cried when a performer talked about death. No grandparents dying soon please.
While we did not have the most diverse audiences for our monodramas, each person brought their own experiences to the table. We all came from different homes, and different environments, but we weren't that diverse. As for criticism...I feel that I only received, and hopefully only gave positive criticism. Yay for having great peers who like to be supportive.
Playwriting:
"load it up"
I have no idea where to go with my play. I have too many ideas, and can't put my finger down. But this is normal, perfectionist can't decide on a topic without knowing that it is perfect. And I tell myself every time...just pick!
By the way professor, I think that the real reason that people don't always raise their hands up high when you ask questions about the ideas people have for their plays is because they themselves don't have a solid idea of what they want their play to be about. At least that was my case. - Ok pick real fast what you want your play to be about. Umm..I think of something off the top of my head, I don't like it so I throw the idea back. - That didn't get me very far.
I'm not sure that I understood what it meant to be biased towards a character.
The first thought that came to mind while I was reading the chapter was my classmates, the audience that watched me perform my monodrama. Half of the people had already seen me perform my monodrama, and laughed with me at my mistakes, while the other half were watching it for the first time. So the first half I was comfortable performing in front of because I knew that they were supporting me, while the other half I could only read their facial expressions and decide for myself what they might be thinking. If I made a mistake for them, I would need to just keep going because there are no retakes in theater.
As for everyone else's performance, I was part of the audience. I was the one "participating vicariously through the mind and the heart" of the performer (50). I could relate to what each person was saying. I could feel the emotions. At one point I almost cried when a performer talked about death. No grandparents dying soon please.
While we did not have the most diverse audiences for our monodramas, each person brought their own experiences to the table. We all came from different homes, and different environments, but we weren't that diverse. As for criticism...I feel that I only received, and hopefully only gave positive criticism. Yay for having great peers who like to be supportive.
Playwriting:
"load it up"
I have no idea where to go with my play. I have too many ideas, and can't put my finger down. But this is normal, perfectionist can't decide on a topic without knowing that it is perfect. And I tell myself every time...just pick!
By the way professor, I think that the real reason that people don't always raise their hands up high when you ask questions about the ideas people have for their plays is because they themselves don't have a solid idea of what they want their play to be about. At least that was my case. - Ok pick real fast what you want your play to be about. Umm..I think of something off the top of my head, I don't like it so I throw the idea back. - That didn't get me very far.
I'm not sure that I understood what it meant to be biased towards a character.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Wow
The monodramas were spectacular. To tell you the truth...I didn't know what to expect. I wasn't sure if everyone would be incredibly amazing out of this world, normal, or horrid. I was ten times more scared than I should have been, and I realize now that I should have trusted my classmates a bit more. They aren't there to criticize me, heck all they did was support me.
At one point I was in charge of turning off the lights. I was totally confused when prof Francis turned the lights back on...was I not supposed to shut them off? Did I do something wrong? I don't know. I got scared, and perhaps messed up John's ending. I am so sorry John! I thought he was really mad at me, and of course being the empathetic/extremely emotional person that I am I got upset. Thinking...oh great now I'm upset and nervous about performing my monodrama. But then I looked over at John and he gave me a thumbs up...if he was mad he was still incredibly encouraging. (John you have no idea how much that helped me...thank you.) It's cool to have great classmates.
The other part of what made the monodramas personal was that I could relate to all of them in at least some way. Since I often feel like an outsider this dented my belief that no one is like me. I thought that was pretty cool. I wasn't so different.
Everyone did a great job.
That was awesome.
Doing it again....ahhh I know what I need to work on. Positive attitude! ha.
At one point I was in charge of turning off the lights. I was totally confused when prof Francis turned the lights back on...was I not supposed to shut them off? Did I do something wrong? I don't know. I got scared, and perhaps messed up John's ending. I am so sorry John! I thought he was really mad at me, and of course being the empathetic/extremely emotional person that I am I got upset. Thinking...oh great now I'm upset and nervous about performing my monodrama. But then I looked over at John and he gave me a thumbs up...if he was mad he was still incredibly encouraging. (John you have no idea how much that helped me...thank you.) It's cool to have great classmates.
The other part of what made the monodramas personal was that I could relate to all of them in at least some way. Since I often feel like an outsider this dented my belief that no one is like me. I thought that was pretty cool. I wasn't so different.
Everyone did a great job.
That was awesome.
Doing it again....ahhh I know what I need to work on. Positive attitude! ha.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Missed class...oh no!
