Experience of reading plays

List of plays to read for Teaching the Language of Drama:

• Oedipus the King by Sophocles
• King Lear by Shakespeare
• Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
• Swordfish, then the Concubine by Kee Thuan Chye
  

Initially, when I was assigned to read the first play, Oedipus the King by Sophocles, I thought I am going to have a hard time reading it. However, when I started reading the play, I thought it was going to be boring session for me. However, as I read on, I no longer find reading a play difficult or boring. It was a rather interesting reading session to me. What interests me is the use of language in Oedipus the King. I personally think that the language used is the play is beautiful. The meaning that each word carries is so rich. I really admire the choice of words that are used in this play. It just makes me think how beautiful a language can be. I really enjoyed reading this play.

As for King Lear, I find it pretty challenging to read and to comprehend what is in it. Perhaps it is the use of the classic English in this play that has made my reading of this play challenging. Well, maybe if I have the time, I will re-read the play again and perhaps, I will be able to comprehend and gain further insights of this play. Anyhow, this was a good experience of reading classic plays.

As for Streetcar Named Desire, I did not really have the time to read through the whole play. Anyhow, I find this play an interesting one too. It is not difficult to read. It is comprehensible, unlike reading plays like King Lear.

Last but not least, I would say that Swordfish, then the concubine is another interesting play to be read as well. The content of the play does reflect more or less the current political situation in our country. However, according to the playwright of this play, major changes have been made in this play. So, I really wonder how far has this play evolves. Anyway, I have no difficulties in reading this play and i believe many will not face any difficulties in reading this play too.

I had an enjoyable time reading all these plays. These plays had exposed me to the different use of language in the different era. For instance, reading King Lear has exposed me to the classical English and Streetcar Named Desire to the modern English. I will definitely read more plays in future.