"A tragedy is the imitation of an action"
Since the Greek celebrations of Dionysus, drama has been a prevelant form of entertainment and education in society. But when compared to other forms, drama seems to hold an odd place in the literary canon. Dramatic works are written to be performed and therefore, must be treated differently than prose.
One such difference has always been the source of my problems with drama. A novel is written so that we can interpret the message of the author through the medium. In this way, we bring our own biases and opinions to the work. However, when viewing a play we are forced to observe other's interpretation of a message. A dramatic production is subject to the views of a director, actors and stage designers. This creates another barrier between the viewer and the author.
However, we must also consider that plays are written to be performed and that this effect is not completely undesirable. Eric Voegelin's anthropological theory of the "Drama of Humanity" included the idea that our lives are individual interpretations of fundamental desires. Following this principal when considering drama shows us that any production will necessarily be a unqiue iteration of the author's message. The bias and colour that people bring to drama offer us insight into the message of the play.
When a playwright's message is channeled through other people, it comes to us with the potency and individuality of every person involved. Drama is therefore a truly fascinating genre.
-The English Student
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Aeon Flux: Thanatophobia
From the masters of pets, to the masters of countries, we all engage in projection. Aeon and Trevor are no exception.
Manipulation comes natural for Trevor who instinctively uses Sible and Onan as external representations of his conflict with Aeon. She too engages in this practice and believes the pain inflicted on either of the Bregnan dissenters to be a blow against herself.
While not to the same degree, puppeteers do engage in this method of projection. The technique of externalising personal issues has even been used by psychologists and councillors, especially in cases regarding children.
While this puppetry as a profession is mostly harmless, problems can occur from an over indulgence of this practice. Externalising emotions may make them easier to understand, but an outside force is harder to deal with and resolve than an internal one. There is a danger in placing traits on a puppet, as it allows us to avoid delving into the origins of these issues.
Sible remarks that Aeon and Trevor are "toying with our lives" and the control they exert creates puppets of these lovers. But, as with all puppetry, in the end it becomes clear who is toying with who.
-The English Student
Manipulation comes natural for Trevor who instinctively uses Sible and Onan as external representations of his conflict with Aeon. She too engages in this practice and believes the pain inflicted on either of the Bregnan dissenters to be a blow against herself.
While not to the same degree, puppeteers do engage in this method of projection. The technique of externalising personal issues has even been used by psychologists and councillors, especially in cases regarding children.
While this puppetry as a profession is mostly harmless, problems can occur from an over indulgence of this practice. Externalising emotions may make them easier to understand, but an outside force is harder to deal with and resolve than an internal one. There is a danger in placing traits on a puppet, as it allows us to avoid delving into the origins of these issues.
Sible remarks that Aeon and Trevor are "toying with our lives" and the control they exert creates puppets of these lovers. But, as with all puppetry, in the end it becomes clear who is toying with who.
-The English Student
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Collective Responsibility
With the end of the Lisbon Treaty referendum arriving yesterday, we must look ahead to the future of our country.
Many prominent Lisbon supporters were quick to voice their disappointment at the rejection of this treaty on Friday. Dermot Ahern highlighted his own concerns that Europe was now facing "uncharted waters". However, while our political future is unknown, our democratic system is certainly secure.
This security does not come from any specific referendum issue and is certainly not a result of the rejection of Lisbon. Instead, it comes from the democratic process we have in place. While we may not agree with the outcome of a vote, it is essential that we stand by our system and recognise that the voice of the electorate must be followed. It is a testament to this country that all political figures have already recognised and stressed the importance of this collective responsibility.
However, it is a shame that this praise cannot be extended to the European Union in general. Many prominent E.U. supporters have begun to vilify the Irish as anti-European and anti-reform. These are the same leaders who decided that Lisbon can only be accepted if ratified in all member states. Consequently, it is the duty of European leaders to recognise that collective responsibility must be practiced on an international level, not just a domestic one.
We have collectively rejected this treaty. We must now collectively decide on a way forward.
-The English Student
Many prominent Lisbon supporters were quick to voice their disappointment at the rejection of this treaty on Friday. Dermot Ahern highlighted his own concerns that Europe was now facing "uncharted waters". However, while our political future is unknown, our democratic system is certainly secure.
This security does not come from any specific referendum issue and is certainly not a result of the rejection of Lisbon. Instead, it comes from the democratic process we have in place. While we may not agree with the outcome of a vote, it is essential that we stand by our system and recognise that the voice of the electorate must be followed. It is a testament to this country that all political figures have already recognised and stressed the importance of this collective responsibility.
However, it is a shame that this praise cannot be extended to the European Union in general. Many prominent E.U. supporters have begun to vilify the Irish as anti-European and anti-reform. These are the same leaders who decided that Lisbon can only be accepted if ratified in all member states. Consequently, it is the duty of European leaders to recognise that collective responsibility must be practiced on an international level, not just a domestic one.
We have collectively rejected this treaty. We must now collectively decide on a way forward.
-The English Student
Friday, June 6, 2008
Securalism - Society
"We have just religion enough to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another" - Jonathon Swift
Across the world, we find political leaders constantly highlighting their religious beliefs as sources for actions. There seems to be automatic acceptance when spirituality is cited with regards to government. But this innate reverence for religion (especially in politics) creates many problems.
When a ruling body decides to make decisions based on religion, the people are subject to any interpretation that said leaders come to. War, destruction and division emerge where these policies are followed. Even when politicians simply pander to a religious electorate they validate the prominance of spirituality within the decision making body of a country.
Instead of showing equal respect to all religions, governments should strive to completely seperate themselves from all forms of spirituality. While many religious people would claim that it is impossible to remove ecclesiastical concerns from any decision, this attitude does not take in to account the varying beliefs found throughout the population. These differences will not be reconciled, but instead should be bypassed.
I am no enemy of religion, but i do oppose the use of spirituality as an excuse for government actions.
-The English Student
Across the world, we find political leaders constantly highlighting their religious beliefs as sources for actions. There seems to be automatic acceptance when spirituality is cited with regards to government. But this innate reverence for religion (especially in politics) creates many problems.
When a ruling body decides to make decisions based on religion, the people are subject to any interpretation that said leaders come to. War, destruction and division emerge where these policies are followed. Even when politicians simply pander to a religious electorate they validate the prominance of spirituality within the decision making body of a country.
Instead of showing equal respect to all religions, governments should strive to completely seperate themselves from all forms of spirituality. While many religious people would claim that it is impossible to remove ecclesiastical concerns from any decision, this attitude does not take in to account the varying beliefs found throughout the population. These differences will not be reconciled, but instead should be bypassed.
I am no enemy of religion, but i do oppose the use of spirituality as an excuse for government actions.
-The English Student
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Dirty Pretty Things: Concert Review
As Carl Barât chanted "You Fucking Love It" at a crowd in the Academy last night, one had to concede that he was only telling the truth.
While I had yet to see any former-Libertines play live, there was a certain amount of expectation for the evening. The day started out quite well as my friends and I became "those fans" who push their way into a meal the band is having for a picture opportunity. But despite our boldness, Carl, Didz and Anthony were extremely polite and quite literally jumped at the chance to meet fans. As we left the café, a friend of mine suggested that they "give us a good show". It seems that they took this to heart.
The band tore through an excellent set that combined both their old classics and new material from the upcoming album "Romance at Short Notice". While it is very difficult to choose a highlight of the evening, "Deadwood" and "B.U.R.M.A." stand out as points of focus. But of course, the new material is certainly of note. These fresh tracks were spread out perfectly to ensure the best reception from the crowd. While I did have doubts about the upcoming material, those worries have been firmly pushed aside by the carefree and exciting manner in which they were delivered.
Also, the stage presence of Dirty Pretty Things must be mentioned in any review of their live performance. Each band member firmly commanded their area of the stage, creating quite a live spectacle. While attention was being paid to the band overall, Carl Barât lead the Dirty Pretty Things as an amazing front man. His on stage eloquence and obvious emotional connection to his music all contributed to create a truly amazing show.
Between my friends and I, we left the Academy with two drumsticks, a t-shirt and a picture with the band. But most importantly, we left with the knowledge that the future of British rock music is still in safe hands.
-The English Student
While I had yet to see any former-Libertines play live, there was a certain amount of expectation for the evening. The day started out quite well as my friends and I became "those fans" who push their way into a meal the band is having for a picture opportunity. But despite our boldness, Carl, Didz and Anthony were extremely polite and quite literally jumped at the chance to meet fans. As we left the café, a friend of mine suggested that they "give us a good show". It seems that they took this to heart.
The band tore through an excellent set that combined both their old classics and new material from the upcoming album "Romance at Short Notice". While it is very difficult to choose a highlight of the evening, "Deadwood" and "B.U.R.M.A." stand out as points of focus. But of course, the new material is certainly of note. These fresh tracks were spread out perfectly to ensure the best reception from the crowd. While I did have doubts about the upcoming material, those worries have been firmly pushed aside by the carefree and exciting manner in which they were delivered.
Also, the stage presence of Dirty Pretty Things must be mentioned in any review of their live performance. Each band member firmly commanded their area of the stage, creating quite a live spectacle. While attention was being paid to the band overall, Carl Barât lead the Dirty Pretty Things as an amazing front man. His on stage eloquence and obvious emotional connection to his music all contributed to create a truly amazing show.
Between my friends and I, we left the Academy with two drumsticks, a t-shirt and a picture with the band. But most importantly, we left with the knowledge that the future of British rock music is still in safe hands.
-The English Student
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