The playwright that I choose to do this blog on is Julie Taymor. Julie Taymor is an amazing playwright of our time, in my opinion that is. She is most widely known for her work on Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway. Taymor received two Tony Awards for this production; one for the costume designs and one for her direction. She became the first women to receive a Tony Award for directing a musical. In the year 1991 Julie won the MacArthur "genius" award for her work in theatre. She has made such an impact on theatre with her work on The Lion King alone, not even mentioning her other great works.
Another great piece that Julie Taymor directed was Across the Universe, a love story set to the music of the Beatles. The film opened in September 2007 and received a Golden Globe Nomination for Best Comedy/Musical in 2008. Julie has a way of putting to life what others could not have even fathomed, she has her own unique style on the productions she is involved in. Julie was also selected to direct the new musical production known as Spider-Man musical adaptation, which is scheduled to hit Broadway in February of 2010.
As a teenager, during the 1960s, she lived in Sri Lanka and India with the Experiment in International Living program, then studied acting in Paris, at the mime school of Jacques Lecoq. From 1969 to 1974 she studied theatre and mythology at Oberlin College, graduating in 1974 with a degree in folklore and mythology. With Julie having traveled from the time she was very young, she, I would assume, knows very much about other cultures and is highly educated. In the one article I was reading it stated that Julie was interested in theatre from the time she was very young, fond of international folklore and mythology. Julie Taymor has a very strong background in theatre judging by her numerous credentials I the field. For that reason I would trust her opinion on directing and what not because she is very talented and she obviously knows a lot about what she is talking about.
I find so numerous things about the work of Julie Taymor interesting that it is hard to narrow it down to just a few. First off, in her production of the Lion King, I thought it was literally amazing. The costumes, the effect, the music, everything was honestly exactly how I pictured it would be. It amazes me that she directed it, of course there were many other hands involved, but she solely alone directed it. I think that Julie Taymor has a way of thinking that is separate from most people’s perspectives on certain things. Reason being because when she initially did the costumes for the Lion King, she was the first one to do anything like that. She made such life like costumes that no director had ever even thought of before. And mainly for that reason, I give her a lot of respect.
Julie’s most influential work would have to be The Lion King production. I grew up watching The Lion King, it was my favorite movie as a kid. I think that is why I like her so much, and because the Broadway production was so much better than even I thought it was going to be. Also, with her work in Across the Universe, I thought she did a very good job. I think working with such an influential group as The Beatles would be a difficult task because everyone is going to be critiquing it. So if something was a little off everyone would know. Even despite this Julie did a very good job.
I find Julie in general as a very inspiring person because even from a young age she knew she loved the theatre and art and she knew that was where she wanted to go. She strove to reach her dreams and she definitely obtained that of what she went for. I am sure there were times where she questioned her abilities to fulfill her dreams, but she achieved them. Most people are not able to travel the country at all, let alone at there preteen age years like Julie did. While she was traveling she studied the use of puppets being used within ritual services. She brought what she studied back with her to the United States. Using this unique puppet style, she quickly made a name for herself as a innovative director.
There are many reasons why anyone should pick Julie Taymor for this project. These are just some of the reasons as to why I think Julie is an amazing director and individual in general. She is probably one of the most talented directors of our age today, in my opinion of course.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Write a Play
There once were two families who lived near each other. Both families became very close, epecially the two youngest daughters of each family, Mindy and Elizabeth. They became inseperable from the start.
Mindy: Hi, my name is Mindy what's yours?
Elizabeth: My name is Elizabeth, but everyone calls me Liz, even though I hate that name.
Mindy: Yeah, my mom calls me Dee, and I don't know why?
Elizabeth: Who knows, I think my mom is really crazy sometimes... or a lot of the time.
Mindy: Haha, I thought it was only my mom.
Elizabeth: No my mom is too, haha
Even through Middle School the two were still together all the time. They were involved on the same softball team, chorus choir, and Students Against Drunk Driving(SADD). At a softball game one evening Coach Rob tries to calm the two girls down after a terrible loss:
Mindy: ELIZABETH! HOW DID YOU MISS THAT FLY BALL?! IT WAS RIGHT THERE!!
