Learning Places Fall 2016
Chin/Swift
SITE REPORT [part III: site of performance]
Master Harold"...and the Boys
Josue Alberto
10.29.2016
The Pershing Square Signature Center
480 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
INTRODUCTION
“Master Harold”.. And the Boys. This play is about a friendship between a white South African
boy and his two black South African servant. The story took place during the 1950s in the time
of apartheid when forming mix race relationship was complicated.
PRE-VISIT INFORMATION
Even though it was an off-Broadway venue, I was hoping to experience an atmosphere typical
of many Broadway theaters prior to a show’s performance. I have learned many information
about the apartheid system. I knew it was going to involve the day to day difficulties of the time
period with race division. I hoped I learned something new or maybe get exposed to another
point of view form the human perspective.
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SITE DOCUMENTATION (photos/sketches)
Write description of sketch or photo here, explaining why it is important and what it
shows
This picture and a tracing of the picture it is from the outside of the stage itself but inside the
Signature Theater. There was three different places to buy food and drinks. Seating area are all
around the food places. This theater looked brand new, modernize and ready for the future.
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Write description of sketch or photo here, explaining why it is important and what it
shows
The interior of the Irene Diamond Stage at the Signature Center.
QUALITATIVE SITE OBSERVATIONS
1. Description of architectural elements of the auditorium where the performance was held
(stage arrangement (proscenium, thrust, in the round, etc.), seating arrangement
(amphitheater, orchestra and balcony, etc. aisles, types of seats, risers, etc.)
The Irene Diamond Stage, where “Master Harold”... and the Boys is performed, is arranged
in a proscenium with an auditorium-styled seating arrangement. It is also known for its
unique plywood-paneled walls.
2. Description of the physical element on the stage (set pieces, technologies, lighting)
The lighting was vibrant, and the set pieces give us a sense that you were back in a
much simpler time. The diner had so much detail it felt like I travel back in time. The rain falling
on the dinner sound so beautiful and it looks like the storm was happing outside. At the end of
the play when the white South African boy was exiting the play it looked like he was exiting the
tea shop in South Africa. The sound was clear and it felt like we were listening to a private
conversation.
3. Description of audience (socio-economic, community identity)
The audience was mostly middle-to-upper class and some students were in attendance for the
performance.There were some middle class African America and a few students. I believe many
of the Caucasian who were there has some tide to South Africa because they understood some
of the terms based on their reaction.
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QUANTITATIVE DATA for Area of Study
Subject
Data
Size of performance space
59’ W X 35’6” D
Size of spectator space
294 seats
Number of spectators
(range)
Approximately 75-100 people
Length (in time) of
performance
100 minutes
Cost of performance (if any)
$30
Other data
QUESTIONS TO RESEARCH FURTHER
QUESTIONS:
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1.
In what architectural style was the Signature Theatre (AKA the Pershing Square
Signature Center) designed in?
2.
Aside from the Signature Theatre, what other notable buildings has Frank Gehry
designed?
3.
What are some of the themes represented in the play “Master Harold”... and the Boys?
RESEARCH METHOD/SOURCE FOR EACH QUESTION ABOVE:
1. Question 1
a. The Signature Theater
b. xx
c. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MiMA_(building)
2. Question 2
a. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Gehry
b. The New York Times
c. xx
3. Question 3
a. http://www.litcharts.com/lit/master-harold-and-the-boys/themes
b. xx
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THIS PAGE IS
YOUR TICKET
Performance Event/Title
Order Number
"Master Harold"...
612150
Constituent ID
by Athol Fugard
Date
187511
Time
Oct 29, 2016
Name
2:00 PM
Josue Alberto
Venue
Row
Section
P
Seat
117
Price
$30.00
99000001001151901436
99000001001151901436
The Irene Diamond Stage
PLEASE PRINT THIS PAGE OUT AND BRING IT TO THE EVENT.
CONTACT INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
Signature Theatre Company
Signature Center
480 West 42nd Street
New York, NY 10036
Please check the performance date, day of the
week, and performance start time noted on
your ticket(s).
Box Office Phone: (212) 244-PLAY (7529)
Box Office Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 12–6pm
Late seating is at the discretion of management
Please turn off all electronic devices before
entering the theatre. Photography as well as
video and audio recording during performances
are strictly prohibited.
PERSHING SQUARE
FOUNDATION
For more information, visit signaturetheatre.org
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All sales are final, no refunds or exchanges
are available on this order.