Draw upon your study of the musical Into the Woods – as well as content learned throughout the course – to construct a complete critique of the direction, design, and acting in the 2010 British production that you just watched on Digital Theatre

Be sure to CLEARLY label and address each of the following categories:

THEME and ARTISTIC OBJECTIVE

Consider the themes at the heart of the play and the Artistic Objective at the heart of the production.
Identify and examine the play’s Themes.
What are the ideas that are at the heart of the author’s script?
How do the themes relate to the Artistic Objective in producing this play/musical?
What issue or idea do the artists working on this production seem to want YOU, as audience, to focus on?

DIRECTION

Identify the Production Concept and explore how it works toward achieving the Artistic Objective
How does the director cast the roles to support/illuminate the Production Concept?
How does the director stage the performance to support/illuminate the Production Concept?
Design

Critique each of the four key design disciplines:
Scenic Design
Costume Design
Lighting Design
Sound Design
How do EACH of these design support/illuminate the Production Concept?
Support your conclusion by addressing such topics as:
The objectives of each design discipline
The use of realistic techniques
The use of non-realistic techniques

PERFORMANCE

Focus on the performance of a SINGLE actor, identifying the actor by the real name and the character they play. INTO THE WOODS- cast list and creative team)
What are some of the inherent challenges that such a role might offer such as complex language, challenging concepts or style, demanding emotional journey, arduous vocal or physical work, etc.?
How does the actor’s performance support the director’s Production Concept by bringing the show to life on stage?

EVALUATION

Concludes your critique with your educated and informed response to the play/musical that you experienced.
Do you feel that the production achieved its Artistic Objective?
Do you find value in the choice of Production Concept and appreciate its execution?
Be sure to draw upon summaries of the ideas you have previously explored in the essay to support your conclusions.

You are providing analysis based on all of the content we have studied throughout this course, as well as any additional research you choose to do. Support your response with details and be sure to use the appropriate theater terminology to clarify your arguments.

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