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Acting in Plays, Singing/trying to fix up thesis
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Question
Hi,
The assignment I have is in regards to this quote:
“These late eclipses in the sun and moon portend
no good to us: though the wisdom of nature can
reason it thus and thus, yet nature finds itself
scourged by the sequent effects […].” (William Shakespeare, King Lear I.ii)
Many of the characters in King Lear make wrong judgments that lead to disaster. What are some of the perils of (mis)interpretation in the play? What kind of interpretative error (or errors) are being made? Closely examine a few (perhaps 2-3) specific examples to make your case.
I need to write a 2,000 word essay in regards this. Although I have an idea of what I would like to write and have researched literally for days, I have not been able to put a thesis together. I learned that according to Henry Norman Hudson the quote “[t]hese late eclipses in the sun and moon portend no good to us: though the wisdom of nature can reason it thus and thus, yet nature finds itself scourged by the sequent effects […]” is referring to an event in 1605 England where they believed the eclipse of the sun means something bad will occur.
I want to connect these false superstitions people had to Lear’s misleading beliefs about nature (he curses nature; it is natural for father-daughter to maintain bonds). However I have had trouble making a clear thesis to reflect that.
I look forward to your help,
Best,
John
Hello, John –
Thank you for the question. Although I have a knowledge of Shakespeare, this is not my field of expertise on this website.
What if KING LEAR were set in 2005?
The average theatre-going person does not keep track of ancient time tables. But they may have memories of how they re-acted – or not – to the experience of an eclipse. Shakespeare's works contain many sky-ward references. The argument or purpose is generally about celestial forces controlling human destiny as opposed to the consequences of free will and action.
Consider watching a number of video productions before finalizing your thesis and before you start writing. How did the director and actor deal with these particular aspects? Check your Main Library. Ask the Reference Librarian about inter-library loans.
Best regards,
Seán Martinfield
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Sean Martinfield
Expertise
I am a professional vocal coach in San Francisco. In addition to answers from a previous web site (Askme.com - where my "tag" was "VocalCoach") I have published over 2000 responses related to vocal training - particularly as it relates to Musical Theatre and Opera. I have 24 years of experience as Personal Trainer to singers and actors in the San Francisco Bay Area. I sang professionally for 20 years and know what it means to live the life of a musician. I can determine your voice category, i.e., Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Alto Belter, etc., and how to broaden and strengthen your range. Need an audition song for a Broadway Musical? I will give you suggestions that are appropriate to your vocal category and to requirements specified in the audition notice. I have also created a vocal methodology, "The Belter`s Method". It will enable those in Musical Theatre to practice more efficiently because it focuses on the demands of professional performers as well as to those auditioning for school and community productions, and as University and Conservatory performing arts majors. If what you want is a better voice and more control over your career moves and choices, contact me. Also, as the Editor of SanFranciscoSentinel.com, it is my privilege to review productions at the San Francisco Opera, Ballet and Symphony, as well as Broadway National Tours booked into San Francisco's Orpheum, Golden Gate and Curran Theatres. I also review works by A.C.T (the American Conservatory Theatre) and Magic Theatre. I cover select films, tributes and retrospects, and various international film festivals – particulary those booked into The City's opulent Castro Theatre – including the LGBT Frameline Festival, International Film Festival, Silent Film Festival, Jewish Film Festival, etc. For private vocal instruction, I can be contacted through SanFranciscoSentinel.com. Look under: Seán Martinfield, Sentinel Editor and Publisher.
Experience
As a vocal coach, I work primarily with singers and actors throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. My students range from absolute beginners to working professionals, from pre-schoolers to senior citizens. The vast majority of my clients come to me through recommendation. I know how to identify any singer's vocal category, i.e., soprano, tenor, alto, baritone, etc. I know how to muscle-up every singer's vocal range and to expand it beyond conventional definitions. I have developed a vocal methodology for those who want to know how to belt, THE BELTER'S METHOD. As a singer who spent half of his career doing Bel Canto, I know that classical or Italian methodologies do not work in Standard American music. Bel Canto cannot be "adapted" to meet the needs of contemporary American music, including the demands of the Musical Theatre.
There are a number of major components to my work as a vocal coach. The first is to identify the client's vocal category and to strengthen and maximize the vocal range accordingly. Then it's about teaching a reliable vocal workout that will enable the client to gain better control of their musicianship. That includes scale work to expand the vocal range and to improve placement, breath control, and diction. Then we work on material for the audition portfolio, the immediate job or assignment, a recording session, etc. My task to is to better equip singers and actors who are hoping to or relying upon their performance skills and vocal endurance to maintain a career in the Performing Arts. My clients regularly appear in cabarets and musical productions throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Some have worked in New York and gone on National Tours. For more information, Contact me at: Broadwaybelters@yahoo.com
Education/Credentials
San Francisco State University – BA in Theatre Arts; graduate work in Theatre, Philosophy, and Comparative Reiligion.
Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley – Graduate work in Ethics
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