In Overtones, Alice Gerstenberg specifies that Harriet never actually sees Hattie (though she hears her) and that Margaret never actually sees Maggie (though, again she hears her). Things are slightly more complicated, however, in terms of if/when/where/how Hattie and Maggie see or hear each other.
On a larger level, I'm asking about the "rules" or conventions for this play's theatrical world. That is, what determines if, when, where, and by whom a character can be seen/heard? How do you know what these conventions are? How would an audience (who doesn't get to read Gerstenberg's stage directions) know this? Are these rules consistent throughout the play? Or are there moments in the play that bend or break these rules? If so, where? How do you know? What effect do these choices (consistency, non-consistency, etc.) have?
Post your response in about 300 words by the evening of Tuesday, January 22. Be ready for a quiz on Overtones in class on Wednesday, January 23.
Beyond this post: think, also, about this play through the lens of Fuch's "Visit to a Small Planet." See what comes from thinking about the various attributes of this play's world. Remember, it's as important to note what Gerstenberg leaves unspecified as it is to note what she specifies.
As always, contact me (and/or Macy and Brook) if you have questions or concerns.
Best,
JF
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