Black Elk Speaks by John Gneisenau Niehardt Essay

Black Elk Speaks by John Gneisenau Niehardt - Essay Example The power of the play is not simply that it's superbly written drama but that it's all true (Dramatic Publishing Online Catalog)". Theatrical performance of the book has many significant features which determine the character of the play, and these features play rather important role for spectators' perception of the performance. I will discuss the theme and the main concept of the play by Niehardt's book Black Elk, the costumes of main characters and the lighting of the stage in different parts of the play, as well as its some significant moments. I will also access possible participation of some Hollywood actors in this play. 2. The theme of the play is the mix of some important themes of the book. So, it can be a mix of autobiographical theme and elegy, as it tells about tragic destiny of one of the most famous Indian tribes, and American Indians in general. The play should show the most important moments of the novel and to uncover the nature of the narration. The book consists of twenty-five chapters, and it is impossible to show the whole plot of the novel. The main concept of the play is to show the tragedy of Native Americans and to make spectators think of their historical legacy. Naturalism in some moments and symbolism of the whole play will influence spectators' perception of the performance. ... cter of the play is autobiographic narration of the main character, Black Elk, about his life, mystical visions which took place in his mind and performance reflection of these visions on the stage. The play will show a transition of the Indian tribe to reservation culture and reflect the influence of historical events on personal world perception. This transition will be displayed through the voice and views of Black Elk, as the main character of the play, as Glen Vanderbilt, professor of theater noted, "That voice reminds us of tradition and culture and asks for peace, justice and hope. Our stage production seeks to join that voice and remind our audience not only what was lost, but also what may still be" (At Ohio Wesleyan University Online). In addition to that, the play will show great life experience of Black Elk until the end of independence of American Indians, personal tragedy and tragedy of the whole world of Native Americans faced European invasion. 3. Costumes take one of the first places in the performance. They play one of the most important roles in historical period features reflection. A costume is the integral part of any play, especially that of historical character. So, a costumer must use all the features of a costume to show colours of that historical epoch. The director of the play will show all the variety of costumes features concerning particular play and time the action takes place, especially if it can help to underline the plot and the color of the time. I think that the characters will dress costumes which would resemble Indians' attire of that time, including important difference signs of some tribe members. So, Black Elk's costume will underline his status of a holy man, Whirlwind Chaser's costume will tell spectators that he is a

Justice in Benito Cereno Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Justice in Benito Cereno - Essay Example At the end, the leader of the revolt, Babo, was caught and killed. The story creates such an atmosphere where identifying the role of justice is a difficult task. However, a thorough scrutiny reveals that real justice was not ultimately done in the story. The story reveals that the purpose of the revolt for the blacks was to gain freedom, not to torture the whites. For example, after capturing the ship, the first thing Negro Babo asked was â€Å"whether there were in those seas any Negro countries where they might be carried† (Melville 64). This gives the insight that the sole purpose for the blacks was to regain their freedom and go back to a black country where they would not be subjugated to slavery. In addition, it is the fear of losing freedom that made them kill their master Don Alexandro Aranda. Negro Babo informed Don Benito of the intention in advance and gave the reason â€Å"he and his companions could not otherwise be sure of their liberty† (Meville 65). Apparently, the blacks had no intention to enslave the whites and torture them but to ensure their own liberty. In addition, the blacks used the chance to teach the whites the lesson that subjugation, torture and death are equally painful for all humans. To illustrate, on killing Don Alexandro Aranda, the ship’s proper figure-head was replaced by his skeleton. Thereafter, every white in the ship was asked, â€Å"whether, from its whiteness, he should not think it a white’s† (Melville 66). There is evident sarcasm aiming at the mentality of the whites seeing everything done by whites as virtue and blacks as vice. In simple terms, one can say that the revolt by the blacks was an effort to regain their much-valued freedom from the clutches of the whites. The readiness of blacks to risk their lives for the air of freedom is evidenced from their claim â€Å"they would do and conform themselves to everything the deponent should require as to eating and drinking† (Melville 64). Thus, the