**thieves are bad**
Hamlet
Makes more sense with Hamlet being female (aka has more feminine mindset)
Julius Caesar genderbent = Lysistrata?
Contrast of make war not love versus make love not war
Male versus female perspective?
Timon of Athens = Shopaholic
Modern audience can't handle bad economic ending
MacBeth is about silence?
"Sound and fury signifying nothing"
Romeo & Juliet
Love before honor?
Compare to MacBeth?
Portia ~ Julius Caesar
Ophelia Syndrome?
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Living
Working on "Our Town" has lead to me doing quite a bit of thinking about... life in general. At one point Emily, the somewhat annoying main female, asks if people ever really live every single moment of their lives. The Stage Manager tells her that the saints and poets might occasionally, but that no one really does. Isn't that an interesting thought?
Have you ever just spent a day, or even an hour, watching the people around you? It's amazing how much time we spend looking without really seeing. I mean, I've seen friends pass each other on the sidewalk without so much as a "hey, how's it going?" slipping past their lips. Most of the time they did not even notice their friend because they were just... too busy.
Recently, with my life being chaotic I haven't given life the value that I should. I've taken it for granted that I was going to wake up the next day, and that I would have time to do the important things that I always seem to be putting off. But do I really have time? I mean, life is just such a fragile thing that it could be gone before I know it. That's why I've resolved to, even if it is in a boring and easy-going way, enjoy each day as much as possible. I'm going to try to not nitpick about things that are out of my control, and I'm going to try to say only the best of things. After all, did not a wise, loppy-eared sage once say that "if you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all"? Ah, the golden things in the world.
But here's my challenge to you: live. See the world around you, take time to smile, enjoy the fall leaves (if you have them), and really see the people around you. Don't get so busy searching for tomorrow that you loose today.
Have you ever just spent a day, or even an hour, watching the people around you? It's amazing how much time we spend looking without really seeing. I mean, I've seen friends pass each other on the sidewalk without so much as a "hey, how's it going?" slipping past their lips. Most of the time they did not even notice their friend because they were just... too busy.
Recently, with my life being chaotic I haven't given life the value that I should. I've taken it for granted that I was going to wake up the next day, and that I would have time to do the important things that I always seem to be putting off. But do I really have time? I mean, life is just such a fragile thing that it could be gone before I know it. That's why I've resolved to, even if it is in a boring and easy-going way, enjoy each day as much as possible. I'm going to try to not nitpick about things that are out of my control, and I'm going to try to say only the best of things. After all, did not a wise, loppy-eared sage once say that "if you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all"? Ah, the golden things in the world.
But here's my challenge to you: live. See the world around you, take time to smile, enjoy the fall leaves (if you have them), and really see the people around you. Don't get so busy searching for tomorrow that you loose today.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Busy busy busy
Well, life is certainly keeping me on my toes. Between Shakespeare Acting Styles, Shakespeare in English, Directing I, and "Our Town" I can't seem to find a spare minute to take a breath. Just this week alone I get to write a paper for my midterms and get to work directing my final play and doing rehearsals.
But, it's tons of fun! I forgot how enjoyable doing a play is, and I think "Our Town" is going to do fantastically. Christine Frezza, the director, has given it a twist that has made it a lot less grim and far more enjoyable (at least for me). My character, Mrs. Soames, even got an upgrade, and she's far more interesting than just your average busybody. If you're interested in seeing it, we open on November 5th at the SUU auditorium. We run that weekend, and then Thurs-Sun of the next week. Means I get to turn 21 while doing the play, which should be... interesting.
As for my paper... Well, I'm not certain what I'm going to write it on. I was tempted to do the importance of language in understanding Shakespeare, but I don't think making my professor angry would be a very good idea.
My play should go well. After I've met with my actors I will give you more information as far as that goes, but it'll be an experience!
Anyway, I should run off and work on all the things I've got to do. Loves to you all!
But, it's tons of fun! I forgot how enjoyable doing a play is, and I think "Our Town" is going to do fantastically. Christine Frezza, the director, has given it a twist that has made it a lot less grim and far more enjoyable (at least for me). My character, Mrs. Soames, even got an upgrade, and she's far more interesting than just your average busybody. If you're interested in seeing it, we open on November 5th at the SUU auditorium. We run that weekend, and then Thurs-Sun of the next week. Means I get to turn 21 while doing the play, which should be... interesting.
