Relate Theater to Your Major

When signing up for this class, I chose it primarily because it was required. I also thought it might help my future career, as the next Ken Jennings. It also seemed interesting, as I do love to watch movies, so I would at least have a connection with this class. I did not realize, however, that it would not only incorporate my previous readings about World War 2, but also my career path in life. My major is International Studies, with a focus on Arabic. This class, and also its connection with the Academy Awards, has actually helped me learn about many different actors and actresses from across the globe, along with the styles and techniques used to act. Learning another language has similar characteristics to acting, and with those majoring in either subject, practice makes perfect.
During our semester, the Academy Awards, or Oscars, were broadcast across the United States. This feature program not only emphasized what we learned in class about the different occupations that go along with the entire theater productions, but also showed us a worldwide view of the most popular movies with their cultural and historical differences.
Many movies lately have historical and political ties, such as Frost/Nixon. This ties in well with my International Studies major, as I am also taken under the wing of the Political Science Department. This brings much history, factual evidence, and drama to the screen as it portrays the events of Nixon’s resignation and its aftermath. It had five nominations for the Oscars, including Best Motion Picture of the Year, and Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role.
Another movie that was up for five nominations, including Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role and Best Motion Picture of the year combines not only my love of history and culture, but also my accidental hobby of acquiring information about the Holocaust. Doubt, starring Kate Winslet, reaches its climax post-WW2, during an observation of a Nazi war trial. This film is wonderfully dramatic, with its troublesome climax, and the back-story that is hidden from almost all of the characters of the movie.
Slumdog Millionaire, which uniquely ties two interests in theater together -- love of international cultures, along with a yearning to win at a game show-- to win 8 Academy Awards. How did these actors do it? They learned their lines and their acting the same way I learn my Arabic vocabulary: memorization through practice. They must articulate their words to be understood on the big screen, I also must articulate mine if I want a high-paying job from the government someday.
Having participated in a play during high school, I know exactly how hard it is to memorize lines. It is exactly, if not more difficult, to remember words in a completely different language. It is as if I am required to memorize a short play a week. My major has taught me to have more respect for the acting community, and to realize their aptitude at learning, memorizing, and performing their lines in front of an audience or even a camera. This theater class has been useful to me, not only as an International Studies major, but also as an observer of daily theater.