This Is A Serious Business

Hai guys, remember that we have told you that we will perform Othello on stage by this end of this semester? Well things are getting serious now. For this play, our group is collaborating with another group from the Elizabethan Literature course to perform the scenes of Act 1 in Othello. This is a good news actually because since Shake It Shakespeare is a small group of girls, we think this combination is great. So now, there are eight of us and each of us has been assign with one character in Othello. Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce to you the cast members of Othello's Act One;

Aini Hanani

as

Shermeeta Kaur

as

Nadzirah Hakim

as

Nazirah 

as

in collaboration with..

The Talktalk-Literature team members;

Munirah Ruslan

as

Uzir 

as

 Ezal Izham

as

and last but not least

Ahmad Ikram

as

.

Yes...Ikram will play as Iago too. He will play Iago for half of the act and another half will be play by Munirah Ruslan.

Good luck to Us!- x

What she say...

Yeah, exactly.. this is not a monkey business.

We are performing a play on Othello, and we are going to rock it!!!

As you can see from the pictures above uploaded by our absolutely stunning Shake It Shakespeare's, web designer; Nadzirah Hakim, these are all our casts in the Othello play.

There will be 8 of us in Act 1 which are Uzir Edwin, Shermeeta, Nadzirah Hakim, Nazirah, Nurul Aini Hanani, Munirah Ruslan, Eizal,and also Ikram.Eizal is a minor student in Acting & Drama; and is also our group leader. we had always looked up on him as he is such a dedicated and good leader for all of us who are immature and has absolutely no knowledge about acting...

We had been going through some ups and downs regarding this play.. well, i suppose now we had already settled everything.

We had divided our lines for Act 1 play, and also sent a copy to Dr. Nurul by email.

Therefore this weekend, we will work on sound projections and also remember our lines for the play.

Dr. Nurul had offered herself to check on our pronunciation skills as it a script written in the Elizabethan era..

Dr. Nurul had put a lot of hopes in us and it all again comes back to our dedication to make this play a memorable one...

According to our lecturer, the  final practice will be on 4th April and the play will take place on 6th April 2011 at Pelenggang Cahaya, Art School, USM.

Other information will be informed to all of you out there in the updates in this blog.

so, always check out our blog ;)

-miti

School Of Art Open Day

The cheerful faces of our classmates ^_^

Play Reciting by Group 2

Practice! practice! practice!

Group 5

List of Characters in The Winter's Tale

Leontes- King of Sicilia
He is a headstrong man who is at first guided more by emotions than reason. His unfounded suspicions against his wife, Hermione, and his friend, King Polixenes, separate him from both of them and cause him to reject his infant daughter. His unjust actions also indirectly result in the death of his son, Mamillius. In many ways, he resembles the flawed protagonists of Greek tragedy; however,he reforms himself before it is too late. 


Hermione- Queen to Leontes


Perdita- Daughter to Leontes and Hermione


Mamillius- Young Prince of Sicilia.
His death adds a tragic elements to the play. 


Polixenes- King of Bohemia, the childhood friend of Leontes
He opposes his son's marriage to Perdita (the rejected daughter of Leontes, now grown) believing her to be a commoner. Although he accepts Perdita at the end of the play, he does so only after he learns her true identity. Whether he has overcome his prejudice against commoners remains open to question.  


Florizel- Polixenes's son


Camillio-  Upright advisor of King Leontes. After Leontes order him to poison Polixenes, Camillo returns with Polixenes to Bohemia and becomes his advisor.  


Antigonus, Cleomenes, Dion - Lords of Sicilia


Paulina- Wife to Antigonus


Emilia- a lady attending the Queen


Autolycus- a Rogue. A comic thief and pedlar who assists Florizel and Perdita.


Archidamus- a Lord of Bohemia


An old Shepherd- reputed father of Perdita. 
He is 67 when the infant Perdita is found and 83 at the end of the play.


Clown- his Son


Mariner- Crewman of the ship that carries Antigonus and Perdita to Bohemia. 

Emilia- Lady attending Hermione. 

Mopsa, Dorcas- Shepherdesses. 

Rogero- Lord who tells other gentlemen that a prophecy by the Delphic Oracle has been fulfilled. 

Minor Characters- Other lords, gentlemen, ladies, officers, servants, shepherds, shepherdesses.


Sources:
http://www.cummingsstudyguides.net/xWinterTale.html

The Winter's Tale Animated: Part 5

The last part is here!

After sixteen years of lamenting on his lost, Leontes is bless with a happy ending. Not only he found his daughter back, but he also get to unite with his long lost wife, Hermione.What a magical ending!

Isn't that a lovely ending to a great story? I hope these videos will help you in studying this play. You are welcome to ask any questions, suggestions or comments to us.We'll try with all our might to help you! Have a nice day! :*

*Video retrieved from YouTube (Property of the BBC)

The Winter's Tale Animated: Part 4

Love starts to bloom between Florizel and Perdita. But it's a forbidden love...

