Soap Opera by David Ives - Essay Example

Soap Opera This type of comedy play is one that is for all seasons. It will not lose its appeal and meaning over time. It explores a certain facet in every adult individual’s life that has attracted numerous fans since time immemorial --- romantic relationships. Over time, there had been several attempts to introduce new sub-plots to this story concept --- from tragic to thriller --- and this comic way of depicting this concept is nothing new. What is entertaining in this script, however, is the novel way of using metaphors and personifications coupled with not-too-subtle undertones. The generic plot may be deemed as redundant since it is seen in several storylines since before, but it gives the script an edge since it will definitely cater to the young and the old. The genius thing about it is the presentation. Production of this play ensures a major hit. If one is creative enough, slight tweaking in the presentation can even produce a sequel, giving the production company a lucrative material to invest on. It also requires a small budget, which will lessen the risk of low returns on investment. The cast is minimal, the setting inexpensive, and the costume is almost down to none. What needs to be played up here is the novelty of having a washing machine as one of the major characters. The plot will even allow a general patronage showing. The short screening time will also allow several runs within a day, maximizing the potential of bigger profit. Any actor and actress can play the parts. It does not require a big name of a star on the credits. What will be sold is the concept of presentation, not the actors and actresses, and definitely not the over-rated budget for modern effects. This play can be called a mixture of parody and romantic comedy. Parody employs sarcasm, stereotyping, and even mockery (Kennedy and Gioia 698-699). There are several scenes in this play that utilizes parody. For example, when the Repairman tells the Maitre d’ of the start of his relationship with the washing machine, he mentioned “I tried to watch cartoons on it till I was five --- unsuccessfully, of course. But by then, I was hooked” (Kennedy and Gioia 702). Similarly, when Repairman’s mother “great gleaming mother Flora” who is “a perfect 50s housewife carrying a basket of dirty laundry” enters the scene (Kennedy and Gioia 702). Why is it that a perfect 50s housewife, all gleaming and with “fluoroscopic eyes” (Kennedy and Gioia 702) and who sees every filth and dirt in her son’s clothes, unable to inform his son that the washing machine is not a television? And definitely, the absurd idea of what is a perfect housewife in this play is humorous, making the mocking undertone realistic and hitting its mark. These are just a few samples, but the play is packed with these puns from start to finish. The romantic comedy, on the other hand, can be seen in the relationships of Manny (the repairman) with the Maypole washing machine and Mabel. Maypole is where Manny and Mabel usually make out as lovers (Kennedy and Gioia 703). The word “maypole” can be viewed as symbolic and metaphoric. Depending on the school of thought an individual follows, maypole can either be deemed as a phallic symbol, or linked to either May Day or Midsummer. Either way, the association is still either sexual or romantic. The hilarious play on words in this one act play oozes from beginning to end. On a personal note, comedy has to touch something that is realistic, otherwise, the comic attempt can fail. It makes one laugh at what is supposed to be serious, making it easier for the individual to face the reality of the message. If one looks at the title “Soap Opera”, it is already a mockery. Also, David Ives’ use of deadpans, when one would normally expect high emotions, and overblown feelings, when one would normally expect calm and poise, is a brilliant way of spoofing soap operas. He never lets the audience get what they would normally expect. Yet, what makes it comically similar to a soap opera is the use of exaggeration. Soap operas usually show people being killed every other day, people acquiring amnesia and recovering from it in an auspicious timing, and every other situation one can think of that do not happen in real world every single day. The main message of the play can easily be determined just by analyzing the three main characters --- Manny, Maypole, and Mabel. Manny is torn between perfection and imperfection --- the elegant washing machine and the flawed human. He exerted all efforts to re-route his life to accommodate the idea of being “useable” for Maypole. He neglected what is important and went for the shallow and temporary. In the end, even the perfect Maypole is shown to have its own disadvantage. There it is, adored yet taken for granted. Merely noticed for her “perfection”, which soon appears to be not enough for it anymore. Although the gadget used here could be somewhat too common for today’s viewers, the message is the same. The play easily be made more modern by just changing the washing machine into a different, more current gadget --- laptop, mobile phone, or even iPod. The portrayal of a perfect housewife at the beginning of the play can be adjusted to what is suitable for today’s audience. After these changes are done, the rest of the details will automatically follow. Even though the usage of washing machine is still possible in staging this play, a more modern gadget could prove to be more effective. It has to be considered that the setting of the play is in the 50s where washing machines are still new. To use the same gadget for a different era might appear out of place or not as effective. It is one proof that even this small detail is essential in staging the humor in this one act play. Kennedy, X J, and Dana Gioia. Backpack Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing. New York: Longman/Pearson, 2010. Print. Read More