The scenes were quite appealing to me although I could not understand what they actually stood for. What was clear to me however was that the Apprentice was trying to overcome some tests (for what purpose, I found out later when i read the synopsis).
It was really unusual to see a performance like that. It's like looking at an abstract expressionist work for the first time. You just see splattered paint all over, not knowing how to make sense of it.
Getting used to conventional or traditional interpretations and recreations of the world has its downsides. When confronted with something rare or new, we either reject it or refuse to see it. Matthew Barney is just one of those artists who continually revitalizes the world of art. It is through these changes (or revolutions) that a new breed of artists are born. Through their skills and new insights we are able to see the world from another perspective.
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Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Inspirations Or Aspirations?
Based on the articles by Friedrich Nietzsche(Birth of Tragedy), Sigmund Freud( On Oedipus Rex and Hamlet) and Robert B. Hailman (Melodrama)
Where do artists, or in this case playwrights, get their ideas? The simplest answer may be that there is a source of inspiration. A triggering factor that demands to be written and that plagues the writer with ideas. In Sigmund Freud's article however, inspirations from everyday scenes and events are not the only sources of ideas. Perhaps some of them come from primal urges that have long been suppressed because tradition tells us that such an idea, or desire, are unacceptable. And it is only through art that these secret hopes and fears are realized. Perhaps this is why Oedipus Rex had such an impact on ancient Greeks and the generations that have read Sophocles' masterpiece.
Friedrich Nietzsche once said that "artistic creativity, like all creativity, is an expression of power; it is the overcoming of passion. Without passion, without frenzy, there would be no creativity". For him, our lives are filled with tragedies. Art alone can confront the terrors. It can transform any experience into beauty and transforms these tragedies in such a way that they can be contemplated with enjoyment. The thought of killing one of your parents and marrying the other is a horrible idea no matter how Freud and psychoanalysis explains it. But the point here is that even what may be considered as bad can be beautiful.
People love dramas and intrigues, which is precisely why our favorite t.v. series were conceived in the first place. What is unacceptable in reality, but can possibly happen, are fully realized through art.
Where do artists, or in this case playwrights, get their ideas? The simplest answer may be that there is a source of inspiration. A triggering factor that demands to be written and that plagues the writer with ideas. In Sigmund Freud's article however, inspirations from everyday scenes and events are not the only sources of ideas. Perhaps some of them come from primal urges that have long been suppressed because tradition tells us that such an idea, or desire, are unacceptable. And it is only through art that these secret hopes and fears are realized. Perhaps this is why Oedipus Rex had such an impact on ancient Greeks and the generations that have read Sophocles' masterpiece.
Friedrich Nietzsche once said that "artistic creativity, like all creativity, is an expression of power; it is the overcoming of passion. Without passion, without frenzy, there would be no creativity". For him, our lives are filled with tragedies. Art alone can confront the terrors. It can transform any experience into beauty and transforms these tragedies in such a way that they can be contemplated with enjoyment. The thought of killing one of your parents and marrying the other is a horrible idea no matter how Freud and psychoanalysis explains it. But the point here is that even what may be considered as bad can be beautiful.
People love dramas and intrigues, which is precisely why our favorite t.v. series were conceived in the first place. What is unacceptable in reality, but can possibly happen, are fully realized through art.
Antigong Agong and the Six Elements of Tragedy
PLOT
At first glance, the story might be about Sam and his friends, but it was only through them that a more important theme of the story has been told. The musical play was all about the small community in Jolo, Sulu whose bloody history was long forgotten by the generations that followed after the massacre. At the end of the story we see that Sam and Amrayda's marriage was more important and symbolic. What seems to be an ordinary concern of a young Tausug complicates to challenges that led to self-discovery of great proportions.
CHARACTERS
The actors were well suited to their roles considering the fact that they are real Tausugs who carry with them their culture and tradition. Sam appeared to be the protagonist of the play but he was only the instrument through which the story was told.
DICTION
The dialogues were appropriate for each character based on the personality they have established from the very beginning. They might have changed views in the end but their lines reflect the same principles all throughout.
THOUGHT
Some of their social commentaries were ripe with attacks on current issues. It also shows the comic side of life of the Filipinos even in the midst of difficulties. The battle against poverty, discrimination and war did not just end with the Bud Dahu massacre. We still fight for the same ideals until today.
