Paragraphs #1 and #2: Discuss what you learned about Restoration theatre in Baroque England as you watched Stage Beauty. Describe what you learned about the following: actors (called players), directors, producers, audiences, gender-play in the theatre, high-brow theatre (performed for the royalty, nobility and the wealthy), low-brow theatre (performed for commoners and the poor), acting styles, theatres (the actual outdoor or indoor theatre spaces where performances were held) theatre sets, theatre props, and theatre costumes. You should also discuss what you learned about the relationships between actors and audiences, between actors and directors/producers, and between actors themselves. See the attached excerpts from the script for help, and quote lines of dialogue whenever possible to illustrate your explanations. In each instance that youve quoted a line or lines from the film, make it clear to your reader WHO spoke the quoted line(s) of dialogue, and to whom the lines were spoken.
Paragraphs #3, #4, and #5: Discuss the difficulties that Ned Kynaston (played by Billy Crudup) encountered throughout the course of the film. Explore his experience in terms of his profession, his self-worth, and his identity. Do NOT just summarize/re-tell the whole plot of the film, and do not point out what is already obvious to anyone who views the film. Look for deeper concepts and ideas, many of which required youas the viewerto read between the lines and perceive what is going on inside Ned Kynaston. Do not focus exclusively on Kynastons sexualityfocus on Kynaston as an artist who has achieved mastery of his craft. See the attached excerpts from the script. Find and include at least 4 quotations of film dialogue into your discussion by way of demonstrating the points that youre making about Kynaston. In addition, you should explore other moments from the film that you find helpful in constructing your discussion of Kynastons emotional journey through the story. Finish your discussion with an assessment of where you think Kynastons character is, emotionally and as an artist, by the end of the film and why youve made that assessment. Support your answers whenever possible with quotations of lines from the script (attached), and in each instance, make it clear to your reader WHO spoke the quoted line(s) of dialogue, and to whom the lines were spoken.