This essay deconstructed the performance "Boy Girl Wall" to determine its efficacy as a Postmodern Theatre performance. The conventions analysed in the exposition were appropriation, intertextuality and the integration of live and digital media. The dramatic element of symbolism was also analysed to decide whether the performance was effective in satisfying the demands of Postmodernism. The final conclusion of the essay was that "Boy Girl Wall" was an exemplary piece of Postmodern Theatre.
Table of Contents
- Appropriation
- Intertextuality
- Integration of Live and Digital Media
- Symbolism
Objectives and Key Themes
This preview analyzes the 2010 theatrical performance "Boy Girl Wall" by Matthew Ryan, Lucas Stibbard, Neridah Waters, and Sarah Winter, examining its compliance with postmodern theatre conventions. The analysis focuses on how the play's use of specific techniques contributes to its overall effectiveness as a postmodern piece.
- Appropriation of theatrical conventions
- Effective use of intertextuality
- Integration of live and digital media
- Symbolic representation and audience interpretation
- Distinction between postmodern and traditional theatre
Chapter Summaries
Appropriation: This section analyzes the deliberate use of appropriation in "Boy Girl Wall" to contextualize the performance within the postmodern theatrical framework. The introduction of the narrator, using a Hollywood show tune juxtaposed with a theatrical box and contrasting curtains, highlights the deliberate blurring of lines between theatre and non-theatre, a key characteristic of postmodernism. This initial scene immediately establishes the play's departure from traditional theatrical norms and prepares the audience for a non-conventional experience, foreshadowing the unconventional narrative and stylistic choices to follow.
Intertextuality: The chapter explores the successful implementation of intertextuality in the narrator's introduction. By referencing iconic love stories like "Titanic" and "The Sound of Music," the narrator creates a contrast with the actual narrative of "Boy Girl Wall," establishing viewer expectations which are then subverted. The narrator's performance style (robotic, stylized gestures, formal tone) further emphasizes this contrast, clearly signaling the performance's postmodern nature and its departure from traditional narrative structures and emotional expression. The use of familiar references ironically sets the stage for the unfamiliar and unconventional storytelling to come.
Integration of Live and Digital Media: This section examines how "Boy Girl Wall" seamlessly integrates live and digital media. The introduction of Thom's character exemplifies this, utilizing lighting, sound effects (a piercing alarm clock), and props (a chalk-drawn alarm clock) to create a specific atmosphere and setting. This multi-media approach demonstrates the removal of boundaries between different art forms, a key aspect of postmodern theatre. The interplay between these elements shows how the play uses technological and physical resources to create a dynamic and fluid performance space, constantly transforming time and space through visual and auditory cues.
Symbolism: The analysis focuses on the symbolic use of the floor, wall, and ceiling to represent the human condition. The personification of these inanimate objects creates a surreal atmosphere contrasting with the play's realism. The floor represents reality, the wall represents emotional barriers, and the ceiling represents protection. The interplay between these symbols allows for individual audience interpretation, a core principle of postmodern art, where meaning is not solely determined by the artist but is co-created by the audience through their engagement with the performance. This section exemplifies how the play uses seemingly simple stage elements to engage with complex themes of human experience.
Keywords
Postmodern Theatre, Appropriation, Intertextuality, Live and Digital Media, Symbolism, "Boy Girl Wall," Performance Art, Theatrical Conventions, Narrative Structure, Audience Interpretation.
Boy Girl Wall: A Postmodern Theatre Analysis - FAQ
What is this document?
This document is a comprehensive preview of an academic analysis of the theatrical performance "Boy Girl Wall" (2010) by Matthew Ryan, Lucas Stibbard, Neridah Waters, and Sarah Winter. It includes a table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The analysis focuses on how the play utilizes postmodern theatrical conventions.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis of "Boy Girl Wall"?
The analysis explores several key themes within the context of postmodern theatre: appropriation of theatrical conventions, effective use of intertextuality, integration of live and digital media, symbolic representation and audience interpretation, and the distinction between postmodern and traditional theatre.
How does "Boy Girl Wall" utilize appropriation?
The analysis highlights the deliberate use of appropriation in "Boy Girl Wall," particularly in the opening scene. The juxtaposition of a Hollywood show tune, a theatrical box, and contrasting curtains blurs the lines between theatre and non-theatre, a key characteristic of postmodernism. This immediately establishes a departure from traditional theatrical norms.
What role does intertextuality play in "Boy Girl Wall"?
The analysis examines the successful implementation of intertextuality through the narrator's introduction. References to iconic love stories like "Titanic" and "The Sound of Music" create a contrast with the actual narrative, subverting viewer expectations. The narrator's stylized performance further emphasizes this contrast, signaling the play's postmodern nature.
How does "Boy Girl Wall" integrate live and digital media?
The analysis showcases the seamless integration of live and digital media. The introduction of Thom's character uses lighting, sound effects (an alarm clock), and props (a chalk-drawn alarm clock) to create atmosphere and setting. This multi-media approach removes boundaries between art forms, a hallmark of postmodern theatre.
What is the significance of symbolism in "Boy Girl Wall"?
The analysis focuses on the symbolic use of the floor, wall, and ceiling to represent the human condition. The personification of these inanimate objects creates a surreal atmosphere. The floor represents reality, the wall represents emotional barriers, and the ceiling represents protection. The interplay allows for individual audience interpretation, a core principle of postmodern art.
What are the keywords associated with this analysis of "Boy Girl Wall"?
Keywords include: Postmodern Theatre, Appropriation, Intertextuality, Live and Digital Media, Symbolism, "Boy Girl Wall," Performance Art, Theatrical Conventions, Narrative Structure, Audience Interpretation.
What is the overall objective of this analysis?
The analysis aims to examine "Boy Girl Wall"'s compliance with postmodern theatre conventions and how specific techniques contribute to its effectiveness as a postmodern piece.
What are the chapters covered in the analysis?
The analysis covers chapters on Appropriation, Intertextuality, Integration of Live and Digital Media, and Symbolism.
- Citation du texte
- Kassidy-Rose McMahon (Auteur), 2016, Compliance of "Boy Girl Wall" with Postmodern Theatre Style, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/334495
