Final Scene: Promptbook Directions

Directing Prompt Book Outline

1.

Initial impressions, thoughts and questions:

Upon my initial encounter with "Angels in America," I was immediately drawn into its intricate
web of characters and themes. The play's exploration of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s,
alongside its profound philosophical reflections, left a lasting impression on me.
Scene 7, Act 1, stood out as a surreal and thought-provoking moment in the narrative. As Prior
and Harper navigate their own inner worlds, I found myself captivated by the interplay of reality
and imagination. Prior's desire for elegance and grace in the face of his illness, contrasted with
Harper's struggle to escape her pain through medication, sparked questions about the nature of
existence and the search for meaning.
As I delved deeper into the text, I was struck by the richness of the dialogue and the complexity
of the characters. Each line crackled with wit and emotion, revealing layers of vulnerability
beneath the surface. I found myself pondering the universal themes of love, loss, and redemption,
and how they intersect with the personal struggles of the characters.
Throughout my reading, I couldn't help but wonder about the significance of Prior and Harper's
encounter. What does it reveal about their innermost desires and fears? How does their shared
hallucination reflect the broader themes of the play? These questions lingered in my mind, urging
me to explore further as I continued my journey through "Angels in America."
After First Rehearsal of Scene (April 17, 2024):
Following the first rehearsal of Scene 7, Act 1, my understanding of the characters and their
dynamics deepened significantly. Collaborating with the actors brought new insights and
interpretations to the forefront, enriching the scene with layers of emotion and nuance.
As we experimented with blocking and movement, I observed how the actors inhabited their
roles with authenticity and vulnerability. Prior's meticulous application of makeup became a
ritual of self-preservation, while Harper's fidgeting with her pill bottle conveyed her inner
turmoil and anxiety. These subtle gestures added depth to their interactions, highlighting the
complexities of their relationship.
Exploring the spatial dynamics of the scene allowed us to create a dreamlike atmosphere that
mirrored the characters' psychological states. By experimenting with lighting and sound cues, we
enhanced the surreal quality of the encounter, immersing the audience in Prior and Harper's
shared hallucination.
The rehearsal process sparked new questions and reflections about the scene. How can I convey
the tension and vulnerability between Prior and Harper more effectively? What visual and
auditory cues can I use to enhance the surreal atmosphere of the encounter? These questions
fueled my exploration, driving me to delve deeper into the heart of "Angels in America."
Last Rehearsal and Final Performance (May 14, 2024):
In our last rehearsal, the actors unearthed new depths within their characters, revealing hidden
layers of vulnerability and resilience. Prior's longing for beauty and grace in the face of his
illness took on a poignant urgency, while Harper's struggle to escape her pain through medication
became even more hauntingly real.
One of the most striking discoveries during our final rehearsal was the power of silence and
stillness in conveying the characters' inner turmoil. By allowing moments of quiet reflection to
punctuate the dialogue, we were able to create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that drew the
audience into Prior and Harper's shared hallucination.
Exploring the spatial dynamics of the scene led to new insights into the characters' emotional
states. Through subtle changes in blocking and movement, we were able to convey the shifting
power dynamics between Prior and Harper, highlighting the fragile balance of trust and
vulnerability that defines their relationship.

2.

a. Color/light images, ideas, or requirements (Green):

[Blackout] (Before the scene)

Lights gradually come on Prior as he applies makeup

wakes up with Prior's talking

b. Sound/music images, ideas, or requirements (Blue):

c. Set/prop images, ideas, or requirements (Orange):

Props include makeup products that Prior applies

No additional changes in props, just the same set throughout the scene with a closet,
makeup chair, and mirror on Prior's side, and a hospital bed, drawer, and door on Harper's
side.
d. Costume/clothing images, ideas, or requirements (Purple):

hanging up in the closet and checks it out on himself in the mirror.

3. Identify given circumstances. (these can be written on lined paper that is placed into
(10 points)

a. environmental facts including:

a. Environmental Facts including:

1.Geographical Information: The play primarily takes place in New York City, specifically in
Manhattan. Some scenes also occur in other locations, such as Salt Lake City. However, the
scene unfolds within a mutual dream, blurring the lines between reality and imagination as Prior
mentions, "I'm not in your hallucination. You're in my dream."

2.Year, Season, Month, Time of Day: Although the exact time frame is unspecified, the play is
set during the 1980s, amidst the AIDS epidemic. This historical context shapes the characters'
experiences and struggles throughout the narrative.