1)What did Camillo advise Floritzel to do?

*Video retrieved from YouTube (Property of the BBC)

The Winter's Tale Animated: Part 3

As years past, now Perdita has grow to be a beautiful lass. But, there's problem awaits her.What is it?Continue watching friends!!

* Video retrieved from Youtube (The property of the BBC)

The Winter's Tale Animated: Part 2

'So full of art jealousy is guilt, It spills it self in fearing to be split'. (William Shakespeare)

Jealousy if not prevent can leads to worst. Now, in this part you'll see what has come to Leontes cause by his own jealousy.

Leontes's jealousy cost him his Prince and Hermione's life. Besides, it also make him the heartless king, who without deep thought,disinherits his own daughter. 

*Video retrieved from YouTube (Property of the BBC)

The Winter's Tale Animated: Part 1

Studying play by reading alone might be very boring and difficult for some of us. But, don't give up! Why not take some rest and chillax by watching this Shakespeare adaption of The Winter's Tale. Once you get the idea of what the play is about you can continue read the play again. Isn't that easy?

So friends, this is the first part of The Winter's Tale animated. Hope you enjoy it :)

This part is the intro to the whole play. In this part, we will be introduce to the important characters of this play; Leontes, Polixenes, Hermione, and Camillo. While you watching this why not think of these questions:

1) Why Leontes is so mad to Hermione?

2) What makes Camillo to turn his back on Leontes and leaves Sicilia?

Hope you'll find this part helpful. I will upload the second part soon! 

* Video retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKGUCXf-Cu0&feature=related (Property of the BBC)

Summary: Act Five

In the dark streets of Cyprus, Roderigo attacks Cassio, who, uninjured, stabs Roderigo. Iago then wounds Cassio in the leg. Othello, hearing Cassio cry out, thinks that Iago has killed him, and departs to murder Desdemona. Iago then kills the wounded Roderigo.While Iago, joined by Lodovico and Gratiano, tends to Cassio. Bianca arrives.Iago accuses her of being a whore and of engineering the plot against Cassio that led to his injury.

Desdemona is asleep in bed when Othello enters. He kisses her and wakes her and once again charges her infidelity. Over her protests of innocence, he smothers her. When Emilia comes to tell Othello about the violence in the streets, he acknowledge the killing, telling her that Iago had informed him of Desdemona infidelity. Emilia cries of "Murder" bring Iago, Montano and Gratiano. Iago, under pressure, admits accusing Desdemona. When Emilia discloses the truth about the handkerchief, Othello tries, unsuccessfully, to kill Iago, and Iago kills Emilia. Othello aware of his enormous error in regarding Desdemona as unfaithful, stabs himself, falling dead on the bed beside Emilia and Desdemona. Iago is taken away to be tortured and killed.

Reference

Shakespeare, W. (1993). Othello. United States of America: Washington Square Press

Summary: Act Four

Iago continues to torture Othello psychologically. He plants vivid description of Desdemona's alleged sexual activity until Othello blacks out.Iago then purposely place Othello in a place where he can see but not hear a conversation with Cassio about Bianca. But he tells Othello that the conversation is about Cassio and Desdemona. Othello witnesses Bianca comes in and throws handkerchief at Cassio, accusing he have another lady.

Lodovico arrives from Venice and inform Othello that he is order to return to Venice, and that Cassio is appointed at his place.Othello strikes Desdemona in Lodovico's presence, then rudely dismisses her, and leaves in a jealous rage. Lodovico expresses his astonishment at the change in Othello.

Othello questions Emilia about Cassio and Desdemona's relationship, acting as if Emilia is the mistress of a brothel and Desdemona one of her prostitutes. Othello denounces Desdemona to her face as a whore Desdemona turns for help to Iago, who reassures her.

Roderigo, protesting to Iago that his gifts to Desdemona have won him no favor from her, threatens to ask for the return of the gifts. Iago counters this treat by telling Roderigo that Desdemona will leave for Mauritania with Othello unless Roderigocan delay them. The best way to do this, says Iago, is by killing Cassio.

Othello walking with Lodovico, orders Desdemona to go to bed and to dismiss Emilia.As Emilia helps Desdemona prepare to bed, they discuss marital infedelity, with Desdemona arguing that no woman would be unfaithful to her husband and Emilia arguing that women have the same desires as men do.

Reference
Shakespeare, W. (1993). Othello. United States of America: Washington Square Press

Summary: Act Three Scene Two

Iago, Othello, and a gentlemen walk together at the citadel. Othello gives Iago some letters to deliver and decides to take a look at the town's fortification.

