Reflection on Contemporary Theatre

By Abrahim Harb

Theatre allows us to become more empathetic and expands our thinking of the world and the world view of others we agree or disagree with. It agitates us to activism. It motivates us and acts as a catalyst for change. It is a sense of escape, but not really. Usually it has one overarching takeaway and scatters little nuggets for you to discover on your own. Theatre is absorbed into the mind differently by each person. It allows you to wander into the unknown or further delve into the familiar.

Theatre allows you to be immersed in the lifestyle of the past or grounded in modern times. It can bring you into the action and/ or break the fourth wall - or alienate you with a firm line between the actor and observer. It can remind us we are not alone. Theatre is evolving and always different. It can be a one hit wonder or cult classic. Sometimes, it is rooted in surrealism other times it is rooted in realism. Theatre is a place where an assemblage of diverse people gather to tell a story/stories of another group of people. It one sentence, it opens us up to human experience, whether it is something familiar or unfamiliar.

The reflection will focus on four movements: Futurism, The Modern Tragedy, The Harlem Renaissance and Epic Theatre.

All of these movements are something that I haven’t had any education in and I believe they are very important to further understanding theatre for my personal use. As a writer, I believe that the discussions, artists/ thinkers, aesthetic movements and plays in the movement are something I should have in my arsenal of inspiration.

#EatMissJulie: The Night I Left the Theater with a Full Stomach & Mind

By Abrahim Harb

After watching the Stage Center Theatre Kristin Hunt directed version of "Miss Julie" by August Strindberg, I felt alienation (also known as verfremdungseffekt). I wasn’t sure what I just experienced, but not because it was a terrible production; because it had immersed me in this experience of watching a play and having these feelings, that were heightened by food, song, eroticism (within the play) and queer theatre. Alienation is achieved by making the audience feel detached from the action of the play, so they do not become immersed in the fictional reality of the stage due to these four reasons in the Stage Center Theatre production of Miss Julie: the three chorus members, the songs they perform, the minimalistic set and the food.

The Unpredictable Onion Called a Best Friend: The Super Short Version of How I Stripped a Best Friend of her Status as a Best Friend and Downgraded her to an Acquaintance

By Abrahim Harb

In April 2014, I officially let go of a best friend that I met in high school. A text message that said, “I miss u,” with a picture of a handwritten letter I gave her. We hadn’t spoken or text messaged each other since September of 2013 (roughly 7 months) and I received this. The depth in our friendship had been stunted for quite some time. Our friendship had become too frayed and I didn’t care to uphold something that was naturally crumbled due to constant lies (from her) and constant openness (from me), until the end. I had let go of it some time ago and downgraded her to friend.

Depenetration had been occurring for months now and I was unknowingly deploying Social Penetration Theory. Depenetration is a gradual process of layer-by-layer withdrawal and it cause relationship and intimacy level to move backward and to fade away. According to Altman and Taylor, when depenetration occurs, "interpersonal exchange should proceed backwards from more to less intimate areas, should decrease in breadth or volume". This theory formulated by Psychologist, Irwin Altman and Dalmas Taylor (1973) had seeped through the core of my relationship - and then began to rot that same relationship from the inside out.

 

According to www.communicationstudies.com, this theory states that relationships begin and deepen through self-disclosure. In the beginning, people establish relationships by disclosing many simple, harmless facts through small talk. As relationships grow, the rate of self-disclosure slows while the facts disclosed become increasingly intimate in nature. Intimate self-disclosure allows others to penetrate a person’s public persona and discover his or her innermost self. Relationships stagnate when the people involved refuse to self-disclose.

A Spectacle of Gaga Proportions

By Abrahim Harb

Lady Gaga is a pop singer and cultural phenomenon. Throughout her career, it has been clear that she is a fashion loving New Yorker who happens to have a singing voice that is just as big as her activist voice. Because of her background in theatre and performing, each of her performances are a spectacle, a performance, if you want to call it that. Lights, fog, costumes (and costume changes), props, fist pumping and working the catwalk. What does this all amount to? A performance that tells a story, but not only through vocals, through the atmosphere that is set and the audience banter each performance. Although each live performance she does is a spectacle, so is her daily life. Her hair and clothing changes daily, almost in a way that reflects the tone/ mood she wants to perpetuate. She is creating a spectacle by reframing what she defines as a live performance.

Ruler of the Savages

By Abrahim Harb

Small Group Communication Popular Culture Artifact Analysis: 

The Lord of the Flies (1990)

 

After watching "The Lord of the Flies," it is evident that this group of marooned English schoolboys must learn to live in a new civilization, where they are the rulers/leaders. They must create norms, culture, a structure/ hierarchy and other necessary things to survive (Adams, 82). By the end of the movie, the civilization created crumbles and the boys turn on the originally elected leaders, killing one of them. The boys are torn between acting like functional members of society, by obeying the rules created and following the orders from a leader or the impulse to act out, rebel and sabotage the group’s success. By identifying the group goal(s), I will examine how the leadership, at first promotes the group goal, then hinders moving toward the group goal and how the shift in leadership towards the last half of the movie contributes to the failure of the group and the sub-groups within it.

Despite their age, the boys quickly set out a plan of action. Ralph is elected the leader; immediately after this, maintenance roles assigned by Ralph are used to gain and maintain the cohesiveness and role specialization quickly take effect to meet the primary goal of surviving and being found (Rothwell, 155). Moreover the tension between Ralph and Jack is obvious in this moment. Jack has been deeply envious of Ralph’s power from this point and it becomes clear when Jack’s irresponsibility leads to the failure of the signal fire. They are in a place where societal roles must be created, civilization does not exist and the boys are using learned behaviors from the society they are raised in.

Media Analysis—Scandal on ABC

The “Scandal” of Communication: A Brief Discussion on the Classical Management
and the Human Relations Approaches to Communication Within Two Organizations

By Abrahim Harb

Scandal is an ABC drama that follows “a White House Communications Director, Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) leaves to start her own crisis management firm only to discover she hasn't left the past behind” (IMBD.com). The Pope & Associates employees are Harrison, Abby, Quinn, Huck and for a brief amount of time, David Rosen. Each team member has been saved by Olivia and they are indebted to her—but they are also equally talented in their respective expertise. The “gladiators” trust Olivia wholeheartedly and would follow her into the darkness. They use the cover of a law firm to conduct shady busy, making crime scenes disappear and creating public relations narratives that allow people to literally get away with murder. Olivia and her team are called “fixers,” instead of lawyers—and they make problems go away, before they hit the light of day—they are above the law and Olivia is the “lawyer” to go to in a time of crisis. She is the former White House Communications Director, but left when personal and business became too entwined.

Becoming a Chamelon

By Abrahim Harb

I have been influenced by a wide range of people, but I always find inspiration in anything I do. Work was something that always had to be meaningful to me. I will never take a job because I need the cash and if I do, I make it meaningful. Throughout my 23 years on this earth, I have lived life like a sponge, soaking it all up—observing, but never sitting back idle. I have had many mentors, but my AVID teacher stood out due to her honesty. My mother has been there for me every step of the way and every boss I’ve had praises my abilities in general. My persistence has kept me on a path to success (as defined by learning and sometimes money) and my personality has made me a person who everyone (okay, mostly everyone) wants to work with. While developing my interests, I received a variety of mixed messages—but they were rightfully mixed, coming from a genuine place. In the essay, I intend to explain some of the experiences that have shaped my attitude and values about working, careers and vocation.

The major successes in my life are usually based around my mother. From day one, she has been my biggest fan and my worst critic—yes, in all its clichéd glory. My mother was a teacher in her home country of Palestine, but struggled to find a job as a teacher here due to the credentials. But she never let that stop her, she found a job wherever she could. She would use her experience to find a meaningful job to bring in the extra money needed to help maintain the household costs. That is where I learned the ability to become a chameleon, to blend in, but not be forgettable, in regards to vocation or work.

The Lawsuit which Silenced AWARE and Ended the Hollywood Blacklist

By Abrahim Harb

John Henry Faulk goes straight into his story—the story of hitting a wall and never being able to get around it to succeed in the entertainment industry due to the 1950’s blacklist—and doesn’t waste any time with much background. But who really cares, right? Faulk divulges tidbits about his life throughout the 277 pages, that could be seen as false or sugar coated. But readers slowly see that he is a kind man who will stand up for what is right. He stood up to AWARE, as documented in his book Fear on Trial, with the help of attorney Louis Nizer. The AWARE bulletin erroneously and haphazardly attacked the entertainment industry. These bulletins came out as AWARE saw fit. Without warning or the opportunity to clear the air, the entertainment industry was enraptured by the wrath of AWARE running around Los Angeles claiming these Hollywood stars were spreading a Communist propaganda—viciously destroying the career of many screenwriters, musicians, actors, producers and directors.

A Crusade Through Television: A 90's Baby Recounts His Television History (With A Quick Flashback To Black & White TV)

By Abrahim Harb

The first memory of television was mere weeks after my family and I moved into a new house. In October 2000, at the age of 10, a new show premiered on ABC called Gilmore Girls—it followed a single mother and her daughter as they try to live life in Stars Hallow, Connecticut. It was canceled in 2007. Through the show, I was exposed to pop culture references including movies, singers & celebrities, literature and historical events. It was my first dip into pop culture, as well as a guide on how to follow a series that was packed dense with substance, plot and pop—also giving me a glimpse of how people in small towns are portrayed as somewhat wholesome, friendly, neighborly folks who eat up the gossip caused by a couple breaking up or one shop owner rekindling a feud with a shop owner. I learned an abundant amount of pop culture and over the years, shaped me into a pop culture junkie who loves music, art and celebrity shenanigans. I’m currently a contributing writer for the Independent at Northeastern Illinois University, where I create chaos writing reviews.

