The Great Gatsby 2014

    

Thier grand poster.

     I sincerely apologize for the late blog entry on The Great Gatsby review as the last few weeks of this semester has been rather hectic for all of us. Not to delay any further, here's my honest opinion on the latest play production I saw in UPM. I took my sister along and went on the second night of the premier with my classmates. The entrance was swarmed with people even before 8 o'clock. Also, my former coursemates from UiTM Shah Alam came in two buses and Malayan University to show their support. I'm greatful to have supportive friends, and it was great to reunite and see each other after a long time.

Date: 4th December 2014, Thursday.

Time: 8.00pm

Venue: Panggung Percubaan, UPM.

     Thankfully, the production team provided us with a survey as we entered the hall. Hence, they made it easier for me to write a review. I'll try to answer the survey questions throroughly in reviewing this play. Coming from the linguistic department of English, I prefer to comment on the physical and structural aspects of the play. Additionally, minoring in performing arts currently drew my attention to acting element of the theatre itself. Moreover, as an arts student, I prefer to watch a play or be a part of it, rather than just reading and analysing it solely. So, I'll be commenting a little bit here and there, and hope this will be a useful learning experience for me too. 

1. How did you find out about The Great Gatsby by Elite Production (BBL               4401)?

    First and foremost, I found out about it since last semester through my friends in the production, even before they decided on the title.

2. How did you get the tickets?

    My tickets have been reserved by one of the crew member of the production to secure my seats.

3. Was the venue (Panggung Percubaan, UPM) easily reacheable from your           college/home? Why?

    YES, because I live in Serumpun college on campus, so buses are provided. In fact, it's quite near to college, so I didn't mind going.

4. Rate the props from 1-5 (1=poor, 5=best) Does the prop used enchance the theme of the play?

    YES, the props were extremely creative in a way that it complemented how every scene should be portrayed. For example, the fancy chandelier was made using plastic bottles (I think), Gatsby's luxurious swimming pool was visualized through green and white checkered 'mosaic' in which they used colored tapes instead of real mosaic. Also, the Buchanan's and Gatsby's balcony were made using just a few pieces of wood, and the petrol station, lamppost, and many more props were executed nicely. In addition, the flowers during tea time at Nick's really brought up the scene and turned the stage into the real house, just like in the movie. Besides that, Daisy's necklace was the symbol of wealth that was highlighted throughout the play. 

     In my opinion, the props are the one giving life to the setting on the stage. How they managed to create a vast difference in two social setting; the Buchananan's and Gatsby's residence and Myrtle's and Wilson's messy shack were indeed amazing. I have to salute them for going extra creative in making such props. Though it may seem simple, it contributed a lot in enhancing the scene. Thus I gave them a 5 for creatively executing the props.

5. Rate the costumes from 1-5 (1=poor, 5=best) Does the costumes enhance       the theme of the play?

    The costumes contributed in enhancing the physical characteristics of the actors themselves. The way the characters were dressed according to their social class clearly distinguished between the upper class and the lower class. This is evident if we compare how Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan, and Wilson's shabby outfit. Considering that he works at a petrol station proves that he brlongs in the lower class. This sort of costume helps in showing the audience the distinction of characters. Besides that, Gatsby's costumes also says something about his personality. For example, when he wore his pink shirt that was criticised by Tom Buchanan, that he showed that he has a soft side for daisy. Also, when he first appeared on stage wearing a tuxedo and holding a cane shows how elegant his character is. So, I would rate the costume team a 5 for successfully replicating the characters' appearence.

6. Rate the make-up from 1-5 (1=poor, 5=best) Does the make-up enhance         the theme of the play?

    YES, their make-up highlighted what it was like in the 1920s and it helped the actors to deliver their character better. Since the cast were far away on stage, I couldn't really see exactly what was on their faces. However, I saw a glimpse of their faces and I thought it was great, so I'd give it a 5. 

7. Rate the lighting from 1-5 (1=poor, 5=best) Does the lighting enhance the       theme of the play?

    YES, I thought that it was a pretty good idea to divide the stage into two parts. This was however supported by the lighting team. In different scenes, different colours were used to distinguish between the scenes and direct the audience to the main focus of the scene. However, there were times when the stage paused for a while in the dark, or the lights went on a little early, but those were just minor mistakes in cue. So I'd rate it a 4 for their hardwork.

8. Rate the sound from 1-5 (1=poor, 5=best) Does the sound enhance the           theme of the play?

    YES, the sound system was on time in cue and it suits the need of the scene in setting mood for the audience. There were music in some scenes that contributed to the needs of the specific scene. Also, I thought the microphones weren't working as the actors struggled to project their voice into the whole hall and it paid off. Though their voice projection was excellent, they were inaudible to me. They spoke quite fast, in accents, and were trying so hard to mimic the actors in the movie The Great Gatsby. It was just the accent of English by local Malaysians that made it difficult for me to follow. It was great that they decided to replicate the way the original actors spoke, however the pace of pronunciation weren't up to par with native speakers thus making it imperfect. Hence, I gave them a 4 for their hardwork.

9. Do you have any issues with the production's time management? If yes,           why?

     No, their time management was not a problem for me. At 8 o' clock sharp, they started with a liveband and sang some songs before the play starts exactly at 8.30pm that night. 

10. How do you find the presentation of the stage?

      The presentation stage in general was great, with the arrangement of the props and the division of every parts on the stage were all considered in much detail. 

11. Do you find the play enjoyable? If no, why? 

      YES, I thought the play was quite enjoyable because I personally like the movie starred by Leonardo Di Caprio. I don't think people who didn't watch the movie could catch what the play was about. In my mind, I kept comparing their play with the original movie itself. However, it was a great effort trying their best to replicate the movie entirely though I thought it wasn't really necessary. This is because the audience is local, thus eventhough they perfectly duplicated the movie, it will be hard on the audience to grasp the play.

12. How helpful are the Front of House crews during the staging night? Rate        1-5 and please state why. (1=not helpful at all, 5=very helpful).

      The Front of House crews were all very helpful and friendly. There were three to four people at the front desk and more ushers waiting at the door. So I'd give them a 5 for carrying their roles effectively. 

13. Would you like to come again to our future production? Please provide title      of the play you would like to watch:

      YES, I would be interested to watch, considering the title of their play and the cast. Most probably, I prefer plays that is closer to our society. Perhaps one of our legendary folklore, such as the Puteri Gunung Ledang, Hang Tuah, Bawang Putih Bawang Merah, and more. Other than that, even mythical theme, like Bigfoot, Greek mythology or urban legends. This might trigger interest among people not only in UPM, but in a wider range of audience. 

      Moreover, this play highlighted the theme of marriage as discussed greatly in class. Thus, I could relate the theme of the play with other dramas we have discussed in class lately. 

     In conclusion, the play was a success. I had a great time and enjoyed how they staged the play. All of the actors were very well in their acting. The main highlight of the night was the excellent main cast, especially how effective their acting and emotions was. All in all, it was a wonderful performance. Kudos.

and here's a 'wefie' of my friends from UiTM Shah Alam & UM and I as a proof of attendance. :D