3.Economic Factors: The economic climate of the 1980s, characterized by wealth disparities
and the rise of capitalism, influences the characters' lives. Issues such as poverty, unemployment,
and the pursuit of the American Dream are relevant themes.

4.Political Factors: The political backdrop includes the Reagan administration and its policies,
such as the handling of the AIDS crisis and the conservative agenda. The characters grapple with
political ideologies and activism in response to societal challenges.

5.Social Factors: Social issues such as the AIDS epidemic, LGBTQ+ rights, racism, and societal
norms shape the characters' experiences and interactions. The play delves into the complexities
of identity and community in the face of adversity. However in the scene, Harper and Prior
express surprise at encountering each other within their respective hallucinations/dreams,
indicating a sense of isolation and loneliness. This suggests social factors such as alienation and
disconnection.

6.Religious Factors: Religious beliefs and themes, particularly Judaism and Christianity, play a
significant role in the characters' lives and conflicts. The play explores spirituality, morality, and
the clash between tradition and modernity. Also, Harper's Mormon background shapes her
worldview. She mentions, "Mormons are not supposed to be addicted to anything. I'm a
Mormon." This highlights the influence of religion on her beliefs and values.

5. Action/Unit Breakdown:

a.
Unit Breakdown: (Also answer od the questions 9, 10, 11)

a.

1. Introduction and Setting the Scene:

Objective: Establish the dream/hallucination setting and introduce Prior and
Harper's interaction.
Title Unit: "Dream Encounter"
Mood: Bewildering, surreal, dreamlike
Tempo: Slow and ethereal
Tone: Unsettling juxtaposition of reality and fantasy
2. Prior's Reflection and Makeup Application:
Objective: Prior reflects on his life while applying makeup, expressing frustration
and resignation.
Character Objectives:
Prior: To cope with his illness and mortality by engaging in self-
expression through makeup.
Title Unit: "Makeup Reflection"
Mood: Frustration, resignation, introspection
Tempo: Slow and contemplative
Tone: Reflective and resigned acceptance of fate
3. Harper's Hallucination and Interaction with Prior:
Objective: Harper encounters Prior in her hallucination, leading to confusion and
conversation about their respective situations.
Character Objectives:
Harper: Seek comfort and understanding in her hallucination, confront her
own struggles with addiction and her husband's possible homosexuality.
Title Unit: "Hallucinatory Encounter"
Mood: Confusion, curiosity, vulnerability
Tempo: Varied, shifting between confusion and conversation
Tone: Uncertainty and vulnerability in confronting personal struggles
4. Discussion of Addiction and Sexuality:
Objective: Prior and Harper discuss their personal struggles with addiction and
sexuality, leading to revelations and emotional turmoil.
Character Objectives:
Prior: Connect with Harper and share experiences of illness and societal
stigma.
Harper: Process her emotions and confront the reality of her husband's
potential homosexuality.
Title Unit: "Revelations and Confessions"
Mood: Candid, tense, emotional
Tempo: Intermittently slow and rapid, depending on the intensity of the
conversation
Tone: Raw and emotional exploration of taboo topics
5. Harper's Revelation and Departure:
 Objective: Harper confronts the truth about her husband's sexuality and
experiences a moment of clarity before departing.
Character Objectives:
Harper: Come to terms with her husband's sexuality and find a sense of
resolution.
Title Unit: "Moment of Clarity"
Mood: Shock, revelation, resolution
Tempo: Slow to moderate, with a sudden realization
Tone: Moment of clarity amidst confusion and turmoil
6. Prior's Response and Reflection:
Objective: Prior reacts to Harper's departure and reflects on the nature of truth and
revelation.
Character Objectives:
Prior: Contemplate the significance of Harper's revelation and its impact
on their encounter.
Title Unit: "Reflection on Truth"
Mood: Contemplative, introspective, uncertain
Tempo: Slow and deliberate
Tone: Reflective pondering on the nature of truth and revelation

Overall Tone: A blend of realism and surrealism, exploring profound themes with a mix of
seriousness and humor.

b.

Overall Play Objectives:

1. Prior Walter:
To come to terms with his AIDS diagnosis and mortality.
To find meaning and purpose in his life despite his illness.
To confront societal stigmas and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.
2. Harper Pitt:
To escape her unhappy marriage and find a sense of freedom.
To cope with her loneliness and emotional struggles through medication and
hallucinations.
To confront the reality of her husband's homosexuality and its impact on her life.