As for my paper... Well, I'm not certain what I'm going to write it on. I was tempted to do the importance of language in understanding Shakespeare, but I don't think making my professor angry would be a very good idea.
My play should go well. After I've met with my actors I will give you more information as far as that goes, but it'll be an experience!
Anyway, I should run off and work on all the things I've got to do. Loves to you all!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Shakespeare Divided
So I've come to a conclusion: people don't understand Shakespeare.
Oh, I know a lot of people say that they don't understand Shakespeare, but I think the problem is a lot wider spread than anyone has realized. How did I come to this conclusion? Well, as a Shakespeare major I have to take all kinds of interesting Shakespearean classes from both the English and Theatre departments here at SUU. In the course of this, though, I've realized that many of the people I work with believe that the Bard belongs either to just the English department or just the Theatre department. How screwed up is that?
My favorite part of my major is how integrated the two aspects of Shakespeare have become. In one class I read certain plays, talk about them, and write papers on them. In the other I perform and watch Shakespeare. To me, the line between the two sides has become blurred almost past recognition, and it frustrates me that no one else seems to see how silly it is to have them parted.
Since I got yelled at today by one of my professors about my ideas of integration, I'm simply not going to bother with trying to help SUU make the Bard whole again. They can turn out English majors who know nothing about how to speak Shakespeare for all I care. When I'm a professor, though, I intend to teach a class about Shakespeare. Not Shakespeare from an English perspective, not Shakespeare from a Theatre perspective.
Just Shakespeare.
Oh, I know a lot of people say that they don't understand Shakespeare, but I think the problem is a lot wider spread than anyone has realized. How did I come to this conclusion? Well, as a Shakespeare major I have to take all kinds of interesting Shakespearean classes from both the English and Theatre departments here at SUU. In the course of this, though, I've realized that many of the people I work with believe that the Bard belongs either to just the English department or just the Theatre department. How screwed up is that?
My favorite part of my major is how integrated the two aspects of Shakespeare have become. In one class I read certain plays, talk about them, and write papers on them. In the other I perform and watch Shakespeare. To me, the line between the two sides has become blurred almost past recognition, and it frustrates me that no one else seems to see how silly it is to have them parted.
Since I got yelled at today by one of my professors about my ideas of integration, I'm simply not going to bother with trying to help SUU make the Bard whole again. They can turn out English majors who know nothing about how to speak Shakespeare for all I care. When I'm a professor, though, I intend to teach a class about Shakespeare. Not Shakespeare from an English perspective, not Shakespeare from a Theatre perspective.
Just Shakespeare.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Gnocchi and Gorgeous
So, tonight was fun. After family home evening, Jamie, Kinsey, and I decided to do a G Double Header of the Jackie Chan movie "Gorgeous" and Gnocchi Soup. Talk about an absolutely wonderful night! We got to laugh and eat amazing tasting potato dumplings, not to mention I gained a new appreciation of the interesting realm of Chinese humor.
If you feel inclined, I've included the recipe for Gnocchi soup (the Kirstin variation). Have fun!
Saute in soup pan:
2 T fresh, chopped onions
2 T oil
Add:
1 quart chicken broth (can be watered down if you like)
2 cups thinly sliced carrots
1/2 t lemon juice
Italian seasoning to taste
Bring to a boil, let boil for 3-4 minutes (to soften carrots)
Add:
1 Package Gnocchi (approx. 3 cups)
Pre-cooked chicken (anywhere from 1/2 - 2 cups)
Boil until the Gnocchi float to the top, which should take 2-3 minutes. Then you dish it into a bowl, curl up with a good movie, and enjoy!
~~As a side note, yes I did my usual cleaning today. However, since I really attacked the bathroom it took my well into the afternoon and I didn't get to the kitchen. I was a very, very tired person by the time Jamie got home from classes. Our bathroom smells really nice currently, though, and even glistens in the right light. ^_^
If you feel inclined, I've included the recipe for Gnocchi soup (the Kirstin variation). Have fun!
Saute in soup pan:
2 T fresh, chopped onions
2 T oil
Add:
1 quart chicken broth (can be watered down if you like)
2 cups thinly sliced carrots
1/2 t lemon juice
Italian seasoning to taste
Bring to a boil, let boil for 3-4 minutes (to soften carrots)
Add:
1 Package Gnocchi (approx. 3 cups)
Pre-cooked chicken (anywhere from 1/2 - 2 cups)
Boil until the Gnocchi float to the top, which should take 2-3 minutes. Then you dish it into a bowl, curl up with a good movie, and enjoy!
