Cultural Activity

1.      What play or musical did you attend?

a.       “The Woman in Black” at the Shakespearian Festival at Southern Utah University in September of 2009.

2.      Give a summary or description of the play you saw.

a.       The “Woman in Black” is a chilling ghost story. It is about a woman who is seeking revenge for all that has happened to her. Her son was taken away from her by her sister because she did not feel she was fit to be a mother. But when her son died she vowed to never forgive her sister and then hung herself. She now haunts the town and every time she is seen a child within the town is killed. The main character has a son himself. He is sent to go through the house where the woman in black lived and is haunted by her continual appearances and shrieking. The man discovers the story of the sisters and the boy. He has to read terrifying letters that scare him even more. Unfortunately even after he tries to reunite the woman and her son she continues to haunt them because of her vow. She eventually kills the man and his son.

3.      In 250 words discuss the quality of the performance.

a.       This was the best play I have ever seen in my life. I was skeptical at first about how a play could be scary but let’s just say I had nightmares. It was an amazing performance. I had never been so moved in my life. They actors were truly amazing. They did nothing that detracted from the play, thank goodness. That is one reason why I often have a hard time watching plays because it is hard for the actors to be perfect like they are on movies. The most amazing part of this play was not the actors but the set. I do not how they accomplished it but they made it so the woman in black popped out of nowhere. It made it seem like a movie because she would pop out when it was least expected. That was so amazing to me because it would take a lot of creativity to come up with how to do it. It was truly fascinating. I am so thankful that I was able to experience this.

4.      In 250 words discuss the social and philosophical issues the play addresses and indicate what answers and conclusions were reached.

a.       The main issue addressed in this play was the existence of spirits. Most people in the world do not believe in ghosts. This is true within the play. There were people who were skeptical and would tell the people when they would suggest that they saw a ghost that they were crazy. But apparently it wasn’t true because there were ghosts and many of those who did not believe were tricked into their death. The conclusion that was reached was that ghosts are real and haunt the earth—yeah right.

5.      What did you find about the background of the work or playwright?

a.       This play was adapted from novel by Susan Hill called The Woman in Black. It was written in 1983. It was later made into a play and was first performed in 1987 in Scarborough, UK. It was the second longest running play and is still being run today but is on tour. In 1989 it was adapted into a TV-movie in England. In 2011 it was adapted into a film again and was very popular because it was released around Halloween.

6.      Would you recommend this performance to others why or why not?

a.       I would most definitely recommend this performance to others. This was one of my favorite plays I have ever seen. Everything was so amazing that I would have nothing bad to say about it. This play was very scary and I was always jumping out of my sear. I truly enjoyed this play. I was not sure how it would be but I am so glad that I was able to see it because it was truly an unforgettable experience.

7.      What was your personal reaction to this performance? Would you enjoy attending this type of event again? Why or Why not?

a.       My personal reaction to this performance was shock, awe, enjoyment, and absolute amazement. I truly did not know a play could be scary. It is hard to frighten people without special effects and technology. This play however did it so well you would have thought you were there. The way it entertained and scared the audience was truly amazing. I would love to go to this play again especially at the Shakespearian Festival. I would never turn down another offer to go to the Shakespearian Festival. I saw amazing plays that weekend and it was a great experience.