Scene-Specific Objectives (Scene 7, Act 1):

1. Prior Walter:
To cope with his illness by engaging in self-expression through makeup.
To connect with Harper and share experiences of illness and societal stigma.
To reflect on the nature of truth and revelation in the context of their encounter.
2. Harper Pitt:
To seek comfort and understanding in her hallucination.
 To confront her struggles with addiction and her husband's potential
homosexuality.
To come to terms with the truth about her husband's sexuality and find a sense of
resolution.

6. Dialogue. Analyze the

a. Choice of Words: The dialogue in Angels in America often features colloquial language
mixed with poetic and metaphorical expressions. For example, when Prior says, "One wants to
move through life with elegance and grace, blossoming infrequently but with exquisite taste, and
perfect timing, like a rare bloom, a zebra orchid," it showcases a blend of elegance and vivid
imagery. The characters also use profanity and slang, reflecting the gritty reality of their
situations.

b. Choice of Phrases and Sentence Structures: Tony Kushner employs a variety of sentence
structures to convey different emotions and tones. In moments of heightened drama or
introspection, the sentences tend to be longer and more complex, such as Prior's monologue
about wanting elegance and grace. Short, abrupt sentences are used during moments of tension or
conflict, like when Harper confronts Prior about his appearance in her hallucination.

c. Choice of Images: The play is rich with vivid and evocative imagery, often used
metaphorically to explore complex themes. For instance, Prior's description of himself looking
like a "corpsette" combines the imagery of death with the world of drag performance. The
recurring image of angels throughout the play symbolizes hope, redemption, and the divine.

d. Choice of Peculiar Characteristics: Each character in Angels in America has a distinct voice
and dialect that reflects their background and personality. For example, Harper's speech patterns
and vocabulary reflect her Mormon upbringing, while Prior's dialogue is more urban and
sardonic. This contrast in dialects adds depth to the characters and emphasizes their
individuality.

e. Sound of Dialogue: The dialogue in Angels in America varies in tone and rhythm,
contributing to the overall theatricality of the play. There are moments of rapid-fire exchanges,
particularly during arguments or moments of crisis, as well as moments of quiet reflection with
slower, more measured speech. The use of repetition and alliteration also adds musicality to the
dialogue, enhancing its impact on the audience.

f. Structure of Lines and Speeches: Kushner structures the lines and speeches in a way that
reflects the characters' emotional states and the dramatic tension of the scene. For example,
Prior's monologue about the limitations of imagination is structured as a back-and-forth
exchange with Harper, creating a sense of dialogue and engagement. The use of interruptions and
pauses in the dialogue adds to the natural flow of conversation and creates moments of suspense
or emphasis.
7.Character breakdowns

1. Character Breakdown for Prior Walter:

Self Description: Prior Walter often reflects on his own struggles and desires throughout
the play. He grapples with his identity as a gay man in the midst of the AIDS crisis. In
Scene 7, he expresses his frustration and vulnerability, feeling robbed of a full life due to
his illness. He also demonstrates resilience and humor, using wit to cope with his
circumstances.
Others' Descriptions: Prior is seen differently by various characters. Louis, his partner,
struggles with guilt and uncertainty about their relationship. Belize, a friend, provides
support and understanding. Angels view Prior as a chosen prophet, adding a spiritual
dimension to his character.

b. Actions: Prior's actions reveal his inner turmoil and strength. He confronts his illness with
courage, refusing to succumb easily to despair. His decision to confront Louis about his infidelity
showcases his emotional depth and commitment to honesty.

c. Desire: Prior's primary desire is to find meaning and dignity in the face of his illness. He longs
for acceptance and love, both from society and from his partner Louis. Despite his suffering,
Prior seeks connection and understanding.

d. Will: Prior demonstrates a strong will to live with dignity and integrity. He refuses to
compromise his values, even when faced with betrayal and illness. His determination to confront
his challenges head-on drives much of his actions throughout the play.

e. Moral Stance: Prior's moral stance is rooted in compassion and authenticity. He values
honesty and integrity, even when it means facing uncomfortable truths. His empathy towards
others, particularly those marginalized by society, reflects his commitment to justice and
humanity.

f. Decorum: Prior's appearance and demeanor reflect his inner struggles and resilience. Despite
his illness, he maintains a sense of pride and dignity. His speech is often witty and sharp,
masking deeper emotional pain. He moves with grace and poise, even in moments of
vulnerability.

g. Mood Intensity: At the beginning of the play, Prior's mood intensity is high as he grapples
with the news of his diagnosis. Throughout the play, his emotions fluctuate as he navigates his
relationship with Louis, confronts his illness, and experiences visions of angels. As the
protagonist, Prior's journey serves as the central focus, with various characters acting as
antagonists, including illness, societal prejudice, and personal betrayal.