Contradicting Psychoanalytical Perspective: A Narrative that Reveals as it Conceals, but Conceals as it Reveals

By Abrahim Harb

Daniel R. Schwarz's article on a psychoanalytical perspective examines “The Secret Sharer” by Joseph Conrad as an act of memory, offering up many interesting, yet contradictory points that seem to debase each other. Schwarz trudges forward saying “Conrad’s narrative reveals as it conceals, but conceals as it reveals [...] we need to explore the complex psyche and values of the captain-narrator” (95). Schwarz’s first claim focuses on what happened prior to Leggatt leaving the Sephora, declaring it an “act of duty” (105) when in the text, the captain suggests it was in “a fit of temper” (31). Elsewhere another claim offers an explanation where the circumstance is not mentioned, but commotion surrounding the captain’s sendoff for Leggatt and making it a triumphant moment that releases a heavy burden that weighs heavy on his conscience (108). Lastly another offering claims Leggatt and the captain as doubles (102). Undoubtedly these three thoughts are contradictory and work against each other. How could a man commit such a crime, climb aboard another ship and escape unscathed and unseen by anyone? I argue that it is very likely that Leggatt is a representation of what the captain will become.

An Exploration of Identity in “The Secret Sharer” and “To Room Nineteen” Within the Bounds of Jungian Terms

By Abrahim Harb

Joseph Conrad's “The Secret Sharer” and Doris Lessing's “To Room Nineteen” thrusts readers into a period of self-loathing and doubt as the characters go on a journey to that seemingly happily ever after ending. The authors interject right as the action is about to come to a halt this complicates the protagonists within the stories. In Conrad’s story, a young, unnamed captain goes on a journey of self-discovery with his counterpart Leggatt. In Lessing’s story, Susan takes us on a trip that leads to her demise through denial and depression. Each of these short stories takes readers on a journey through an identity crisis and the subsequent almost happy ever after ending. Each character goes on a journey of self-discovery, the only difference: one character gains self-esteem and the other spirals downward in depression before dying. Conrad and Lessing explore their characters identity though discovery and crisis within the bounds of Jungian Theory.

“....So If it’s just us, It’s a terrible waste of space....”

These are my short responses to three prompts after watching the movie "Contact" staring Jodi Foster and Matthew McConaughey.

The Demon Lover: A Case of a Scorned Lover or a Case of Delusional Proportions

By Abrahim Harb

The relationship between both the realistic and supernatural readings of “The Demon Lover” by Elizabeth Bowen is undeniable and utterly confusing sometimes. The short story published in 1945 reeks of unnatural experiences/ metaphorical statements, yet at the same time contains realistic (or “normal”) encounters. Mrs. Drover mentions an unnatural promise, which could be insight on how to interpret the story. It is my personal belief that the story has to be read with one of the options in mind; otherwise, both interpretations crisscross and confuse readers. Are these coincidences or are they trying to create a bigger picture for readers? Bowen certainly does a superb job at confusing readers (me included). The story must be certainly read with either of the two interpretations in mind. Nevertheless an abundance of evidence is presented upon close reading to support a definite supernatural aspect to this story.

A Short Comparison: Bladerunner (the movie) and Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (the book)

By Abrahim Harb

The film Bladerunner and the book Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Are both densely packed with material and take different approaches, yet get to the same point. Both the pieces of works of genius, and created with diligence and tediously crafts a image of the universe in 2021. Personally, I am not a sci-fi fan, but I was flabbergasted by the vibe created in the movie by Ridley Scott—but nobody can ever reach the level of intensity in a Phillip K. Dick novel. The idea of adapting a book into a movie, and changing it so the shell of the book remains, but the context is changed ever-so-slightly is gutsy move on the behalf of Scott.

The book, paints a picture of a post-nuclear apocalyptic Earth. Replicants (the equivalent of clones) are perfect reproductions of humans and manufactured to do physical labor on distant planets. Additionally, the extinction of actual animals was replaced by android pets, an attempt to control the entire world. It deals with society after and ‘Earth-changing event’ as well as explores the idea of self-identity. Which is identical to the film moreover, the ‘air cars’ they navigate around in are alike. Rick’s wife who does not approve of his job and humanity has abandoned Earth for the most part and moved to Mars. However, to help build on Mars humanity creates andy’s or replicants (as they are called in the book and movie respectively) to help them build a new life.

