November 18th, 2020 
Watch the play Pipeline Directed by
Lileana Blain-Cruz/Habib Azar
Here is a list of things to take note of and look for YOU MUST ADDRESS THESE
QUESTIONS IN YOUR PAPER.
1) What is the goal of the producers and creative team in bringing this
production to life for audiences to see? Does it speak to a specific age
group? What is the message or messages? What are some themes that run
through it and how can it impact our society and the audiences of today?
Basicallywhy does this play exist?
2) What technical element stood out to you the most? Lighting design?
Costume design? Scenic design? Sound design? Who was the designer and
why is the element that popped for you take precedent over the other
aspects?
3) Which actor(s) stood out as the strongest and the most connected to the
material? Choose at least 2 and go into great depth about their
performances and WHY you are choosing them.
4) Was this a cohesive production? Did all of the elements meet each other
well in the performance you witnessed (Acting, Directing, Design)? What
was absent (if anything?) or what could have used some adjustments?
These are just SOME things to look for and take note of. Of course, any other elements
or moments in the performance that you would like to highlight, is absolutely
acceptable.
REMINDER; this is a 2-3 page essay (12 pt font, double spaced) and ONLY 15% OF
THIS PAPER IS ALLOWED TO BE A SUMMARY OF THE SHOW. This is not a re-cap
essay of the plot of the show but rather a paper articulating your opinion on this artistic
process. IF YOU SPEND THE WHOLE PAPER TELLING ME WHAT HAPPENED IN THE
PLAY, IT WILL REFLECT IN YOUR GRADE.
In your essay, be as specific as possible. Point out a specific moment or scene in the
play (and between what characters) that backs up your opinion or critique. Watch the
play closely, and take notes (subtly) so that you remember important
moments/experiences afterwards.
When citing examples from the show, such as specific actors and the characters and/or
a specific design element, make sure to refer back to your program for the individual(s)
name. I will be looking for these examples in your essay so be clear.
For citing examples of actors/acting you may use these setups:
Polina Petrova, who played the role of Brick in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
OR
The character of Willy Loman, played by Polina Petrova, in this production of
Death of a Salesman,.
AFTER CITING THE ACTOR (PLAYING THE CHARACTER) THE FIRST TIME, YOU CAN
THEN JUST REFER TO THE ACTOR BY LAST NAME THROUGHOUT THE REST OF THE
ESSAY.
For citing examples of designers/design you may use this setup:
The lighting design, by Polina Petrova, in this revival of A Streetcar Named
Desire, really stood out to me
When composing your review essay, I will look to see that you are following standard
college level essay writing. Spelling and grammar will be counted towards you
grade. One hint is that when referring to a play/musical title, please put it in italics. It
should NOT be underlined or in quotes.
Posted in 