2.
a. Character Breakdown for Harper Pitt:

Self Description: Harper is a complex character who struggles with loneliness, addiction,
and a crumbling marriage. In Scene 7, she reveals her reliance on Valium to cope with
her emotional pain, highlighting her vulnerability and sense of isolation.
Others' Descriptions: Others perceive Harper differently based on their relationships
with her. Joe, her husband, sees her as fragile and in need of protection. Prior, a stranger
in her hallucination, provides insights into her emotional state, recognizing her deep
unhappiness.

b. Actions: Harper's actions are driven by her desire to escape reality through drug-induced
hallucinations. She seeks solace in her imagination, creating alternate realities to cope with her
loneliness and dissatisfaction with her marriage.

c. Desire: Harper's primary desire is to find happiness and fulfillment in her life. She yearns for
love and connection, but her struggles with addiction and mental health hinder her ability to
attain these desires.

d. Will: Harper's will is compromised by her addiction and emotional instability. She vacillates
between moments of clarity and despair, often succumbing to her reliance on drugs to numb her
pain.

e. Moral Stance: Harper's moral stance is influenced by her Mormon upbringing and personal
struggles. She grapples with feelings of guilt and shame over her addiction, but also challenges
societal norms and expectations, particularly regarding her husband's sexuality.

f. Decorum: Harper's physical appearance reflects her fragile emotional state. She appears
disheveled and lost, embodying a sense of disconnection from reality. Her speech is often
disjointed, mirroring her fragmented mental state.

g. Mood Intensity: At the beginning of the play, Harper's mood intensity is high as she grapples
with her loneliness and addiction. Throughout the play, her emotions fluctuate as she navigates
her crumbling marriage and seeks refuge in her hallucinations. As a character intertwined with
Prior's hallucination in Scene 7, Harper serves as a reflection of his own struggles and desires.

8.IDEA

a. Meaning of Title: The title "Angels in America" suggests both literal and metaphorical
interpretations. On one level, it refers to the appearance of angels in the play, particularly the
angel who visits Prior Walter. These celestial beings represent various things throughout the
play, including divine intervention, hope, and the supernatural. Metaphorically, "Angels in
America" can also symbolize the aspirations, dreams, and struggles of the characters as they
navigate the complexities of American society, politics, and identity.
b. Philosophical Statements in Play: The play is rich with philosophical musings and
reflections on life, death, love, identity, and societal norms. Here are some quotes that illustrate
these themes:

"The world only spins forward. We will be citizens. The time has come." (Prior Walter,
Perestroika)
"We live past hope. If I can find hope anywhere, that's it, that's the best I can do. It's so
much not enough. It's so inadequate. But still bless me anyway. I want more life." (Roy
Cohn, Millennium Approaches)
"The Great Question before us is: Can we Change? In Time? And We all know the
answer is: No." (The Angel, Perestroika)
"The white cracker who wrote the National Anthem knew what he was doing. He set the
word "free" to a note so high nobody can reach it." (Harper Pitt, Millennium Approaches)

c. Action Leading to Idea/Meaning: Throughout the play, actions are deeply intertwined with
the exploration of ideas and meanings. For example, Prior's struggle with AIDS and his visions
of angels lead to profound reflections on mortality, love, and the nature of existence. Similarly,
Roy Cohn's aggressive pursuit of power and his denial of his homosexuality serve as a backdrop
for discussions about morality, justice, and the consequences of one's actions.

d. Purpose and Use in Each Scene: In each scene, the exploration of ideas serves to deepen the
audience's understanding of the characters and their experiences. For instance, in Scene 7 of Act
1, the encounter between Prior and Harper in their mutual dreamscape allows for a reflection on
loneliness, addiction, and the search for meaning in the face of adversity. This scene not only
advances the plot but also provides insight into the emotional and psychological landscapes of
the characters. Similarly, throughout the play, philosophical statements and discussions serve to
challenge societal norms, provoke thought, and illuminate the human condition.

