Make an opening statement using three adjectives describing the play, hooks
readers and gives the gist of where the rest of the review will go. Be Dramatic &
Descriptive.
Introduce the name of the play in italics.
Reference the Director & Author to give proper credit.
Place of performance
In a few sentences talk about the basic theme of the play and discuss the
general plot.
Cultural Play Critique Guide & Rubric 4-22 / Page 2 of 3
B. PARAGRAPH #2 – ACTING:
◄ React to two performers in the play. Be sure to reference actor and character
names.
How were they true to the play, the production, the theatrical conditions?
VOICE: Discuss volume, tempo, vocal quality, interpretation, articulation,
projection.
BODY: How were the gestures, movement and business suitable to the
characters.
Provide details of what they did to be convincing in bringing their characters
to life.
C. PARAGRAPH #3 – SET DESIGN:
◄ How did the set establish the mood and background for the play. Reference the
designers.
SET: Describe. What did it look like/consist of? Create pictures with your
words.
Identify type of stage and describe how used, decorated & what represented.
Distinguish Background scenery, set pieces and properties
LIGHTS: How did the lighting support the mood & convey emphasis &
illumination?
SOUND: Support how sound effects & music contributed to mood with
examples.
D. PARAGRAPH #4 – CULTURAL DIVERSITY:
◄ How did cultural diversity play a role in the play.
Consider issues of diversity within the play and its theme.
Discuss directorial casting choices and if cultural awareness was important
or ignored.
Comment on behaviors and beliefs of social, ethnic or other groups presented
Focus on what was addressed and included not what wasn’t
Link your diversity observations to topics discussed throughout the course
Identify Multiculturalism, Interculturalism or Transculturalism; explain
integration
E. PARAGRAPH #5 – CONCLUSION:
◄ Focus on the elements of this production.
MESSAGE: What does the play have to say about people, relationships,
human nature?
Make strong statements that summarize this theatrical experience.
Note how or why the play was engaging & entertaining.
Avoid writing about the audience.