References:

Shakespeare, W. (1993). Othello. United States of America: Washington Square Press

Sparksnotes. (2010). Othello. Retrieved January 14, 2011, from http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/othello/section5.rhtml

Summary: Act Three Scene One

Continues from the previous scene, audiences now knows of Iago's dark plans. Iago approaches Cassio to tell him that he will find Emilia, his wife and ask her to distract Othello so Cassio will have the chance to converse privately with Desdemona.After Iago exits, Emilia comes in and inform Cassio that Othello has been discussing his problem with Desdemona. But it seems like Othello cannot do anything to return the lieutenant post to Cassio because of Montana influence in Cyprus.Emilia allows him to come in and tells him to wait for Desdemona.

References:

Shakespeare, W. (1993). Othello. United States of America: Washington Square Press

Sparksnotes. (2010). Othello. Retrieved January 14, 2011, from 

http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/othello/section5.rhtml

Summary: Act Two Scene Three

This long and intense part of act two is the climax of this play. In the beginning of this scene, Othello leaves Cassio on guard. When Othello leaves, Iago comes and they speak of Desdemona. Iago tells Cassio that he suspects Desdemona is a temptress, but Cassio stands the on the opposite idea of  Iago think that Desdemona is a modest person. Iago then persuades Cassio to take a drink and to invite other gentlemen to join them.Whilst Cassio leaves to fetch the gentlemen, Iago tells audiences of his plans, which is

1- to keep the drunk Rodrigo and others gentlemen on guard with him and Cassio

2- In the middle of their guard, Iago will persuade the drunk Cassio to commit bad thing.

Cassio arrives with Montano and other gentlemen, already drunk. When Cassio leaves, Iago informs to Montana of his worry about Cassio's drinking problem. Montana suggest that they should tell Othello about this. In meanwhile, Rodrigo arrives. He  been chases by drunk Cassio who threats to beat him. Montano steps in between Cassio and Rodrigo to stop the fight, but somehow in the middle of the chaos, Cassio stabs Montano. Rodrigo with Iago advise manage to escape.

Othello awakes from his sleep by the noise from the fight. He then demands Iago to tell the whole story which Iago did by not revealing Rodrigo's name.Othello falls into Iago's trap, stating that he can tell that Iago softened the story out of honest affection for Cassio. Othello dismisses Cassio from his service.

Now,things seems like to go well with Iago's plans. Cassio is sad of what he did. Iago advises him to seek Desdemona and ask for her help to get back his lieutenant post.

The next step in Iago's plans is to tell Othello that Desdemona supports Cassio because she is his lover.

References:

Shakespeare, W. (1993). Othello. United States of America: Washington Square Press

Sparksnotes. (2010). Othello. Retrieved January 14, 2011, from 

http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/othello/section4.rhtml

Summary: Act One Scene Two

Characters:
Iago
Othello
Michael Cassio
Brabantio
Rodrigo

Iago arrives at Othello place and warns him about Brabantio's anger. Othello, thrusting in his strength and love for Desdemona willing to face the trouble ahead.

  "OTHELLO   Not I must be found

             My parts, my title, and my perfect soul

             Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they?" 

                                                            (Line 35-38)

A party of people arrives, Iago assumes it to be Brabianto and his people but it turns out to be Cassio and officers from the Venitian Court. They bring a message that Othello has to meet the Duke and the senators of Venice to discuss a matter about Cyprus. Just before they about to leave, Iago tells Cassio that Othello is married. At the same time, Brabantio and his people arrives at Othello's house. Knowing that Othello is about to meet the Duke, Brabantio suggests that they bring the matter before the Duke himself.

References:
Shakespeare, W. (1993). Othello. United States of America: Washington Square Press.
Sparksnotes. (2010). Othello. Retrieved January 14, 2011, from http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/othello/section1.rhtml

Othello: See It Live!

This is truly a bonus for us the literature students who are studying this play in this semester. Last Thursday, we were informed by our lecturer about this coming live play in Kuala Lumpur. We're so excited to hear this! ^_^Y

This play is directed by Tage Larsen from the renown Odin Theatre in Denmark. Among the actors are Gani Karim who will play as Othello, Lim Kien Lee as Iago, Dawn Cheong as Emilia, Lim Soon Heng as Brabantio/Gratiano, Az’farr Baginda as Roderigo and Alfred Loh as The Duke/Lodovico.

For your information, this play will be held in Kuala Lumpur City Hall from 21st January till 27th January 2011. The ticket price ranging from RM85, RM65 and RM25 (students and senior citizens).

For more information, you can visit these links:

http://www.mmail.com.my/content/60801-othello-new-light

http://theatreanticsshop.com/mystore/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Othello-at-Masakini-Theatre-Company/165173356838319?v=wall

I hope we will have the chance to see this play as we too gonna perform this play on stage in weeks ahead. For now, it's hard to tell whether we are excited, scared or nervous for the day ~humm...~