I really think that the play and the play within the play are incredibly similar, in that both worlds thrive off of each other in order to co-exist. Two of the most noteworthy elements that further strengthen that statement are found within the of rhythm and complexity of the story.
The fact that the man enjoys this particular play suggests that the very reason why he's showing us is because he is assuming that we share in his sense of humor. Therefore we enter the play under the general consensus that we should enjoy the play because the man does and we can trust the man's judgment right? Wait, what? Is this to suggest that we know this man? Why is he showing us this play in the first place, it's almost as if we're cast in the role of "the man's friend" right from the get go. This in-turn implies that we are just as much a part of the man's world as he is the world of the musical. Thus creating an endless mirror effect of a world, within a world, within our world and so on. I think that this feeds into an element of complexity stating that every element of the play exists within a world in-turn creates a complex symbiosis with ours. Adding the satirical aspect of the play only strengthens the idea that each world created in a sense all share a common element. It's that element which grounds them to a basis of reality, whatever that may be.
In regard to the rhythm and the similarities shared between the different worlds, I would argue that the upbeat, silly nature of play reinforces the idea that we're are linked to these worlds just as much as the characters are. The elements of rhythm that establish a fun, fast-paced, rollicking feel is an element that links these worlds together, in that these feelings are shared through a common love, or interest in music or musicals. Going back to the endless mirror analogy, we too are linked to the play in a sense due to the fact that the very reason the audience has come to the theater is to enjoy their evening further by sitting down to watch a musical. So again there is an established connection of worlds that is reinforced by the literal rhythm and elemental rhythm of the play as well, because typically if you're going to go watch a musical, odds are you like musicals. Getting back to how the different worlds thrive off of each other and create a flow that compliment one another, I find a good example of this can be found when the music is interrupted by a record skipping or lights going out within the man's apartment. Instead of ruining the play it becomes a part of the play itself and establishes a rhythm of its own creating a parallel to the other story that the audience is a part of. This is an example of how the rhythm of the play and the literal rhythm of the music within the play changes, but also compliments the quick upbeat tone that the play establishes early on.
So in essence, these elements establish themselves as being different from each other, but also express the idea of we're witnessing a story in which it's natural to interpret with a disconnect of worlds in-that, the man is just simply recreating the musical for us. However, the man in fact is the musical, and the rhythm and complexity created within lend themselves to binding our worlds together.
The audience is cast as the role of the man's friend. That is so interesting, and I would have never thought of it that way, I just kind of accepted that this is the vehicle for this story, and that it brought in some comedy and some interest so it wasn't just another quirky musical. The mirror effect thing, I don't even know how you came up with this stuff, but it's brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI really like your take on how the Man "loves the play and wants to show to us why he loves it"- it is like when you discover a good song and you go and show your friends and then get the joy from seeing them like it too. it is exciting and we can def. feel that in this play as the audience watching the Man's journey throughout the story and experiencing the music that accompanies it..
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