Rent On Broadway Response Paper
Introduction
February 13, 1996 represents the birth date of one of the most influential musical plays in the 21st century. Rent, a 2008 film performed live on Broadway features a young musical group who struggles despite facing challenges like AIDS and broken relationships. In view with the current times, the play represents an allegory to the COVID-19 epidemic threatening futures of those affected testing their will to survive.
The scene that stood out for me was when Roger and Tom discover that they have AIDS while growing up in the streets of New York in the 1990s. During this period, many Americans were aiming to discover themselves especially those that wished to be featured in Hollywood. Within the scene, what stood out for me was when Roger and Tom decide to continue with their dream despite the revelation of a terminal disease. This part made me emotional seeing the resilience that people can have when fighting for their future. The film made me think about the power of resiliency and not giving up. The protagonists of the film are Gwen Stewart (Mrs. Jefferson) and Rodney Hicks (Benny/Benjamin) and the antagonist is Andrea Goss (Lisa). Yes, this is part of an ensemble production since this was a reply to the original Broadway production in 2008 ‘Musical Rent’. On this note, the characters that stood out for me were Mrs. Jefferson (Gwen Stewart) and Lisa (Andrea Goss).
In terms of audibility, yes I can hear the characters. I can hear and comprehend all the characters and the voices that I was drawn to include those of the protagonists. I found them compelling since they represented the struggle of each individual who discovers that their dreams may never be achieved due to having AIDS. Since they discovered about having a terminal illness, it seems the protagonist was shocked. They then formed relationships to aid each in overcoming the illness provided they observe self-hygiene and take the required medication. In my view, this desire to overcome a terminal illness made the actors believable, convincing, and made the actors stand out. They represented the will and resolve within the human soul to be successful despite facing odds and challenges.
The main action of the play revolves around the desire and passion of a young musical group to succeed. The story is narrated when they are struggling to seek out a new life despite dealing with problems like AIDS, broken friendships, and drug abuse. Other conflicts include a lack of financial assistance and shelter. The characters overcame these obstacles by encouraging each other and having the hope that one day, they will achieve their goals and dreams. The technical elements used were effective and helped the audience connect with the audience. For instance, there was the use of dark lighting, costumes, projections, and sounds. The dark theme incorporated helped symbolize the darkness (problems) that engulfed the characters. As such, they aided in telling the story well.
Rent can be termed as a musical concert filled with drama and thrillers. The story represents the struggle of a group of musicians who are currently undergoing tribulations related to their careers. In comparison with other genres, there are similarities in terms of lighting and costume incorporated. The differences include the characters facing numerous challenges like terminal illnesses, broken friendships, and relationships which are not common with musical shows. In terms of relevance, the play plays a significant part in the current world since it is currently facing an epidemic (COVID-19) that threatens dreams, goals, and missions of all those affected. Yes, the play made me think about the world at large especially whether those affected by the epidemic can be strong enough to fight for their future. More importantly, in case I am affected, do I have the resolve to fight the disease as Roger and Tom fought for their future despite having AIDS.
To conclude, Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway represents a playtesting the resolve of those affected to fight for their goals and dreams. Currently, we face the COVID-19 epidemic that threatens the futures of both the young and the old. All in all, the play serves as a lesson that people need to fight for their future despite facing an epidemic.