The play is interesting in a sense that it is different from the version we have read in class. This difference is mainly created by the modernization of this ancient play. First of all, the characters are in modern costume, which is totally outside my expectation. I expected the characters to be in ancient Perisan attires, however, they are dressed in a more modern fashion. This certainly surprises me, but I like it better nevertheless. I think these modern costumes can better identifies the characters, and give the audience a clear image of the characters. Taking into account the lack of stage settings, these modernized costumes can also enrich the visual context of the play. Secondly, the characters speak in more modernized verses, which is totally different from the broken verses we have read in the book. The verses better resembles our normal speaking pattern and, thus, make it easier for audience to understand the content of the story.
Throughout the play, I have been trying to focus on minute physical details that might influence how we perceive the play. There are several points that I want to point out.
1, The way the chorus speaks the verse "Thousands of thousands". The four members of the chorus speak the verse separately in a more musial pattern, which can be refered to be heterophony. First we hear a member start of with the verse, then a second member will join in at the end of the phrase, i.e. the second person will start his verse with "thousands" when the first person is finishing with the word "thousands", and so on. This leads to a build-up effect of sound, power and endlessness. Thus, it helps to conceive the idea of many with all the "thousands" sounding together.
2, The verse "Xerxes! O Xerxes! You Have Betrayed Us. You Will Be Forgotten. Only God Is Immortal. Only God Is Divine!" seems to become the main idea of this play that Xerxes, with all his supernatural achievements and ambition, has led to his own tragic fall, and that he is not going to win against God. Comparing to other phrases in the play, the way this verse is spoken is very musical and poetic, which might be the playwright's intention so that it is easier for the audience to remember.
3, Color is an important part in this play. The elements of color are carried out mainly by the use of costume, and lighting. The use of colored lights enrighes the color combination of the costumes, and create a greater contrast among the character. Also, the color of Atossa's dress, which changes from gold and black to black between episodes, might help convey the mood of the play. I have also noticed the color of the episode when Darius appears. In that episode, Atossa is holding a dark blue jacket with gold embroidery. However, Darius himself is wearing a similar jacket with a monotonic grayish color. This grayish color is apparently lighter comparing to the chorus and Atossa's costumes. So this contrast in color might be helpful in conveying the identity of Darius being a ghost (or the gray color can also convey a sense of coldness).
4, The background music from the violin and the cello enriches the mood of the play. The violin's imitation of the sound of birds help brings out a sense of loneliness. The instance I hear that sound, I have an image of a desert under the sun with eagles flying over dead bodies. So the sound effect might also influence how the audience perceive the image of the play.
Lastly, I want to mention some observations that I think might be funny to share. Recalling the scene when the Herald first arrive and Atossa is saying that she does not know what to say. First I truely think that it is an aside by Atossa, which represents something that she thinks. I have confirmed this idea by observing the reactions of the others (referring to the people who are not standing next to Atossa). I don't really remember who is the one standing next to Atossa, but I am pretty sure that he does something that is not supposed to. He turns sideway to look at Atossa when she is doing her aside. And I think it's just a funny mistake he has made and I think it might be interesting to mention it here. Also, the Herald is shaking all the time. Remember he is holding something in his left hand, very close to his body? Originally I thought it might be something cold that will keep him shaking, but then I went check that thing out (it is left at the stage somehow) and it is wet and sticky. So I am not quite sure if my assumption is correct. But, I think it is just another funny minute detail.
