Critique of Hair
The production of Hair was a melodrama that focused on the youth of the 1960's, and the tribulations that young people faced. It dealt with what the hippie generation valued most, and also what they feared. The episodic plot chronicled the life of Claude, a young man who was drafted into the Vietnam War, and the tribe, his friends. Although there was not a set story line, the play was a truthful portrayal of the 1960's culture. Stephen F. Austin's production of this famous off Broadway play was well done, and the stage effects only added more imagery to the already graphic portrayal of this award winning play. When the production of Hair opened in 1968 it opened the doors and began a revolution on Broadway. It was the first musical to contain what is now known as rock music. It also dealt with critical situations such as sex, drugs, and the Vietnam War. It was seen as very risque for its time. It contained many racial and homosexual references, and focused on the action of "free-love". Now as our society has
The same conflicts that were occurring in the sixties are once again occurring as we face the ongoing war in Iraq. Chrissy's song, for example, were she rambled continuously about a boy she cherished added nothing to the plot of the play. Also the use of incense gave the auditorium a feeling of actually being in the 1960's with the tribe. We as young adults in our society still struggle with our elders in pursuit of freedom to do what we desire. Although this play was set over four decades ago, it is still identifiable. The play seemed to have many good traits and ideas. Adults in our society still believe that teenagers our not responsible enough to handle the consequences of the decisions they choose to make, so they then decide for them, much like in the play. It contained many visual effects that were not only eye catching, but continued to hold the audiences attention. The cast of Hair did an outstanding job of accurately describing the culture of the 1960's. An example of this was the use of the strobe lights. There were, however, scenes and musical numbers that were both irrelevant and inappropriate. It displayed pictures of the presidential candidates for the 2004 election. This was used to give relevancy to the world we live in today. The cast also made good use of the set with picket signs, incense, and many other props in portraying the youth of the 1960's. It was used to give added effect to the war sequence.
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