Basic Guidelines:Pick a theatrical performance, either classical and contemporary, one that moves you in some way for your review assignment (**please pick a fairly well known play**)500-750 words (2-3 pages)MLA format (double-spaced, 12-pt font, heading and content-related title, no Works Cited required)
***Writing a review involves a slightly different process from writing a critical or analytical academic paper on a literary text. A review evaluates and critiques a performance, of which the literary text upon which the performance is based is only one element. Plays are written to be performed. Thus it is not only the words written in the script that you need to pay attention to as a reviewer, but all aspects of the productionitself: the actors, the direction, the set, the lighting, the costumes – any and all elements that contribute to creating the illusion and art of the performance. A good review requires the use of several moves you already know how to make as a writer: summarizing, evaluating, make an argument using claims and evidence.Your purpose in reviewing is to let theatre goers know whether a given production is worth their time and the ticket price. You might also use the basic structure and sequence of academic writing you learned in English 101, which includes an Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.
Introduction: Here you will include a summary of the story and any necessary context or history the reader of your review needs to know. You may also wish to include important elements such as the name of the playwright, actors in leading roles, the director’s name (and past accomplishments if you know of them), the time and place of the production, and a hint or general thesis statement that communicates whether or not you as a reviewer feel the production is worthwhile.
Body: Here is where you make your claims about the quality and significance of the production. Be specific. Which scenes are well-realized? Are the actors appropriately cast in their roles? Which actors shine? Is the set well-designed? Is the play’s theme well-realized? What was great? What could have been better?
Conclusion: Remember a review is a type of argument. Here you will summarize the reasons why you did or did not like the show and restate your thesis about whether or not it is worth an investment of time or money for those who will read your review.
If you have any questions please ask.