SPECTACLE
The overall stage appearance was imposing and yet it was very appropriate for the play. The scene where the massacre took place can make the audience feel as if they were really at the foot of Mt. Bud Dahu
MELODY
The songs have a lot to do with the impact of the musical. They were not only able to show the traditional musical instruments to the younger people in the audience but also the dances which they mixed with contemporary moves and martial arts.
The play was not tragic in essence. The massacre may have occured but the marriage of Sam and Amrayda was a new beginning for the entire community.
At first glance, the story might be about Sam and his friends, but it was only through them that a more important theme of the story has been told. The musical play was all about the small community in Jolo, Sulu whose bloody history was long forgotten by the generations that followed after the massacre. At the end of the story we see that Sam and Amrayda's marriage was more important and symbolic. What seems to be an ordinary concern of a young Tausug complicates to challenges that led to self-discovery of great proportions.
CHARACTERS
The actors were well suited to their roles considering the fact that they are real Tausugs who carry with them their culture and tradition. Sam appeared to be the protagonist of the play but he was only the instrument through which the story was told.
DICTION
The dialogues were appropriate for each character based on the personality they have established from the very beginning. They might have changed views in the end but their lines reflect the same principles all throughout.
THOUGHT
Some of their social commentaries were ripe with attacks on current issues. It also shows the comic side of life of the Filipinos even in the midst of difficulties. The battle against poverty, discrimination and war did not just end with the Bud Dahu massacre. We still fight for the same ideals until today.
SPECTACLE
The overall stage appearance was imposing and yet it was very appropriate for the play. The scene where the massacre took place can make the audience feel as if they were really at the foot of Mt. Bud Dahu
MELODY
The songs have a lot to do with the impact of the musical. They were not only able to show the traditional musical instruments to the younger people in the audience but also the dances which they mixed with contemporary moves and martial arts.
The play was not tragic in essence. The massacre may have occured but the marriage of Sam and Amrayda was a new beginning for the entire community.
Unaccessorized
"The greatest artwork man can create is himself" - Nietzsche
On Rich Kiamco's Unaccessorized
Rich Kiamco's performance was superb. He was able to deliver his message clearly. Even with a few props he able to capture the attention of the people from beginning to end. The audience were not just outsiders. His interactions made them feel like they were part of his story. Although the tone was comical he was able to handle sensitive issues very well. It was really worth watching.
(I even asked for his autograph...hehe!)
On Rich Kiamco's Unaccessorized
Rich Kiamco's performance was superb. He was able to deliver his message clearly. Even with a few props he able to capture the attention of the people from beginning to end. The audience were not just outsiders. His interactions made them feel like they were part of his story. Although the tone was comical he was able to handle sensitive issues very well. It was really worth watching.
(I even asked for his autograph...hehe!)
The Beat of the Agong
The beat of the agong might have been a requiem for the Tausugs in Jolo, Sulu on March 6, 1906. The sound of the guns have been the last music they danced to.But tragedies can be a source of inspiration. And the incident was what inspired 2-time Palanca awardee Arnel Mardoquio to write the Antigong Agong for its centennial celebration.
The music, the actors and the story of the Bud Dahu massacre made the musical play an unforgettable experience (or maybe it was just the effect of sitting in the front row).At first I thought it was just another corny love story but I'm glad it turned out differently. Sam's ordinary problem of getting the money for the dowry led to bigger and more important discoveries.
The musicians did a great job. I enjoyed the songs that contained comments on social issues and how the characters themselves made fun of their misery.The play is full of social commentaries that are bold and amusing. The songs and dialogues are meant deliver it with grace and style that hits right through the consciousness of the audience. It shows not just the exploits of Sam and his friends, but the life and history of the community. They were able to put together the different elements without forgetting the theme of the story.
They deserved that standing ovation.
The music, the actors and the story of the Bud Dahu massacre made the musical play an unforgettable experience (or maybe it was just the effect of sitting in the front row).At first I thought it was just another corny love story but I'm glad it turned out differently. Sam's ordinary problem of getting the money for the dowry led to bigger and more important discoveries.
The musicians did a great job. I enjoyed the songs that contained comments on social issues and how the characters themselves made fun of their misery.The play is full of social commentaries that are bold and amusing. The songs and dialogues are meant deliver it with grace and style that hits right through the consciousness of the audience. It shows not just the exploits of Sam and his friends, but the life and history of the community. They were able to put together the different elements without forgetting the theme of the story.
They deserved that standing ovation.
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