Tag Archives: mash-up

Shakespeare’s Star Wars. A mash-up play in a pub, this is.

Not so long ago, in a pub not so far, far away.........
Not so long ago, in a pub not so far, far away………

A long time ago, in 1977, Star Wars started its quick and never-ending ascent to the top of the science fiction film genre.  How many people alive when the original Star Wars: A New Hope was released thought that our children (and for some, grandchildren) would still be wanting to be Darth Vader or Luke Skywalker for Halloween? It is a rare child in Canada who has not owned a lightsaber.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of Shakespeare.

There are people who look forward to watching or reading Shakespeare about as much as they look forward to car repairs. Shakespeare can be seen as highbrow art which does not make sense. Why would someone watch a movie or play in an almost different language?

This is where Driftwood Theatre Group brilliantly played their hand. Using a book by Ian Doescher called, “William Shakespeare’s Star Wars,” Driftwood brought Star Wars geeks to play with Shakespeare lovers.

Everyone on both sides of the fence was blown away (no pun intended, poor Alderaan and Death Star).

Lines from Star Wars plays were eagerly anticipated, by some who were on the edge of their seats (One thing’s for certain, we’ll all be a lot thinner). But when those infamous lines were said, it had dramatic and, yes, Shakespearean flair (One thing is certain, we shall thinner be).

And there was laughter – from everyone!

There were also famous lines from Shakespeare plays which made Shakespeare lovers happy, (I bite my thumb at you, sir! Alas, poor stormtrooper, I never knew thee. Friends. Rebels, Starfighters, lend me your ears!)

Purse? check. Comfortable shoes? check. Inflatable lightsaber? check.
Purse? check. Comfortable shoes? check. Inflatable lightsaber? check.

It was also the formidable acting in the show which raised the play to mountainous heights. It was performed as a reading, with all actors reading directly from the book.  It was enticing, enthralling, and highly entertaining. Dion Johnstone, who played a fantastic Han Solo, withheld laughter to the point where he looked like he would lose it, but never really did.

This play was a fundraiser for Driftwood Theatre. The evening included the reading, a silent auction, costume contest (sad point of the night, there were very few people in costume – it is Halloween time, people!).

The highlight of the night, for very lucky people, was the auctioning off of 3 walk-on role, Rebel, Imperial, or Interesting Creatures in the play. We (yes, I was a lucky one) were able to say such lines as, “UTINI!” and “This is a consular ship…” and, “Why aren’t you at your post?” I was Jawa #2 and the Innkeeper at Mos Eisley.

Star Wars Live Pub Theatre

It was a truly incredible experience, watching Star Wars and Shakespeare geeks unite for 3 hours of Shakespeare/Star Wars bliss.   For the Silo, Stephanie MacDonald. @mytimeatlast

DJ Hero- Blurs the line between videogame and performance art

Question: what do William Shakespeare and DJ Hero have in common? Well, in the famous words of Will himself, “If music be the food of love, play on”. That’s right, the soundtrack is the star in this new video game! We’ll get to the gameplay in a moment but first let’s jive to the beats.

Saturday morning, I’m sitting in my living room, morning coffee in hand staring at a turn table. I think to myself, so that’s it? A box with some buttons and a spinny thing? How bad could this be? I mean really, how is this game going to be any different than guitar hero (minus the obvious difference in “controllers”)? As a newbie to the turn table scene I was confused but anxious to give what little skills I had a try. Now, with bloodshot eyes, cramped fingers and a twitch from drinking copious amounts of coffee, I am here to tell all. Far beyond what I had initially set out to review this game for, the music in DJ Hero is by far the most creative and energetic. It’s new, original and truly defines what the game is all about. All the tracks are original mash-ups created by such talent as DJ Jazzy Jeff and Grandmaster Flash. If you are looking for funk, hip hop, techno or maybe all three spun together, you’ve got it! Even if you’re a soul man, look no further. Unlike Guitar Hero and Rock Band, DJ Hero is comprised of never before heard tunes that are incredibly well matched. My favorite – the Vanilla Ice and MC Hammer mash-up. Yeah, it’s a way back playback but I loved it! I’m going to say, with great certainty, that it is nearly impossible to play this game without a single toe tap or head bob. Simply put, the music featured on DJ Hero well surpasses my expectations. 10/10.

In terms of gameplay, DJ Hero is actually quite intense. Although the game does a walk-through of all the controls and allows you to play on either easy, beginner, medium, hard or expert levels the tricky part is somehow managing them all at once. Unlike Guitar Hero for example, you are doing more than just pressing buttons and strumming – you are pressing buttons, controlling the effects dial, sliding the cross fader, scratching either up or down or all around (depending on the directions), oh yeah and remembering to blink and breathe. I love games that really test my abilities including my use of hand-eye coordination and this video game certainly put those abilities to the test. DJ Hero requires each hand to work separately and perform its own task. You earn stars based on your performance and it is through this that you are able to unlock new mixes, characters and costumes. DJ Hero is incredibly challenging but always leaves room for improvement which is part of the reason why this game is so awesome.

Speaking of improvements, this game could use one or two. More specifically, the multiplayer function in DJ Hero is slacking. I will give Guitar Hero and Rock Band the points on this one simply because they offer more variety. For example, Rock Band allows for several different instruments to all play together and help “create the music”. DJ Hero’s multiplayer function allows for another turntable to be added to the mix but you are still playing the same song, the same notes and not contributing to the overall sound. DJ Hero also allows for a guitar to join in however, the songs to be played on guitar are limited and don’t come together as smoothly as you might think.

Despite my two “needs improvement” comments, overall DJ Hero is a definite must have! It challenges your mental and physical abilities and successfully frustrates you to your core. I can recall shouting several profanities at my television screen therefore, I caution you to refrain from playing this game in the presence of small children (if you’re anything like me that is). As I mentioned in the beginning of this review, the music/soundtrack is truly the star of this game and works well even as the background music at your next shin-dig! I now have a new appreciation for the guy running the beats up in the little booth at the clubs. Next time you’re out, shakin’ it like a polaroid picture, buy the guy in the booth a drink would ya?
Reviewed & Written By: Holly LaRue

Silo Direct Link to Wikipedia History of Turntablism