Previewing+Questions

Answer the following questions in a Google Doc and share with Miss Cox (acox@bedford.k12.oh.us).

1. What are the first thoughts and/or images that come to mind when you hear "Shakespeare"? Why do you think that his plays continue to be read and produced almost 400 years after his death? What makes his work relevant to a modern audience? What are some of your expectations about seeing GLTF's production of Othello?

2. Othello is one of Shakespeare’s great tragedies. How do you, personally, define “tragedy”? What qualities make up a tragic hero? Many scholars believe that a true tragic hero must experience a fall from grace and possess a tragic flaw or are victim to their own hubris. Can you think of a modern hero or cultural icon who has experienced a fall from grace? What was their tragic flaw? What is it like, when you — to a lesser degree — get knocked off a pedestal? How does the feeling and/or experience change if the tumble is self-induced or if the fall is due to another’s actions? What, in your opinion, is your tragic flaw?

3. In what ways does “love” make us vulnerable? What are the benefits and costs of vulnerability? Does love serve to empower or weaken our sense of self? In what way does love make us susceptible to rash emotion and/or overall recklessness? Can the same be said of “hate”? Explain.

4. Define evil. Who decides what is right and what is wrong? Is morality an innate quality or it something that we are taught? What role does good and evil play in our understanding of morality? What pushes people to act on their baser instincts? Does everyone possess a duel nature? If so, what determines our core nature and what controls our behavior/actions? Are some people innately evil? Explain.

5. What do you imagine it takes to produce a successful production of a classic tragedy, the scope of Othello? Do you believe that producing Shakespeare requires a different skill set than a contemporary piece? What skills are required? What does it take for you to personally lose yourself in the story and journey of the characters? Is this type of transcendence more difficult at a live performance? Why? How does the experience of witnessing live performance differ from going to the movie, renting a DVD, or sitting in front of the TV or computer?