PQ 07
PQ was an amazing experience to learn about theatre from across the globe. I visited all the countries downstairs on both sides. As you all already know I am not expert in this subject but I was surprised, impressed me, and some just was bizarre. Many countries did a fantastic job in my opinion. Mexico was really good about showing you their work and how the culture has influenced it. They had modern wardrobe that still had the reflections of their traditional style and colors. Brazil surprised me because their exhibition was a black cage. I usually think of many colors and festive atmosphere when I think of Brazil. I think about the music and carnival and samba playing in the back ground. So to see a black cage and little if any different colors was surprising. I must say that although I was surprised I really enjoyed their exhibition. Estonia was just bizarre the play was created by a surrealist interpreting post war something. I am not familiar with surrealism so I really did not enjoy it and found it rather weird but I have to say it was colorful and probably pushing the envelope. PQ has showed me a lot about the things of theatre most do not realize when we sit and enjoy a play. I have seen the work of many countries and have gained a whole new appreciation for the theatres contribution to the world. Many other countries did an great job like USA was great and the exhibition was big and had a lot going on but I was still able to follow it. Israel has some great box models of their work. Greece and Ireland had wonderful costumes and sets. Germany was true to what I believe to be German it was cool. I really enjoyed this experience and plan to become aware and attend theatre presentation in Miami. I would like to think that with this experience I can view the performance in a whole new light
P.S. I some how forgot to mention one of my favorite exhibits that being United Kingdom they had a great showing. I liked their work they had just enough to make you think but not too much to over whelm. I also neglected to talk about Taiwan which was also very interesting in their one right. The set was designed out of a bamboo looking material which is probably something prevalent in their country.
Brazil chose to focus on one playwright who is rather dark and shocking, so the black cage was appropriate. Though I shared your surprise when I first saw the exhibit. Brazil was one of my favorites last time, as Mexico is this time.
I loved the Brazilian exhibition and I think that the black cage represented the playwright and his work and what he has to say about audiences. We need to get over the comfort zone stop being caged in by it and really see the truth or at lest some aspect of it.
i think its wonderful that our group is so diverse! we have opinions from all over the board… theatre majors, about to be theatre majors, high school theatre “geeks” (im one…), just plain theatre enthusiasts… its really interesting to have the opinion of non college theatre students bc as theatre ppl we tend, i feel, to get wrapped up in “our” world. and, to have someone else that does not have the same background, training, and education helps to me realize what gets “lost in translation” just from theatre to non theatre people. its been a great experience going through this past week with the diverse mix we have.