Research Group Composition

The compositions this time around seem to have evolved since the previous creations. Each group had more of a purpose and the compostitions were mroe thoughtful. Instead of centering the plans around meeting the requirements, the focus was more on presenting the research topic and related themes to the audience. The actors were more aware of the shapes they were forming (such as the visual from the arts group).
During the last composition, two groups ended up singing the birthday song because of the requirement of music. However, no two groups were alike in the recent presentation since the requirements was no longer the purpose. The discussion following the compositions was also a lot more interesting because each group had a message it wished to convey in the performance.

Research

Perusing through the internet for articles on East German identity, I found a lot of varying viewpoints. First of all, it was obvious that recreating East German life is a growing craze. The theme of "ostalgie" (east nostalgia) is making its mark on clothes, food, cars, TV programs and even a hotel! The East German viewpoint is to revive the life that they have lived for 20 years of their lives, not the government. However, many West Germans percieve the East Germans as not being ignorant to the "bad"-ness of their past.

I would like to research the different East German businesses (Trabant, Ostel Hotel...) that are coming out and find the motivation behind the owners to become entrepreneurs. After the westernization of East German society, some East Germans claim that the new way of life is not actually freedom. To what extent are the East Germans discriminated? Through research I have found that East Germans are marginalized politically, economically (jobs), and socially. (See http://mondediplo.com/1997/02/09germany) Is the discrimination a cause of bringing back the "old life," fondness of the past, or pure memories of the East German lifestyle that they are accustomed to?

My research topic needs a lot of refining, but that is the general idea.

FAIR PLAY

I was quite impressed with the many composition techiniques that were used in the play. First of all, the lighting in the very beginning of the production was skillfully manipulated to appear as a photo frame. Also, I loved the conversation the actors of different settings created with little bits of completely distinct dialogue. My favorite unusual use of objects was when the set above the audience's head becomes a plane that is landing.

From the beginnging it was obvious that a "loop" would be an overriding theme in this play. It is first mentioned when a housewife is fighting with her husband. However, the loop expands to become a much bigger deal than first believed. It definitely threw me off. The concept of a "loop" was still lingering in my mind after the show was over. Very unique compositions were developed in this play and it was definitely such creativity that kept the audience engaged. Lastly, when I was confused about the play and wondering what each character was experiencing, it was the solid acting of actors who were fully devoted to their characters that solved some of my confusion. (if this makes sense)