Elizabeth: I DON'T KNOW MINDY, MAYBE IF YOU WOULDN'T HAVE PITCHED IT RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE!!
Mindy: WELL IT'S BASICALLY YOUR FAULT WE LOST!
Elizabeth: MY FAULT?
Mindy: YES YOUR FAULT!
As Elizabeth starts to walk over and punch Mindy Coach Rob comes in the dugout.
Coach Rob: Now girls, you both can't get on each others case like you are! Look at what you both did wrong and grow and get better from that. Next game will be better, just keep your heads up!
Mindy: ...He's right, I'm sorry I flipped out on you Elizabeth!
Elizabeth: I'm sorry I flipped out on you to Mindy!
Coach Rob: There ya go! Now, we have practice on Monday, come with good attitudes!
Mindy & Elizabeth: We will Coach!
Then Sophmore year a tragedy hit in Mindy's family. Mindy's father had liver failure and held on as long as he could. The one day in November he passed on before us. Both girls trying to talk through tears:
Elizabeth: Mindy! I heard about your dad... how are you holding up?
Mindy: Not good at all Elizabeth, it's so hard. I never thought he would leave me!
Elizabeth: I know babe, everything is going to be fine.. you'll see.
Mindy: How can you even say that?! Your dad is alive!
Elizabeth: I know Mindy, but everything happens for a reason, you just have to let go.. and let God.
Mindy: Don't start with all the Jesus crap Elizabeth, I'm not in the mood to deal with any of it.
Elizabeth: I know, you never are. But the invitation for Church with me on Sunday is still there.. you know?
Mindy: Yes, yes I know.
Elizabeth's family always went to Church, every Sunday. Although Mindy's family used to go to Church much of the time, they stopped going when Mindy's father started falling ill. Ever since Elizabeth has been trying to get Mindy to return, but she has yet to budge.
Then it was Senior year. Both Mindy and Elizabeth were so ready to get out of high school. But they had to get through the last stepping stone first: Prom. Elizabeth was "in love" with this boy named Matt. But when Mindy decides she wants to go with Matt, the tension rises.
Mindy: Hey Elizabeth! Who were you thinking of going to prom with?
Elizabeth: I don't know yet Mindy, I really want to go with Matt more than anyone.. Why?
Mindy: Matt Conner?
Elizabeth: yes.... you know I've liked him for a long time now...
Mindy: Ohh you liked that Matt Connor? The tall blonde?
Elizabeth: You know all of this, why are you acting stupid?
Mindy: Cause I just asked him to go and he said yes! you're right, he is so gorgeous!
Elizabeth: I cannot believe you!! You know what, I should have known you would do this. All you ever do is think about yourself, that's all you ever did!!
Mindy: Now come on Liz!
Elizabeth: Don't ever call me Liz, you know I hate that! And as far as I'm concerned our friendship is over, and I mean it Mindy! You really went to far this time!
Mindy: Li...Elizabeth! It's just prom!
Elizabeth walks away
Mindy: ...So are we shopping for dresses Saturday still? I'll call you? ... ELIZABETHHHH!
The two best friends who everyone thought would never part, suddenly parted. They never talked again after that day. Mindy took Matt to prom, and Elizabeth ended up with a date she did not really favor. Of course they would run into each other every once in awhile at Wal-Mart. Both would say "Hi" and be on their seperate ways. Everyone tried to get them to make-up with each other, but both were to stubborn to apologize. They both won offices of their student body. When it came time for their 5th year reunion, they both had to sit by each other for the first time in almost 5 years.
When Elizabeth finds that her and Mindy are seated at the same table she immediatly becomes infuriated.
Elizabeth: No, I'm not sitting anywhere near her. This is ridiculous!
Tom(Elizabeth's husband): Elizabeth, stop causing a scene. Just sit down, it won't be that bad I'm sure. It's been 5 years, just let it go.
Elizabeth: Okay, but if anything happens I'm leaving.
Tom: Okay hunny.
Little do Elizabeth and Mindy know that their husbands planned for the two of them to sit at the same table.