Which Catherine Did You Fall in Love With? An Analytical Look into the Adaptations of Washington Square

By Abrahim Harb

All three adaptations of the story "Washington Square" bring the characters to life in a different, yet common way. The two adaptations of the movie were tastefully executed and the actors embodied the characters extraordinarily. “The Heiress” featuring Olivia de Havilland, and the movie of the same name as the book stars Jennifer Jason Leigh as Catherine Sloper.

Who Watches the Watchmen?

By Abrahim Harb 

Watchmen, both the movie and film are densely packed with text and set in an alternate reality which had the presence of superheroes, and mirrored society during the 1980’s. The book follows a strict nine-panel layout; the movie follows the text very closely, leading first time readers/movie-goers to become slightly confused. Although, both the movie and the book were crafted with diligence, precision and perfection, the story lacks cohesion with the constant flashbacks and leaps through time, space and plot. According to hwww.johncoulthart.com Moore said, “Watchmen was designed to be read 4 or 5 times, with some links and allusions only becoming apparent to the reader after several times.” This in return does not allow the viewers to fully comprehend the characters and their back stories. Therefore, I will focus on the characterization and how it differs between the book and the movie, of the same name, as well as some aspects of the plot expanding in the movie. 

The constant flashbacks leave the viewers of the movie version in a haze and utterly confused for most of the movie. One must read the book, several times and understand the text to fully comprehend the context of the movie—narrowing down the demographic drastically that a movie should reach. Towards the end of the movie, the ‘superhero’s’ who fought crime in the 1930’s and 40’s are left cripple, misfits who differ on the ideology behind a ‘superhero’. This group of superhero’s known as ‘The Minutemen’ are not only given an alter ego—but they have a human element that strikes the right chords specifically with movie-goers. The Minutemen go through the trials and tribulations that other ‘normal’ people go through, such as dating and breaking up, rape and inter or intrapersonal issues.

Theocracy, one of the many "ocracys"

By Abrahim Harb

"Theocracy is a form of government in which a god or deity is recognized as the state's supreme civil ruler, or in a higher sense, a form of government in which a state is governed by immediate divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided. Human state, either in a personal incarnation or, more often, via religious institutional representatives (i.e., a church), replacing or dominating civil government. Theocracy should be distinguished from other secular forms of government that have a state religion, or are merely influenced by theological or moral concepts, and monarchies held "By the Grace of God." 

When I originally was given this topic to talk about in English class, I was baffled. I was not given the sufficient information to give a proper analysis of the situation and see both sides of the issue at hand. Publishing the original essay I had written would have simply been juvenile and ignorant. Hopefully this new essay will shed new light on the topic of theocracy.

Legalizing Medical Marijuana—Will it Leave Us in a Thick Billow of Smoke?

By Abrahim Harb

Legalizing medical marijuana has been a hot topic that seems to be always left to burn out itself much like cigarette in a ashtray. Personally I am on the fence about this issue, but I am leaning towards con side. Although, the common misconception that marijuana has no negative effects, there are many—only if it is used for medical reasons. It is mostly used as a illicit drug in the United States, it has effects that can last for up too three hours, when smoked. When it is digested via food the effects usually take longer to set in and last longer. Regardless of what may be said marijuana in its natural state, has a positive effect on the user, if used properly to cure something from cancer, to low blood pressure, among many others.

Deep Listening is Miraculous

By Abrahim Harb 

Disrespectful dissent has shown its failure too many times in human history, and its societal continuance would be disrespect to the progress of humanity. Respect does not only refer to one’s esteem for his or her counterpart; it also regards esteem for one’s self and both parties’ mutual cause. With all of this being said, if both sides of the arguments were empathetic listeners, it would improve the mutual understanding and trust between both parties. The best way to clearly hear and understand the true motivation behind the counterargument is to be an active listener and it is also a crucial skill for the third party involved to fully interpret both speaker's message(s).

A Lesson The Rest of American Can Take From the Amish

By Abrahim Harb

As spoken through the eyes of a great man named Gandhi the phrase “an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” This quote means that “in which a person who has injured the eye of another is instructed to give his or her own eye in compensation.

At the root of this principle is that one of the purposes of the law is to provide equitable retribution for an offended party.” (www.pursuingthetruth.org/studies/files/eyeforeye.htm) It targets the offender and makes them pay for what they have done in a way that makes them see exactly what they have done to their victim. This was put into motion in ancient Near Eastern law, and was not in the Old Testament because it forbade vengeance. Back in those times, that may have worked out to an extent, in modern times it would be extremely hard to accomplish this and call it legal.