I missed class one day last week, which totally threw me off schedule. I was feeling sick, so of course my body said...nope. You are not waking up. And that is what happened.....I guess I should take the time now to talk about what happened in the chapters since I missed out on the lecture (the part that I like best).
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Monodrama
Wow. This assignment made me incredibly uncomfortable...like woahhhh. No lie. I procrastinated for a while in an approach avoidance funk. (That's how I deal with things that I'm scared of, I just don't do them.) I really should learn to confront these things. Maybe then I can get the guts to visit Prof Francis ahead of time.
Well. The worst part is behind me now. I've written my monodrama, which was of course the Hardest part. Now I've got to memorize it, and hopefully not forget everything in a nervous rush when it's time for me to perform.
As far as costume...I hope that mine works. I'll be wearing a shirt that I wore as a little kid. Yes it's tight and has a beautiful unicorn on it. And yes I brought it to school with me because I will never grow up, and still squeeze my way into the same clothes I wore in elementary school. I have no good way to make a costume switch in the middle between dialogue, so I hope that everyone call tell through my accent who is talking. Ha. Accent. This will be fun.
My hope now is that I can start the play that I need to write now so that I don't have to write 30 pages in only a few days. That could be...would be a disaster.
Well. The worst part is behind me now. I've written my monodrama, which was of course the Hardest part. Now I've got to memorize it, and hopefully not forget everything in a nervous rush when it's time for me to perform.
As far as costume...I hope that mine works. I'll be wearing a shirt that I wore as a little kid. Yes it's tight and has a beautiful unicorn on it. And yes I brought it to school with me because I will never grow up, and still squeeze my way into the same clothes I wore in elementary school. I have no good way to make a costume switch in the middle between dialogue, so I hope that everyone call tell through my accent who is talking. Ha. Accent. This will be fun.
My hope now is that I can start the play that I need to write now so that I don't have to write 30 pages in only a few days. That could be...would be a disaster.
Back to Fences! I do like Fences.
Fences as a modern day tragedy.
I disagree when the book says that some people do not believe modern day tragedies are true tragedies. It's true that they do not have a central character that is a king or queen, and that they are written in prose rather than poetry. Yes there is a difference between traditional tragedy and modern tragedy, but that does not make modern tragedy a different genre all together. The same underlying principles are present. Suffering in the old way is not a different feeling than suffering is today.
Fences I believe plunges into the depths of this genre, as defined by Prof. Fusi "It is a progression of emotional events in the daily routine." (By the way, I would have never known that Prof. Fusi had not prepared for this lecture if he had not told us. That just proves that passion can take you a long way.) Fences takes the audience into a world of it's own. By understanding the characters Wilson helps the audience to feel the emotional pull that the characters feel. This is powerful. Speaking of power...
Media: an art of manipulation. Theatre encompasses some of the same characteristics as the media. The playwright has the ability and the opportunity to shape the style of a piece, and highlight for the audience the central theme and the message that he wants the audience to get out of the play. I'm not sure where I'm going with this, only I know that it's scary to think that someone has the power to selectively feed information to people as a whole. With this I guess it's important to carefully analyze all the information that anyone tells you because their could be a different side of the story, or a different interpretation of the same story.
Each person who reads Fences may identify with different characters. They have the opportunity to identify with Troy, or to reject the idea of Troy. Each person has the chance to take get different things from this interpretation. That is the reason Wilson wrote this play, so that people could take things away from it.
Out of all the genres in theatre I've found that I enjoy comedy, and that I have an appreciation for it because I have learned that it is much harder for me to write a comedy than to express my emotions in a tragedy.
I disagree when the book says that some people do not believe modern day tragedies are true tragedies. It's true that they do not have a central character that is a king or queen, and that they are written in prose rather than poetry. Yes there is a difference between traditional tragedy and modern tragedy, but that does not make modern tragedy a different genre all together. The same underlying principles are present. Suffering in the old way is not a different feeling than suffering is today.
Fences I believe plunges into the depths of this genre, as defined by Prof. Fusi "It is a progression of emotional events in the daily routine." (By the way, I would have never known that Prof. Fusi had not prepared for this lecture if he had not told us. That just proves that passion can take you a long way.) Fences takes the audience into a world of it's own. By understanding the characters Wilson helps the audience to feel the emotional pull that the characters feel. This is powerful. Speaking of power...
