The story of “Midnight’s Children” is too big to be told through one medium alone. This type of staging keeps the play moving without any long black outs for transitions (important in a three and a half hour show!) and it also allowes the footage on the screen to take primary focus as it is playing. They portray everything from scene changes to civilian massacres. Lighting effects are also very important. There are many scene changes, and often a new place or time period is suggested by various moveable set pieces and drapery that fly in from the ceiling. The only permanent, and the most elaborate, set piece is the sectional screen on the back wall of the stage, which could also be split or joined to suggest a doorway or curtain. The set of “Midnight’s Children” is never stationary for long. Costume changes happen on stage, and help to show differences in time and place. One moment he narrates the events of his life to the audience, the next he takes part in the action on stage, then he steps out of his life again to converse with the woman he recounts his story to, Padma. Twenty actors comprise the cast of this play, portraying over seventy roles. He is also a boy, self conscious about the size of his nose and his own sexual awareness. Saleem believes himself to be at the center of history, willing historical events to happen. They bare children and question God, show moments of unbelievable strength and also pitiful weakness. The characters of “Midnight’s Children” are all human beings, who lust and hate and make love to one another (when they can). Yet, just when it seems that this play might be too grand for comprehension, it is drenched in all the details that comprise everyday humanity. “Midnight’s Children” is also the story of that uproar, recounting the struggle of twentieth century India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Saleem’s story precedes him, as he narrates the struggle of his grandparents, parents and finally himself, all attempting to find love and raise a family against the backdrop of political uproar. The New Year's kiss has been further popularized on the silver screen in films like When Harry Met Sally, Bridget Jones' Diary and The Godfather: Part II.“Midnight’s Children” is told by Saleem Sinai, one of the 1,001 children born in the hour of India’s independence, all of whom are endowed with special gifts. "Over time people may have begun to take a proactive approach by kissing someone they knew and liked at the first moment of the New Year," according to the encyclopedia. It was believed that the first person you encountered at the start of the new year could determine whether you had good or bad fortune in the year ahead, according to Entertaining from Ancient Rome to the Super Bowl: An Encyclopedia. The tradition to share a smooch at midnight has been around a long time, and it may be rooted in German and English folklore. The popular superstition dictates to "kiss someone at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve and you will have a year of luck in love," writes Joanne Wannan in her book Kisstory: A Sweet and Sexy Look at the History of Kissing. When the clock strikes twelve and the ball drops in Times Square, it's time to lean in for that special New Year's kiss. Watch Video: New Year's Eve traditions explained
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |