A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum Essay

Throughout this play we follow along with a group of people from Roman times. Its the culmination of a bunch of events happening on just one street with three houses shown. the play’s primary objective is that of a comedy, therefore to tell the story with true hilarity. Many of the characters in this play had objectives. Pseudolus is a Slave and his main objective was to obtain freedom. Hero has an objective of getting the love of his life, a beautiful courtesan from next door. Philia is the courtesan that Hero has his heart set out for. Miles Gloriosus is a decorated captain and is looking for a virgin to lay. Tactics are used throughout by all characters in order to try and get what they want. Pseudolus tries in the beginning to gain his freedom through purchase from his masters so he heads out and tricks citizens into gambling with him and gets money, but then gets caught cheating and has to return the money to the guy who he had dooped. Hero’s tactic to get to his objective had him offer Pseudolus his freedom in return for getting him the love of his life. Pseudolus’ tactic was to accept the offer given to him by Hero. There were many actions throughout the play for each character to try and achieve their objective. In â€Å"A Funny thing Happened On The Way To The Forum† behavior set the tone for the entire play. Whether it was just to make a laugh or to advance the story forward. For example how each character carried themselves helped with the story plot and how you perceive the role and place of each character. It showed through Domina throughout the play. She spoke loud and condescendingly throughout the play to show that she was an old, heartless, bitch that was disliked by all. Hysterium’s behavior was that of being insecure and a frantic mess who tried to please everyone. It was shown through his singing, shaking when talked to, and playing along with Pseudolus, even though through blackmail. What i liked best in this play was that it was a comedy. Personally i like to laugh, i feel like that is the best. The physical humor was a little  overdone but you always get a laugh from weeing peple throw themselves to the floor. It was enjoyable as well during the courtesan scene with presenting the people of the Lycus dwelling. What i did not appreciate in this play was the musical numbers. i have never been much of a fan of seeing actors sing and singing along with the orchestra kinda music was never for me. The other elements of the stage had a good amount to do with the story telling. They worked hard on a set that gave a small effort to make you feel that you were in the time. Was very well lit the entire time and lighting not once changed even though they tried with the change of coloring to the light with not much avail. Props looked cheap and unreal such as the ladder taped up with sports tape, and an awful table that was used during the courtesan presentation and hysteriums’ funeral. They tried so that was okay. The music was light and funny except when Gloriosus was around. I got what they were going for with costumes it was a good effort to fit the time period when they wanted to and dress up people funny for comedies sake.