9. MOODS

b. a mood image
12. CREATE A GROUNDPLAN (20 points) Groundplans can be tested by asking the
following questions:

a. Acting Areas: The groundplan features seven distinct acting areas. The makeup table serves
as the central focal point, with Prior positioned at stage left and Harper at stage right. Additional
areas include upstage for Prior's soliloquy, downstage center for Harper's entrance, and various
spaces around the makeup table for interaction.

b. Movement Possibilities: Strong upstage and downstage movement possibilities are

incorporated into the groundplan. Prior begins his soliloquy upstage, allowing for a dramatic
entrance into the scene. Harper's movement from downstage to the makeup table creates dynamic
stage left and stage right possibilities, enhancing the fluidity of the interaction.

c. Diagonals: The groundplan maximizes diagonal movement opportunities, particularly during

moments of tension and revelation. As Harper approaches the makeup table diagonally from
stage right to stage left, the diagonal path underscores the significance of her journey towards
confronting her reality.

d. Tension in Furniture Placement: Tension is deliberately created through the placement of

the makeup table, positioned slightly closer to Prior's side of the stage. This asymmetrical
arrangement symbolizes the imbalance in Prior and Harper's relationship, hinting at underlying
conflicts and contrasts.

e. Obstacle Course: While not a literal obstacle course, the makeup table serves as a symbolic
obstacle representing the challenges faced by the characters. Prior's physical presence at the table
obstructs Harper's path, reflecting the barriers between their respective worlds.

f. Potential for Theatrical Images: The groundplan offers numerous opportunities for striking
theatrical images. For instance, Prior's reflection in the mirror creates a powerful visual contrast
between his outward appearance and inner turmoil, amplifying the scene's emotional intensity.

g. Ingenuity: The groundplan demonstrates ingenuity through its creative utilization of space
and staging elements. By strategically positioning the characters and furniture, it encourages
innovative interpretations and fresh insights into the scene's themes.

h. Provoking Actors' Ideas: The groundplan stimulates actors to explore the physicality of their
characters and engage in imaginative interactions. Through clear spatial relationships and
dynamic movement patterns, it prompts actors to delve deeper into the emotional complexity of
their roles, fostering authenticity and creativity onstage.

13. RESEARCH:

In developing the approach to Angels in America, specific research notes were essential to
understanding the historical context, social issues, and thematic elements of the play:
 Historical Context: Research into the AIDS crisis of the 1980s provided crucial insights
into the devastating impact of the epidemic on the LGBTQ+ community, informing
interpretations of characters like Prior Walter.
Social Issues: Exploration of themes such as political corruption, religious hypocrisy, and
the American Dream shed light on Tony Kushner's critique of society, guiding directorial
decisions in highlighting these themes through character interactions and staging.
Theatrical Techniques: Studying avant-garde theatrical techniques and experimental
storytelling methods enriched the understanding of Kushner's narrative structure,
encouraging innovative approaches to staging and performance.
LGBTQ+ History: Delving into LGBTQ+ history and activism deepened appreciation for
the struggles and triumphs of characters like Prior and Louis, informing nuanced
portrayals and fostering empathy among cast and crew.

14. Director s Evaluation:

In our three rehearsals, I structured our work to ensure clarity, character exploration, and

organic blocking. In the initial rehearsal, I facilitated a table read, followed by a character

switch exercise to allow actors to explore their preferences. I then prompted them to share

their initial impressions, questions, and objectives for both the chosen scene and the play as a

whole. Additionally, I encouraged them to delve into their character's objectives, super

objectives, obstacles, and relationships within the scene and the broader context of the play.

We discussed the option of specific blocking versus natural movement, ultimately deciding

on a balanced approach incorporating both.

During our second rehearsal, we focused on exploring natural blocking, elucidating dream

sequences, and refining character portrayals. An improvisational exercise (A2) allowed

actors to embody their characters without relying on memorized lines, fostering a deeper

understanding of their roles and facilitating the discovery of new blocking and movement

possibilities. We established set blocking for key moments, such as Prior applying makeup

and Harper's awakening, while leaving room for organic development in other scenes.
In the final rehearsal, we integrated music and lighting to enhance the emotional resonance of

our scenes. This comprehensive approach ensured that our performances were not only

technically sound but also emotionally compelling. Moving forward, my goals for rehearsals

include further refining character dynamics, solidifying blocking, and fine-tuning

performances to create a cohesive and impactful production.