For this essay papers assignment, you will write a 4- page paper. For this
paper, choose one of the play titles from the list of plays we have read for class.
Research at least three (3) different modern productions of that play. Pay special
attention to what the producing theatre companies say about their choice to
present the play:
1. Why did they choose to revive/restage the play?
2. How did they make the play relevant to a contemporary audience?
3. What is unique about their production? (concept, theme, focus, casting)
4. Write about and compare the design elements for each production.
5. What did the reviewers say? – You must have at least one review from each
production.
The essay must be an analysis of productions and concepts, not a summary of the
play or a random collection of information or facts about the play, plot or author
or a string of quotations. The paper has to have a point or claim to prove. Your
paper starts as an opinion, but you need to back it up. Your writing must include
an analysis of the play and associated productions, not a synopsis of the play. A
paper with numerous grammar and mechanical errors cannot receive full credit.
Please take the time to read your paper aloud after you run spell and grammar
check. Don’t completely trust the spell check.
ALL PAPERS MUST HAVE AT LEAST 3 QUOTATIONS FROM THE PLAY
and PRODUCTION BEING ANALYZED TO SUPPORT THE
CLAIM/THESIS.
6. Do not, under any circumstances, download or copy a paper from the Internet.
This is plagiarism and is easily detectable. I am interested in your ideas and
ability to pull together an analysis. Please understand the rules regarding
plagiarism. You may not submit a paper that has been submitted, at any time,
for another class. You may not cite and string together the words or ideas of
another author. You may not submit work that does not credit the words or
ideas of another author. A paper with significant and obviously plagiarized
material will receive no credit. Minor infractions that could be considered
plagiarism may be noted as inadvertent draft errors, but you are expected to
clarify sources on the revision. TURNITIN is used for the course and you will
be able to see where you may need to work on giving the words of others
appropriate credit. Do not overuse the words of others. This is still your paper
and is not a literature review of someone else’s research.
7. Format for Essay Papers
(minimum 1000-1200 words not including a bibliography). The argument or
claim must be significant enough to support about 4- pages of writing. Start each
paper with a significant statement or quotation that leads the reader into your
thesis. Find the hook.
8. The paper must be typed in WORD 12pt font and double-spaced with 1”
margins. The paper or essays must be saved in the following manner :
Cite all sources in a bibliography, including the play(s), production companies,
and author(s). No footnotes are required.