Fences - Different stagings of the Troy-Cory exchange in Fences

HOMEWORK F

Written response 3: Fences

1. Watch the YouTube video at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jE2dDmMGfa4&t=99s. This is a compilation of two different stagings of the Troy-Cory exchange in Fences, 1.3 (“How come you ain't never liked me?”). The first staging features James Earl Jones as Troy, the second Denzel Washington.

2. Take some notes on each version: ? How do the actors play their roles, speak their dialogue, invest their characters with humanity? Volume, pitch, body language, posture, et al.? ? How do you react to each version—what emotional responses are set up, and especially how? Then, using your notes and observations, compose a response of 2 to 2 ½ typed and double-spaced pages which compares and analyzes each version. What is noteworthy and/or different about these? (I'd prefer that you not pick a “favorite”--discuss each version on its own terms, but also put them side by side.) The goal of this response is to encourage you to consider this play (and, in turn, language and art) as a living creation beyond the page. Actors, producers, set designers, lighting designers, and many others collaborate in order to bring a play to life, so compose your writing with this in mind. Use quotes and specific instances as necessary to help support your response. Remember, too, this is interpretation: I’m not looking for one “right” answer, but you must back up and illustrate what you say.