Media: an art of manipulation. Theatre encompasses some of the same characteristics as the media. The playwright has the ability and the opportunity to shape the style of a piece, and highlight for the audience the central theme and the message that he wants the audience to get out of the play. I'm not sure where I'm going with this, only I know that it's scary to think that someone has the power to selectively feed information to people as a whole. With this I guess it's important to carefully analyze all the information that anyone tells you because their could be a different side of the story, or a different interpretation of the same story.
Each person who reads Fences may identify with different characters. They have the opportunity to identify with Troy, or to reject the idea of Troy. Each person has the chance to take get different things from this interpretation. That is the reason Wilson wrote this play, so that people could take things away from it.
Out of all the genres in theatre I've found that I enjoy comedy, and that I have an appreciation for it because I have learned that it is much harder for me to write a comedy than to express my emotions in a tragedy.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Costumes
Imagine that a play has been written about you, and you are designing a costume for the actor playing you. What sort of outfit would this actor wear and why? What clues would the costume give about your personality? Be sure to mention the fabric, color, and length of the garments. This prompt can also relate to the monodrama you've created. If you are reenacting an event from your past, what would you have worn at that time, and why?
Oh cool. Where do I begin...
Perhaps I'll first make a list:
Position & Status: Main character & teenager
Gender: Female
Occupation: Student
Flamboyance over modesty always
Independence over regimentation
Occasion: since this is supposed to be my life, and my life is generally casual I would say that my costume would be casual wear.
Description of my outfit(s)
To accurately depict my life, I would need two totally different costumes.
#1
Wild and Bright. Orange jean shorts. and two layered spandex, Lycra shirts. Electric green slip on shoes. Blue shell earings. Random bright jewelry....complex complicated look that craves attention.
#2
Earthy and Hippie. Loose flowy brown pants. sheer organic cotton shirt. Dark brown flipflops. a bone necklace. and a watch. Simple. Natural.
1. Tone and Style would be established during each scene with each personality. Clearly the first costume is more of a wild side, a go-go-go personality; while the second is a relaxed "let's stroll along the beach" look.
2. Since I have only lived for 18 years, the historic period would be now. I am from Virginia Beach, and my style is much influenced by the beach life.
3. The nature of my character would be expressed through color and style. I am a student, and rarely need to dress up, thus I would look casual.
4. The difference in the costumes would help show the contrast through out the play.
5. Regardless neither outfit would have sleeves because they restrict movement, and I find them uncomfortable. And both costumes would only have enough makeup to look natural and not done up. Hair would only need to be simple and flowy...just as long as it does not get in the way.
6. Generally costumes should be consistent throughout the play. Since part of the play would use the contrasts to illustrate and fully create the character, the change in costume would be necessary.
To a certain extent I tend to reject conformity, and stray a little from the norm. I've done this since I was young, and I feel this would be a central theme throughout the play. The need to be different.
Oh cool. Where do I begin...
Perhaps I'll first make a list:
Position & Status: Main character & teenager
Gender: Female
Occupation: Student
Flamboyance over modesty always
Independence over regimentation
Occasion: since this is supposed to be my life, and my life is generally casual I would say that my costume would be casual wear.
Description of my outfit(s)
To accurately depict my life, I would need two totally different costumes.
#1
Wild and Bright. Orange jean shorts. and two layered spandex, Lycra shirts. Electric green slip on shoes. Blue shell earings. Random bright jewelry....complex complicated look that craves attention.
#2
Earthy and Hippie. Loose flowy brown pants. sheer organic cotton shirt. Dark brown flipflops. a bone necklace. and a watch. Simple. Natural.
1. Tone and Style would be established during each scene with each personality. Clearly the first costume is more of a wild side, a go-go-go personality; while the second is a relaxed "let's stroll along the beach" look.
2. Since I have only lived for 18 years, the historic period would be now. I am from Virginia Beach, and my style is much influenced by the beach life.
3. The nature of my character would be expressed through color and style. I am a student, and rarely need to dress up, thus I would look casual.
4. The difference in the costumes would help show the contrast through out the play.
5. Regardless neither outfit would have sleeves because they restrict movement, and I find them uncomfortable. And both costumes would only have enough makeup to look natural and not done up. Hair would only need to be simple and flowy...just as long as it does not get in the way.
6. Generally costumes should be consistent throughout the play. Since part of the play would use the contrasts to illustrate and fully create the character, the change in costume would be necessary.
To a certain extent I tend to reject conformity, and stray a little from the norm. I've done this since I was young, and I feel this would be a central theme throughout the play. The need to be different.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman!
