good morning, starshine

[sadcypress]

Considering how much I enjoy talking about myself, I don't think I've ever actually done this meme.

HENCE:

The problem with LJ: we all think we are so close, but really, we know nothing about each other. So I want you to ask me something you think you should know about me. Something that should be obvious, but you have no idea about. Ask away

Comments

[sadcypress]

I am terribly ill-versed in contemporary theatre. I always blame it on my English degree- as an undergrad, there was no one forcing me to read ANYTHING outside my comfort zone of novels by dead white English guys and Early Modern Theatre. I've tried making an effort to catch myself up, but I always have the nagging doubt that's the reason I read very little contemporary literature in general- how do I know it's good if it doesn't have a hundred years of people SAYING it's good who know what they're talking about?

This is why I end up looking like a giant snob, and it's hard to deny. ;)

But yeah- my research has never tended that way. Even with my thesis being on a contemporary company, it's still a company that uses Elizabethan theatrical techniques. I guess I have a niche. ;)

Your second is a tricky question. I really love being a student- taking a class that makes me push myself to learn something new. I like class discussions, I even sometimes like paper writing (I can say that, because I haven't really had to write one since May and I've forgotten the experience) But after my MA, the next step is PhD, and that's not really a path I'm interested in. If more school meant Take more classes!, I'd sign up in a heartbeat. But PhD track means a giant dissertation, and the need to publish and go to conferences and present research there- and then there's the awful PhD job market. I'm still half-tempted (especially when my advisor keeps hinting that I should stay on and apply for the PhD so I can expand on my thesis project), but I don't want to sign up for something just to stay in school.

[bohemiabythesea]

Yes, I can see how contemporary lit's lack of coming with valuable references is a bit of a risk factor sometimes, and I've seen enough crappy contemporary plays to want to tell everyone "just stick to repertoire, morons!". But I've read and seen some amazing stuff as well. Hasn't stopped me from being a giant snob, though - I'm, apparently, quite hard to please when it comes to theatre.

I don't know that much about US-American higher education systems, but you would have to take classes in a PhD programme as well, no? But you're right about the job market and the giant monster project. And one shouldn't do it just to stay in school. Your posts just sometimes sound as though you were really happy in an academic environment...;)

[sadcypress]

One of my good friends used to work at the 'edgy' contemporary theatre here in DC, and she forced me to go to all of their season. It was a much-needed kick in the pants, as it opened my eyes to some wonderful theatre. :)

Yes- if I stayed on for a PhD program, I would have two more years of classwork. If I really could just stay on as I am now, it would be great! But I know that's not the case and I've seen too many disillusioned grad students to want to take that step without being SURE.

[bohemiabythesea]

Yes, it can be wonderful. It can also be crappy, but I love the excitement of not knowing what you will get. And I recently saw several shows of the category "mediocre play - amazing acting", which at least made for a decent night out. Also, if the actors are hot, I very immediately stop caring about the play.

Yes, it's a choice one shouldn't feel pushed into, it comes with quite a few consequences. All of which, in my case, seem to translate into "thou shalt procrastinate" these days...