Cloud 9 Critical Response
Luis Diaz
Fine Arts & the Creative Process: Theatre Emphasis
April 26, 2012
Cloud 9 Critical Response
The play Cloud Nine examines questions of gender identity, sexuality and individual freedom, as they exist within two traditional, oppressive ideological models: colonial imperialism and masculine supremacy. By contrasting these worlds of political and sexual dominance, the play draws a parallel between the paralysis exacted by both frameworks upon the development and expression of unique, authentic personhood. The play dramatizes the argument in startling fashion by challenging the touchstones of theatrical convention. Specifically, it defies usual methods of depiction, for some of ...
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However, if such an impression of Cloud 9 is registered, I believe this is a failing not of the play but of an audience conditioned to assign fixed attributes to characters in order to render them intelligible. Cloud 9 is not interested in offering satisfaction in this rather simple manner, or of treating its audience in this simple, customary process of understanding. In challenging her audiences to re-imagine what a "play" can look and sound like, Churchill simultaneously challenges them to re-imagine the traditional ideologies she wishes to consider. Therefore, coherence in Cloud 9, if not achieved through a collective recognition of character, results ironically from its very lack of surface structure. It is through her style of fragmentation, redefinition and inversion of gender roles that the play can carefully examine the subject and constructs a powerful argument, in this case for feminism.
The manner in which I believe the play arrives at the greater, solid ...
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the dialogue in this act sounds highly contrived and controlled, as if filtered through the eyes, ears and lips of masculine forces. Absent from the subjugated characters, as a mark of their "slave" status, is a clear connection between speaker and content of speech. For example, Ellen, Edward's governess, is one of the first sexually bold and progressive characters we encounter. She harbors, and attempts to express, romantic feelings for Betty. When she tries to profess this love, Betty seems completely ignorant to both Ellen's innuendo and her more overt actions. In Scene Two of the first act, Ellen very deliberately, without hesitation or ambiguity, kisses Betty. But Betty simply ...
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"Cloud 9 Critical Response." Essayworld.com. April 27, 2012. Accessed December 22, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Cloud-9-Critical-Response/100867.
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