That was interesting. By interesting I don't mean ahh it was alright I didn't fall asleep, I mean that listening to each of the professors today describe their part in creating Superman was absolutely intriguing. It's refreshing to hear that all the things that we are learning about actually lead to something. No lie, I was feeling a little discouraged before. I wasn't sure that I actually liked taking part in theatre. I had almost made up in my mind that I would just enjoy theatre from the audience because that is where I started, and perhaps where I'll end.
The primary reason that I started theatre was because of my overwhelming shyness. Oh yes, remember the one girl in your middle and high school classes who couldn't talk in class, or give a presentation that was audible above a whisper...yep that was me. I still struggle with my lovely shynesssss, but hopefully it's gotten a lot better. This is why I have an interest in theatre. The ability to take who you are, and with confidence bring out that person into a character is amazing. However I'm not sure that I'm really into all of the design principles. I've been thinking about it, but I don't feel any better about any of it.
Randomnessss:
- Gary was cool. I want to fly like Superman. And what is Truth, Justice, and the American Way anyway?
- Color makes me happy. I think I will like this show.
- Toys? I hope that this show is entertaining. Sounds like I should bring my little brother :)
- Women in the 60's...not being able to move the way they want...Ahhhhh!
- The light man seems all-powerful. (sorry I didn't catch his name)
- Once again they stressed the importance of Collaboration. Always fun.
The primary reason that I started theatre was because of my overwhelming shyness. Oh yes, remember the one girl in your middle and high school classes who couldn't talk in class, or give a presentation that was audible above a whisper...yep that was me. I still struggle with my lovely shynesssss, but hopefully it's gotten a lot better. This is why I have an interest in theatre. The ability to take who you are, and with confidence bring out that person into a character is amazing. However I'm not sure that I'm really into all of the design principles. I've been thinking about it, but I don't feel any better about any of it.
Randomnessss:
- Gary was cool. I want to fly like Superman. And what is Truth, Justice, and the American Way anyway?
- Color makes me happy. I think I will like this show.
- Toys? I hope that this show is entertaining. Sounds like I should bring my little brother :)
- Women in the 60's...not being able to move the way they want...Ahhhhh!
- The light man seems all-powerful. (sorry I didn't catch his name)
- Once again they stressed the importance of Collaboration. Always fun.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Costumes
Byyyyyy Trish West.
Well. I guess I already understood that costumes play a large part in creating not only the setting but also helping to create a well-rounded character. It was interesting to hear an insiders view of how costumes are put together. I always figured that each school or company had their own costumes, and if they didn't have them that they just made them. What I didn't realize was that a company could order or borrow costumes from distributors. For instance professor West said that she had to borrow Nazi costumes from someone during a time when they were hard to be found. I guess I should have figured that was possible, but regardless it was interesting to learn.
Of course when thinking about a costume you always need to consider costume limitations. For dance we would always have a theme (soldiers, beach...whatever) and we had costumes made to fit the theme. At the same time we were dancers and we needed freedom of movement. So I understand that there are restrictions of costume for actors.
Money rules the world.
With all the money in the world, you can get or have someone make any costume you want. However most people do not have all the money in the world, and have to make do with the present economic availability. This makes sense, and is true for almost anything.
Thrift stores are amazing.
I love clothes. You can say a lot about yourself by the way you dress.
ps. I loved the crazy pictures in the book.
Well. I guess I already understood that costumes play a large part in creating not only the setting but also helping to create a well-rounded character. It was interesting to hear an insiders view of how costumes are put together. I always figured that each school or company had their own costumes, and if they didn't have them that they just made them. What I didn't realize was that a company could order or borrow costumes from distributors. For instance professor West said that she had to borrow Nazi costumes from someone during a time when they were hard to be found. I guess I should have figured that was possible, but regardless it was interesting to learn.
Of course when thinking about a costume you always need to consider costume limitations. For dance we would always have a theme (soldiers, beach...whatever) and we had costumes made to fit the theme. At the same time we were dancers and we needed freedom of movement. So I understand that there are restrictions of costume for actors.
Money rules the world.
With all the money in the world, you can get or have someone make any costume you want. However most people do not have all the money in the world, and have to make do with the present economic availability. This makes sense, and is true for almost anything.
Thrift stores are amazing.
I love clothes. You can say a lot about yourself by the way you dress.
ps. I loved the crazy pictures in the book.
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