Week 11 Journal Prompt – Alicia

The individual choreography of the various characters’ “fits” suggest that—like puberty—this experience is unique for each female. If you were to portray your own coming-of-age in a short segment (like Toni’s “fits” dance sequence), how would you do it? Which element(s) of your development would you focus on? After reflecting and deciding what to emphasize,…

Week 9 Journal Prompt – Alicia

Consider the portion of Scene 2 in the “Harriet Jacobs” play by Lydia Diamond—from the top of page 12 through Harriet’s paragraph on page 14 ending with “…I live under the feet of the Whites who wish us to believe that we are animals”—in which Harriet’s picturesque portrayal of the cotton field is interspersed and…

Week 9 Journal Prompt – Brady Luck

Pick a stage direction from Lydia Diamond’s “Harriet Jacobs” that shows how a certain character should be feeling. Consider its meaning; how does it change our view of the play, Harriet’s story, and/or the overarching themes of the play? Also consider it through the lens of Sandra Richards’ article “Writing the Absent Potential.” Do you…

Week 9 Prompt – Grace Yang

Consider the two scenes in The Fits that take place in the empty swimming pool when Toni and Maia speak to each other (52:11) and the parade dancing (1:07:11). What is the significance of the empty swimming pool? How might this connect to Beyonce’s performance in the empty swimming pool in her “Formation” music video?