The Gabriels at the Public

[MrJNLong]

I'm bringing a group of high school theatre students into the city in September and I am looking into taking them to Part 2 of the Gabriels series that will be playing at the Public at the time. For those of you who saw Part 1, can I ask you a couple of questions?

1-Is there a high amount of educational value for theatre students studying their craft (ie writing, acting, directing, design) in this series (Im assuming yes)...and do you think it will make sense and still be valuable if they haven't seen part 1 (I know no one has seen part 2 yet, but any guesses?)?

2-Is there any particularly mature content or strong language in these plays that will get me in trouble with fairly conservative parents back home? (Again, I know no one has seen Part 2 yet but I'm assuming Part 1 can give a good idea...)

Thanks for your time.

[macnyc]

A friend who missed part one asked me this question yesterday. It's definitely better, of course, to have seen the first one. You and your students will definitely understand what's going on, but you will have to get acquainted with characters that other audience members already know.  But I told my friend not to let that stop her, because I think Nelson's plays are so terrific, it's worth risking a little confusion at first. 

I'm just wondering if there would be anything else more age appropriate than this. All the Gabriels are baby boomers or older.  It's possible, of course, that new characters might be introduced. We'll have to wait and see. But as far as the acting and the ensemble work go, you'd be hard pressed to find better. 

 

There were a couple of minor adult topics in part one, namely a discussion of Monica Lewinsky and Bill Clinton. I don't remember how explicit that one got. Maybe someone else can shed more light on that.  It seems to me that there was another sexual reference, because I remember laughing a lot at it.  

[MrJNLong]

Thank you so much.

Ya, there are some more age-appropriate subject matter shows probably, but we're seeing some of those as well.

I was just thinking this might be a really cool educational experience for them about contemporary theatre...andI'd love to show them the Public.

Is the language mostly PG13 or tamer? (ie not a lot of F***)

Do you know if there is anywhere one could study up on Part 1? A synopsis or script or study guide anything like that?

Thanks for your responses

[nybound66]

I can't say enough about these plays. They are absolutely age-appopriate, and frankly I think it's a sad notion that teenagers wouldn't be interested or prepared for a play like this, when it so delicately intertwines human relationships with what is happening in our country politically. 

It's great for young people to see a play or musical as entertainment and an escape, but it's also important for them to see the deep impact a play like this can have, and the commentary it can have on our culture at large.

I don't recall any explicit language, if anything a "damn" or a "bull sh**," but honestly I don't even remember that.

I would suggest reaching out to the Public directly ( [e-mail]) , and letting them know that you are an educator bringing young adults. If they can't send a script of the first play, I'm sure they have some materials they could send your way to better prepare the group.

[macnyc]

^^^Great idea, to reach out to the Public! I bet they're very happy you're bringing a group of students.  Just out of curiosity, what else are you planning to see?

[Relevance81491]

That is a great idea. The Public has ways been verry reseptive when it comes to student groups. I think it would be a great show to show the students because they are always so relevant to the times we live in

 

it would be really cool to get a tour of the facilities (this is the                     theatre, it can also be configured in the following ways....  This is what office space at a non-profit theatre company looks like

I remember reading cool articles about the Public space back when it was being constructed and first opened 

[iluvtheatertrash]

I saw all four Apple plays, four days in a row. I wept at the end because I was heartbroken to say goodbye to this family I felt I'd become close with. The first Gabriel play was just as special. These are some of my favorite works, and I so enjoy watching how Nelson weaves the tale.

My advice: Contact the Public and ask them if there is any way your students may view an archival tape or read the script in class of the first play. The plays are enjoyable on their own, but 10 times richer if you're with these characters from the beginning. Nelson places little nuggets throughout that give us a fuller arc. 

[MrJNLong]

Those are some great ideas.  I will definitely contact the Public.  Thank you all so much for taking the time to respond.

To answer macnyc's question, the other shows we are looking into seeing on this trip are The Humans, The Encounter,  and The Color Purple for sure.  We were going to do Shuffle Along, so we're bummed about that now.  Also looking at The Front Page, The Cherry Orchard, Holiday Inn (although these are all kind of wild cards quality-wise), The Phantom of the Opera (only Thursday mat available) and either Aladdin or On Your Feet (just to fill the Broadway pizzazz requirement).

[Relevance81491]

Small Mouth Sounds needs to be added to your list. That is a bold production from a director who is having quite a moment   Pershing Square would also be a cool place for the kids to explore