Latinx Theatre – Academic Writing Alternative

Instructions
Latinx theatre artists, the plays that are made, and the companies that have supported them are a vital part of
the history of theatre-making in the US. Your final project will analyze a significant, recent work by Latinx
Performance makers. Your objective is to submit an argumentative paper that speaks and supports the work’s
historical significance, relevance, and potential impact.
NOTE: Do your research to make sure you can
find enough information to effectively complete your final project.
To do so you will want to address the following:
1. What background information can you give on the work? (pick at least three of these)
● Why might it have been produced?
● Is there any historical relevance to the play?
● Does the play have a production history?
● Can you propose an answer to the why, here, why now?
● Does it connect to any particular Latinx Theatre, Film/Cinema, or Performance aesthetics?
Remember that what you perceive may not have been the actual attempt, this is okay as long
as you clarify this point.
2. Briefly Summarize the Plot
● And mean brief! One Paragraph max. Do your best to avoid spoilers!
3. What was being attempted, and how well did the attempt succeed? (pick at least three)
Was there something particularly interesting about any of the following production elements? You must
mention at least three of these theatrical roles when describing the attempt.
● The directing
● The costumes
● The lights
● The Set
● The Sound
● Acting/Performances
● Characters
● Plot
4. Was the attempt worth making? Why or why not?
This will serve as your conclusion. Should we go see the work or not?
5. How does this work fit into the larger construction of Latinx Theatre/Performance?
Does it draw upon a particular artistic or cultural lineage or tradition?
Remember: Your Final Project is worth 20 points of your final grade!
Suggested Structure – Five Section Outline
For those less familiar with writing/presenting argumentative approaches, the Five Section (or Paragraph)
Outline is a common method. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays. If it
sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of:
(a) an introductory section
(b) three evidentiary body sections that may include discussion of opposing views
(c) a conclusion
The following outlines may be useful for you:
https://www.fortcherry.org/cms/lib03/PA01000874/Centricity/Domain/71/Writing/FiveParagraphOutline.pdf
https://www.bucks.edu/media/bcccmedialibrary/pdf/FiveParagraphEssayOutlineJuly08_000.pdf