Reflection

My group (Aaron, Jacob, David Chau)
What was interesting for our group’s performance was that we changed the tone of the whole poem. Instead of a having slow rhythm with soft voice that represents the peacefulness of nature and life, we decided to boost up the pace with happy and joyful background music that reflects our group’s interpretation of the central idea of the poem, which is to live everyday happily and gratefully. We decided to walk quickly around the bridge to symbolise the cycle of life, and while we were walking we read lines that represent the central idea of each stanza. At the end, all three of us stood on the top of the bridge and read the last line ‘You must imagine and learn to embrace each and every day.’ this line summarises the whole poem. This performance was different from reading the poem because it allows me to use extra movement to express more about the central idea not just simply reading with emotions, it is a different way of expressing emotions. However, there are some details that we could have done better. For example, while we were reading the lines, sometimes we were not reading together, the whole performance seemed a bit messy. Our fast pace movement may confuse the audience. 

Lesley’s group
Lesley’s group has a very creative design of the stage. The stage is separated into two parts, left and right. The two narrators stand on the bridge and read the poem while the two actor/actress laying on bed/bench. As one side of the stage starts to act, there will be a spot light only on that part of the stage, which gives audience a clear sign of where to look at. I really like the part when they said ‘Greet your ancestors in your native tongue…’, instead of simply say the Spanish, they spoke in their own language. For example, Lesley spoke in Chinese, which makes this whole performance more interesting and diverse. However, I don’t think the performance by Lesley and Josh is following the line, which might confuse the audience.

Stella’s Group
Al the members of their group have clear voice with enough volume that I could hear their lines from the very back of the seat. All of them speak with proper emotions that express the hopeful and joyful tone of the poem. I also really like how Cassidy speaks the last few lines in Spanish, because same as what Lesley and Josh did, it makes the performance attractive. However, in my opinion, their group may need more movement on stage and also with more performance since the purpose of this activity is poetry performance. 

Jasmine’s group
The performance starts with Jasmine and Helen sit on the bed and David Wang sits on the other side reading the poem as a narrator. As David is reading, Jasmine and Helen start to perform. What is different from Lesley’s group is that Jasmine and Helen perform the same meaning as the poem. After certain amount of lines they will switch narrator. This is a really good design of the stage and switch of roles. Actor/actress had good body language that explains the poem, which give audience an idea of the poem. However, one thing that did not work well is the cooperation between group mates. At the middle of the performance where it reaches the climax, performers started laughing. 

Nan’s group
This group has a extremely creative idea that is totally different from all the other groups. They decided to present the poem as a hip-hop form. Good thing about this performance would be that every person in this group involve deeply in the performance. Also, Nan’s great voice makes the performance even better. Although I couldn’t hear clear their lines, but I could understand that their group has a different style and understanding of the poem. However, When one person is singing, there were lack of movement by other performers, they were simply sitting or standing and wait until it is their lines. 

Grace’s group 

This group has a soft and peaceful background music, and all performers read the poem slowly. This reflects their interpretation that life is peaceful and people should enjoy their lives. Their performance is really impressive and I can’t think of anything that did not go well, but one thing that could be improved would be their interaction with others, this could make the performance more alive.

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