Play Guide [2.6MB PDF] - Arizona Theatre Company

DISCUSSION
RELATED POST-SHOW ASSIGNMENTS
(BASED ON LANGUAGE ARTS STATE STANDARDS)
1. Research the genre of literature known as Penny Dreadfuls. Would you consider the
writing of R.L. Stine and his Goosebumps series to be a contemporary example of this
genre? Defend your answer.
2. Ludlam, the playwright, has been quoted as saying that, in working on the initial
production of The Mystery of Irma Vep, “Our slant was actually to take things very
seriously, especially focusing on those things held in low esteem by society and
revaluing them, giving them new meaning, new worth, by changing their context."
Generally, parody, melodrama and penny dreadful writing styles were held in low
esteem, but had great public followings. Write a comparison/contrast paper examining
any similarities in today’s society, such as reality television, day or nighttime soaps, or
Hollywood summer blockbusters. Defend your answer.
3. What is the play all about? Reference back to what happens during the very last
moments of the play, especially the last minute. Write an expository essay describing
what happens or is said, to emphasize Ludlam’s message (above).
RELATED POST-SHOW ASSIGNMENTS
(BASED ON THEATRE ARTS STATE STANDARDS)
1. There are about thirty-six costume changes, by two actors playing eight characters,
in the two hour production. Quick costume changes are an important element of
the production; discuss how the structure of the script accommodated the costuming.
2. Ludlam incorporates either quotes or paraphrases from a variety of sources, including
Shakespeare, Ibsen, Poe, and many other writers. Did you recognize any of these
passages? Why were they used? How did they ‘help’ or heighten the parody on stage?
Explain your answers in a brief essay.
3. Many fans of The Mystery of Irma Vep consider the show to be a “love letter” to live
theatre. Write a persuasive essay illustrating your argument for or against this statement.
4. The script contains numerous double entendres. Explain what this term means by
providing examples from The Mystery of Irma Vep or other plays or movies you have
seen.
5. On stage do you prefer to see comedies or dramas? How about your preference in
movies? Explain your answer.
The Mystery of Irma Vep
Arizona Theatre Company Play Guide 20