~~As a side note, yes I did my usual cleaning today. However, since I really attacked the bathroom it took my well into the afternoon and I didn't get to the kitchen. I was a very, very tired person by the time Jamie got home from classes. Our bathroom smells really nice currently, though, and even glistens in the right light. ^_^
Friday, September 18, 2009
Finding Joy
I think, compared to a lot of people, I'm a relatively easy person to please. Many people have told me that I must lead a very exciting life or do a great deal when no one is looking, which just gives me a bit of a laugh. I learned something very important a long time ago: you should always do what you can to be happy, even if it is just a little thing every day. If nothing else, it took my stress levels down because I was no longer trying to be an impressive person.
For me, the ideal day is one that would perhaps seem boring to others. I'm happiest when I can get up, do laundry or sweep and mop, shower, make lunch, get ready for class the next day, spend time reading or writing, talk to friends, make dinner, and enjoy a good movie. Told you it was boring. Actually, in truth, that's my Monday ritual. I only have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so the other days in my week are falling into a very particular, relaxing sort of schedule. Really, I... just love simplicity. Other people thrive off of the huge adventures, but the stress usually makes it difficult for me to enjoy that sort of thing.
And I will admit that I am not an exciting person. That's not my goal in life. What I am is a relatively happy person who is working on being absolutely joyful. Really, what more could you ask for in life?
For me, the ideal day is one that would perhaps seem boring to others. I'm happiest when I can get up, do laundry or sweep and mop, shower, make lunch, get ready for class the next day, spend time reading or writing, talk to friends, make dinner, and enjoy a good movie. Told you it was boring. Actually, in truth, that's my Monday ritual. I only have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so the other days in my week are falling into a very particular, relaxing sort of schedule. Really, I... just love simplicity. Other people thrive off of the huge adventures, but the stress usually makes it difficult for me to enjoy that sort of thing.
And I will admit that I am not an exciting person. That's not my goal in life. What I am is a relatively happy person who is working on being absolutely joyful. Really, what more could you ask for in life?
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Stress
Honestly, I have to wonder how much more I can take.
If the past six years of emotional and psychological abuse were not enough, now I have to deal with them by going to therapy. It's not so bad, but... it feels a little useless. Sometimes I wonder if my therapist knows what he's doing, but I figure I might as well give it a while longer and see if things improve. If not... Well, I'm just not going to think that far.
Add to that the absolutely awful stress of knowing that, in reality, your future is not really in your control. My school randomly dropped a $600 charge on me today, and the entire matter sent me into such an angst-fit that Kinsey made me pasta-roni to make me feel better (which is saying something, since that's a very heavy comfort food). Money's just.... so frustrating. I could pay it all off at once if I had to, but... financial anxiety is something I can't seem to get rid of. It's something that constantly bothers me: the fear that I won't be able to pay for something. I mean, it really is one of the most awful feelings in the entire world. In my opinion, whoever put us on the monetary track should have been shot. It's just too much stress.
I'm upset, I know that much because my shoulders are so tense you could break iron on them, but I don't know what to do about it. Praying and napping seem like the best options at this point, and I'm just hoping the charge turns out to be a mistake. If not... Well, let's just hope that God provides a way.
If the past six years of emotional and psychological abuse were not enough, now I have to deal with them by going to therapy. It's not so bad, but... it feels a little useless. Sometimes I wonder if my therapist knows what he's doing, but I figure I might as well give it a while longer and see if things improve. If not... Well, I'm just not going to think that far.
Add to that the absolutely awful stress of knowing that, in reality, your future is not really in your control. My school randomly dropped a $600 charge on me today, and the entire matter sent me into such an angst-fit that Kinsey made me pasta-roni to make me feel better (which is saying something, since that's a very heavy comfort food). Money's just.... so frustrating. I could pay it all off at once if I had to, but... financial anxiety is something I can't seem to get rid of. It's something that constantly bothers me: the fear that I won't be able to pay for something. I mean, it really is one of the most awful feelings in the entire world. In my opinion, whoever put us on the monetary track should have been shot. It's just too much stress.
I'm upset, I know that much because my shoulders are so tense you could break iron on them, but I don't know what to do about it. Praying and napping seem like the best options at this point, and I'm just hoping the charge turns out to be a mistake. If not... Well, let's just hope that God provides a way.
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