theguardian.com
Dancing Through the Jazz Age: A Reimagining of Gatsby
Sarah Brigham's production of F. Scott Fitzgerald's *The Great Gatsby*, adapted by Elizabeth Newman, uses frequent dance sequences to portray the Roaring Twenties, highlighting the superficiality and unattainable aspirations of Jay Gatsby.
- How does the production's use of dance affect the portrayal of Jay Gatsby and the novel's themes?
- The constant dance sequences emphasize the superficial glamour of Gatsby's parties, contrasting with Gatsby's underlying insecurity and inability to truly integrate into high society. Gatsby's active participation in the dancing undermines his enigmatic persona, revealing his emotional vulnerability and flawed pursuit of acceptance.
- How does the production's shift in tone reflect the novel's themes, and what are its lasting implications?
- The shift from exuberant dance to a darker mood after the party captures the post-jazz age hangover. However, by underplaying the tragedy inherent in Gatsby's belief in a meritocratic system, the production softens the novel's critique of social mobility and the American Dream.
- What specific choices in the production contribute to or detract from the interpretation of Gatsby's character?
- Oraine Johnson's portrayal of Gatsby as an enthusiastic dancer, using "old sport" as a conversational quirk rather than a class marker, makes him more accessible but less mysterious. This weakens the impact of his tragic flaw: believing in a meritocratic America where his wealth can buy acceptance.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review focuses on the production's energetic dance sequences, potentially overshadowing a deeper analysis of the play's dramatic elements and thematic depth. The description of the dancing and the set design receive significant attention, while the portrayal of Gatsby's character and the tragedy of the story receive less emphasis, especially in the later part of the review. The headline (if there was one) and introduction would further highlight this framing.
Language Bias
The language used is largely descriptive and positive, but terms like "sultry jazz standard" and "snobby" subtly shape the reader's perception. The description of Gatsby as a "mean hoofer" is informal and might detract from the seriousness of his character. Neutral alternatives could be "jazz standard" and 'wealthy guests'.
Bias by Omission
The review omits discussion of the acting quality beyond mentioning a few key actors. While this may be a result of space constraints, the lack of detailed analysis of the performances across the whole cast limits the reader's ability to form a complete picture of the production's success. Also missing is a detailed discussion of the adaptation itself; how this differs from the source material is missing.
False Dichotomy
The review presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between Gatsby's energetic, dance-focused persona and his underlying tragic flaw. It doesn't fully explore the complexities of his character, suggesting a more nuanced interpretation is possible.
Gender Bias
The review focuses on the female characters' appearances ("silvery frocks") and portrays them as flappers engaging in hedonistic behavior, potentially perpetuating stereotypes. While this is descriptive of the time period and the characters, the gendered focus and the stereotype could be slightly improved. The review should analyze the portrayal of gender roles more comprehensively.
Sustainable Development Goals
The play highlights the persistent social inequalities of the Jazz Age, where wealth and social status determined acceptance, reflecting the ongoing struggle for equal opportunity and highlighting the negative impact of a meritocratic system that fails to deliver social mobility. Gatsby's inability to transcend his social class despite his wealth underscores the enduring challenge of reducing inequality.