Classical
October 15, 2009
I choose the Play Zaire or Zara written by Voltaire, pen name for Fancois-Marie Arouet. Voltaire was a French play write known for thoughtful and comic plays. The play Zaire is full of romance and revenge. Zara and Nerestan, are slaves, Nerestan goes to help free them and others and while he is away Zara falls in love with Osman, the enemy. Of course when Nerestan comes back, hell breaks loose and Osman kills both Zara and himself. http://www.theatrehistory.com/french/voltaire002.html -A link to a better synopsis of the play.
I liked this play because its classic. I would love to of seen it. The middle class was on the rise during this century as well as new unlicensed theater houses popping up everywhere and this was probably a play that was performed in one. Middle class would go to these theaters because they often didn’t charge or where cheaper.
Zaire By Voltaire, 1732
October 17, 2009 at 1:10 am
When I read your description of the play it somewhat reminded me of Romeo and Juliet. The way the opposite sides fall in love and both end up dying. I would also love to watch it myself, it sounds like it would be very dramatic. It would of been nice if you talked more about why you liked the play since it sounds very interesting.
October 17, 2009 at 4:09 am
When/where was it written? Where was if performed? What was going on in Voltaire’s life at the time he wrote it? I love it when you have the background information on a play or piece of music because then you and watch (or listen as the case may be) and see if you can spot the influences. I’ve never seen this particular play and I wish you had a link for youtube or somewhere that we could watch your favorite scene.
You did connect it well to the middle class, at least in my opinion. Are you sure that this play would’ve been put on in an illegal theatre? I agree, it would’ve been awesome to see in it’s original setting. Have you read any other articles on this play that might shed light on it’s run? It would be cool to know how long it lasted and if any major players acted for it. It sounds like a great story.