Mindy and her husband walk in and see Elizabeth sitting at her table.
Mindy: Ohh no! I refuse to sit at that table with her!
Mindy's husband(Albert): Ohh just sit down stop acting like a baby. Hello Tom, hello Liz.
Mindy: (Sarcastically) OH do not call her Liz! she will flip out on you! she hates it!
Elizabeth: Good memory Mindy, and hello Albert nice to see you.
Albert: Likewise Elizabeth. And Mindy just shut up and calm down.
Mindy: Okay I'll sit here but I won't like it.
Elizabeth: You always were so damn stubborn, haha nothing has changed about you at all.
Mindy: Nothing has really changed about you either.. Minus a few greys in that hair of yours, haha.
Elizabeth: Wow thanks, I needed that one. But with 4 kids and I'm working full time, it's allowed to be a little grey
Mindy: No way! 4 kids! I should've guessed.. you always did love kids.
Elizabeth: Yeah, how many do you and Albert have?
Mindy: Oh just one, Max, you know I was never completely found of kids.
Elizabeth: Yes, yes I remember now. Hey, I'm going to go get some punch. Do you want anything?
Mindy: You know, I'm just going to come up with you...
Mindy and Elizabeth leave to get drinks. Tom and Albert are still at the table, amazed that it worked out so well.
Tom: Did this really just work so perfectly or am I dreaming?
Albert: I don't know... pinch me.
Tom pinches Albert harder than he should have.
Albert: OUCH! why'd you do it so hard?
Tom: Sorry man, but I guess it's real. haha
The two couples have an amazing rest of their evening. And later both Mindy and Elizabeth keep in contact and become best friends again and live happily ever after.
THE END.
Mindy: Hi, my name is Mindy what's yours?
Elizabeth: My name is Elizabeth, but everyone calls me Liz, even though I hate that name.
Mindy: Yeah, my mom calls me Dee, and I don't know why?
Elizabeth: Who knows, I think my mom is really crazy sometimes... or a lot of the time.
Mindy: Haha, I thought it was only my mom.
Elizabeth: No my mom is too, haha
Even through Middle School the two were still together all the time. They were involved on the same softball team, chorus choir, and Students Against Drunk Driving(SADD). At a softball game one evening Coach Rob tries to calm the two girls down after a terrible loss:
Mindy: ELIZABETH! HOW DID YOU MISS THAT FLY BALL?! IT WAS RIGHT THERE!!
Elizabeth: I DON'T KNOW MINDY, MAYBE IF YOU WOULDN'T HAVE PITCHED IT RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE!!
Mindy: WELL IT'S BASICALLY YOUR FAULT WE LOST!
Elizabeth: MY FAULT?
Mindy: YES YOUR FAULT!
As Elizabeth starts to walk over and punch Mindy Coach Rob comes in the dugout.
Coach Rob: Now girls, you both can't get on each others case like you are! Look at what you both did wrong and grow and get better from that. Next game will be better, just keep your heads up!
Mindy: ...He's right, I'm sorry I flipped out on you Elizabeth!
Elizabeth: I'm sorry I flipped out on you to Mindy!
Coach Rob: There ya go! Now, we have practice on Monday, come with good attitudes!
Mindy & Elizabeth: We will Coach!
Then Sophmore year a tragedy hit in Mindy's family. Mindy's father had liver failure and held on as long as he could. The one day in November he passed on before us. Both girls trying to talk through tears:
Elizabeth: Mindy! I heard about your dad... how are you holding up?
Mindy: Not good at all Elizabeth, it's so hard. I never thought he would leave me!
Elizabeth: I know babe, everything is going to be fine.. you'll see.
Mindy: How can you even say that?! Your dad is alive!
Elizabeth: I know Mindy, but everything happens for a reason, you just have to let go.. and let God.
Mindy: Don't start with all the Jesus crap Elizabeth, I'm not in the mood to deal with any of it.
Elizabeth: I know, you never are. But the invitation for Church with me on Sunday is still there.. you know?
Mindy: Yes, yes I know.
Elizabeth's family always went to Church, every Sunday. Although Mindy's family used to go to Church much of the time, they stopped going when Mindy's father started falling ill. Ever since Elizabeth has been trying to get Mindy to return, but she has yet to budge.
Then it was Senior year. Both Mindy and Elizabeth were so ready to get out of high school. But they had to get through the last stepping stone first: Prom. Elizabeth was "in love" with this boy named Matt. But when Mindy decides she wants to go with Matt, the tension rises.
Mindy: Hey Elizabeth! Who were you thinking of going to prom with?
Elizabeth: I don't know yet Mindy, I really want to go with Matt more than anyone.. Why?
Mindy: Matt Conner?
Elizabeth: yes.... you know I've liked him for a long time now...
Mindy: Ohh you liked that Matt Connor? The tall blonde?
Elizabeth: You know all of this, why are you acting stupid?
Mindy: Cause I just asked him to go and he said yes! you're right, he is so gorgeous!
Elizabeth: I cannot believe you!! You know what, I should have known you would do this. All you ever do is think about yourself, that's all you ever did!!
Mindy: Now come on Liz!
Elizabeth: Don't ever call me Liz, you know I hate that! And as far as I'm concerned our friendship is over, and I mean it Mindy! You really went to far this time!
Mindy: Li...Elizabeth! It's just prom!
Elizabeth walks away
Mindy: ...So are we shopping for dresses Saturday still? I'll call you? ... ELIZABETHHHH!
The two best friends who everyone thought would never part, suddenly parted. They never talked again after that day. Mindy took Matt to prom, and Elizabeth ended up with a date she did not really favor. Of course they would run into each other every once in awhile at Wal-Mart. Both would say "Hi" and be on their seperate ways. Everyone tried to get them to make-up with each other, but both were to stubborn to apologize. They both won offices of their student body. When it came time for their 5th year reunion, they both had to sit by each other for the first time in almost 5 years.
When Elizabeth finds that her and Mindy are seated at the same table she immediatly becomes infuriated.
Elizabeth: No, I'm not sitting anywhere near her. This is ridiculous!
Tom(Elizabeth's husband): Elizabeth, stop causing a scene. Just sit down, it won't be that bad I'm sure. It's been 5 years, just let it go.
Elizabeth: Okay, but if anything happens I'm leaving.
Tom: Okay hunny.
Little do Elizabeth and Mindy know that their husbands planned for the two of them to sit at the same table.
Mindy and her husband walk in and see Elizabeth sitting at her table.
Mindy: Ohh no! I refuse to sit at that table with her!
Mindy's husband(Albert): Ohh just sit down stop acting like a baby. Hello Tom, hello Liz.
Mindy: (Sarcastically) OH do not call her Liz! she will flip out on you! she hates it!
Elizabeth: Good memory Mindy, and hello Albert nice to see you.
Albert: Likewise Elizabeth. And Mindy just shut up and calm down.
Mindy: Okay I'll sit here but I won't like it.
Elizabeth: You always were so damn stubborn, haha nothing has changed about you at all.
Mindy: Nothing has really changed about you either.. Minus a few greys in that hair of yours, haha.
Elizabeth: Wow thanks, I needed that one. But with 4 kids and I'm working full time, it's allowed to be a little grey
Mindy: No way! 4 kids! I should've guessed.. you always did love kids.
Elizabeth: Yeah, how many do you and Albert have?
Mindy: Oh just one, Max, you know I was never completely found of kids.
Elizabeth: Yes, yes I remember now. Hey, I'm going to go get some punch. Do you want anything?
Mindy: You know, I'm just going to come up with you...
Mindy and Elizabeth leave to get drinks. Tom and Albert are still at the table, amazed that it worked out so well.
Tom: Did this really just work so perfectly or am I dreaming?
Albert: I don't know... pinch me.
Tom pinches Albert harder than he should have.
Albert: OUCH! why'd you do it so hard?
Tom: Sorry man, but I guess it's real. haha
The two couples have an amazing rest of their evening. And later both Mindy and Elizabeth keep in contact and become best friends again and live happily ever after.
THE END.
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