Educational Kit: Moby Dick by by Plexus Polaire (FR/NO)

17 – 18 MAY

EDUCATIONAL KIT MOBY DICK

It is the image of the ungraspable phantom of life; and this is the key to it all.

– Herman Melville, Moby Dick

MOBY DICK

An ancient white whale, a captain steering his ship into destruction and the inner storms of the human heart: Moby Dick is the tale of a whaling expedition, but also the story of an obsession or an investigation into the unexplained mysteries of life.

Drawing inspiration from her own family’s seafaring heritage, director Yngvild Aspeli and award-winning puppet theatre company Plexus Polaire craft a spectacular visual world on stage that brings Herman Melville’s classic tale to life. With a cast of seven actors, fifty intricately crafted puppets, live music and immersive video projections, this sensory feast of a production invites you to journey into the unfathomable depths of the ocean and Man’s perpetual battle with the forces of Nature.

Against a backdrop of maritime history, you’ll encounter the iconic white whale, Captain Ahab’s relentless pursuit, and the complex human emotions that drive Melville’s timeless epic. Miss at your own peril, this striking theatrical adaptation of Literature’s beast of a book.

HOW TO USE THIS KIT

This kit is designed for deeper engagement and discussion with the SIFA programme. Divided into 4 sections, it comes with guiding questions, suggested activities and links for further exploration on the subject and themes presented in the show:

Before The Show

During The Show

Pre-show preparation to understand the context

Questions to think about while watching the show

After The Show A reflective exercise to jot down thoughts

Post-show Activity

For further exploration on the subject, topic or themes

MOBY DICK

Plexus Polaire’s adaptation of Moby Dick offers a unique interpretation of Herman Melville’s classic novel. Through innovative storytelling techniques and immersive theatrical elements, this production invites audiences to delve into the timeless themes and complex characters of the original work.

Moby Dick Novel LET’S READ A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THEM HERE:

1

ABOUT

MOBY DICK

Moby Dick is a novel by Herman Melville, published in London in October 1851 as The Whale and a month later in New York City as Moby-Dick; or, The Whale. Moby Dick is generally regarded as Melville’s magnum opus and one of the greatest American novels.

Nineteenth-century illustration for Herman Melville’s ‘Moby-Dick’ Lebrecht Authors / Getty Images

Click or Scan here

WHERE DOES MOBY DICK TAKE PLACE?

The action of Moby Dick takes place largely on Captain Ahab’s whaling ship, the Pequod, while sailing in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific oceans.

How was Moby Dick received when it was first published?

When Moby Dick was first published, the public was unimpressed. It sold fewer than 4,000 copies in total, including fewer than 600 in the United Kingdom. It was not until the mid-20th century that the work was recognized as one of the most important novels in American literature.

2 CHAPTER 1: LOOMINGS

A) Read the opening paragraph of Moby Dick.

Call me Ishmael. Some years ago—never mind how long precisely—having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world. It is a way I have of driving off the spleen and regulating the circulation. Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet; and especially whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people’s hats off—then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can. This is my substitute for pistol and ball. With a philosophical flourish Cato throws himself upon his sword; I quietly take to the ship. There is nothing surprising in this. If they but knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards the ocean with me.

Source: https://time.com/4534903/moby-dick-chapter-one/

LET’S READ A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THEM HERE:

Moby Dick was published 165 years ago. Dive in right here.

B) How does this opening set the context to the story?

C) Who is the narrator of the story?

D) Is he Ishmael? Or does he want to be called Ishmael?

“CALL ME ISHMAEL”

The opening line of the novel is significant for many reasons, but the most overt of these is the name, “Ishmael”.

This is a reference to an important figure within the Abrahamic religions, Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Melville, who was raised as an orthodox Calvinist, would have known the name from the biblical Book of Genesis, although the character is also present in the Torah and the Qur’an.

In Moby Dick (and also in the Abrahamic texts), Ishmael’s character reflects a wandering soul in search of belonging and meaning, one that is certainly no stranger to suffering. He embarks on the whaling voyage to help him through a depression, a “damp, drizzly November in [his] soul.” Throughout the narrative, he addresses this state of mind by seeking answers to the unanswerable questions that plague the human condition.

Note how he never actually says his name is Ishmael, but simply asks the audience to call him by that name. It may be his name, or it may not be.

The novel that opens in ambiguity closes in ambiguity as well. Many believe this to be intentional, and a quality that makes the work equivalent to an epic prose poem. One from which readers can seek and derive all sorts of meaning while perhaps traversing their own November of the soul.

Source: https://www. historythroughfiction.com/blog/ moby-dick

This “Ishmael” is not only a character in the book; he is also the single voice, or rather the single mind, from whose endlessly turning spool of thought the whole story is unwound. It is Ishmael’s contemplativeness, his dreaming, that articulates the wonder of the seas and the fabulousness of the whale and the terrors of the deep.

It is Ishmael’s gift for speculation that explains the terror we come to feel before the whiteness of the whale; Ishmael’s mind that ranges with mad exuberance through a description of all the seas; Ishmael who piles up image after image of “the mightiest animated mass that has survived the flood.”

It is Ishmael who, in the wonderful chapter on the masthead, embodies for us man as a thinker, whose reveries transcend space and time as he stands watch high above the seas. And of course it is Ishmael, both actually and as the symbol of man, who is the one survivor of the voyage.

Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1956/11/ishmael-andahab/642479/

-

and

4 ABOUT HERMAN MELVILLE

Herman Melville (born August 1, 1819, New York City — died September 28, 1891, New York City) was an American novelist, short-story writer, and poet, best known for his novels of the sea, including his masterpiece, Moby Dick (1851).

Source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Herman-Melville

“Not until the

early

20th century was Herman Melville’s novel Moby Dick first recognized as a literary masterpiece and touted as a cornerstone of modern American literature.”

Source: The Life of Herman Melville: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/ americanexperience/features/whaling-biography-herman-melville/

LET’S READ A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THEM HERE:

Life

About Herman Melville

Etching of Joseph O. Eaton’s portrait of Herman Melville, Courtesy: Library of Congress

of Herman Melville

KEY THEMES IN HERMAN MELVILLE’S MOBY DICK

OBSESSION

Captain Ahab’s relentless pursuit of the white whale, Moby Dick, drives much of the narrative. Ahab’s monomaniacal obsession serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of unchecked fixation and revenge.

NATURE VS. MAN

The novel examines humanity’s relationship with nature, particularly through the lens of whaling. It raises questions about humanity’s dominion over the natural world and the consequences of exploiting it for profit.

GOOD VS. EVIL

The conflict between Captain Ahab and Moby Dick can be interpreted as a symbolic battle between good and evil. Ahab sees the whale as a malevolent force, while Moby Dick’s actions can be interpreted as either defensive or retaliatory.

IDENTITY AND PURPOSE

Characters in the novel grapple with questions of identity, purpose, and meaning. Ishmael, the narrator, embarks on the whaling voyage in search of adventure and self-discovery, while other characters, such as Queequeg and Pip, struggle with their own sense of identity and belonging.

5 KEY THEMES IN HERMAN MELVILLE’S MOBY DICK

FATE AND FREE WILL

The novel explores themes of fate and free will, as characters confront their destinies and wrestle with the consequences of their choices. Ahab’s quest for vengeance against Moby Dick raises questions about the limits of human agency in the face of larger cosmic forces.

ISOLATION AND ALIENATION

Characters in Moby Dick often experience feelings of isolation and alienation, whether it be from society, their fellow crew members, or the natural world. The vastness of the ocean serves as a metaphor for the existential loneliness of the human condition.

KNOWLEDGE AND IGNORANCE

The novel delves into themes of knowledge and ignorance, particularly through Ishmael’s musings on the nature of whales, whaling, and life at sea. Melville explores the limits of human understanding and the mysteries that lie beyond.

FRIENDSHIP AND BROTHERHOOD

Despite the harsh conditions aboard the Pequod, moments of camaraderie and friendship emerge among the crew members. The bond between Ishmael and Queequeg, as well as the loyalty displayed by the crew, highlights the importance of solidarity and mutual support in the face of adversity.

6 WHALING INDUSTRY IN

19TH CENTURY AMERICA

“Whaling in the United States hit its peak in the mid-1800s. New technologies, including gun-loaded harpoons and steamships, made whalers around the world more efficient. The American whaling fleet, based on the East Coast, operated hundreds of ships in the South Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Whaling was a multi-million-dollar industry, and some scientists estimate that more whales were hunted in the early 1900s than in the previous four centuries combined.”

LET’S READ A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THEM HERE:

National Geographic Big Fish History Whaling

A) Watch This: The Rise and Fall of American Whaling

B) What do you think were the societal impacts of whaling, including the development of port towns and the creation of wealth for certain individuals and communities back in 19th Century America?

C) What were some of the technological advancements that facilitated the growth of the whaling industry, such as the invention of the harpoon gun

D) As you explore more about the context of whaling, you may want to consider the following prompts and questions:

Environmental Impact

EXPLORE the environmental consequences of widespread whaling, including depletion of whale populations and disruption of marine ecosystems.

DISCUSS the attitudes toward nature and conservation during the 19th century and how they influenced whaling practices.

Social Structure and Labour

EXAMINE the social hierarchy aboard whaling vessels, including the roles of captains, officers, and crew members.

DISCUSS the diversity of the whaling workforce, which often includes people from various backgrounds and nationalities.

HIGHLIGHT the harsh living and working conditions experienced by whalers, including long voyages, dangerous encounters with whales, and isolation at sea.

E) More about whaling...

Whaling in America (through images)

Whale Sounds:

7 ABOUT PLEXUS POLAIRE

MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH:

Plexus Polaire often integrates various art forms into its productions, including theater, dance, music, and visual arts. This multidisciplinary approach creates a rich and dynamic theatrical experience that engages multiple senses.

PHYSICAL THEATER:

Physicality plays a significant role in Plexus Polaire’s performances. Actors often use movement and gesture to convey emotions, narrative, and symbolism, creating visually stunning and expressive sequences.

VISUAL SPECTACLE:

The company is known for its visually striking productions, characterized by inventive set designs, lighting effects, and multimedia elements. These visual spectacles enhance the storytelling and immerse audiences in the world of the play. Particularly in this show, the use of puppetry is very prominent in creating characterisation.

EXPERIMENTAL SOUNDSCAPES:

Plexus Polaire collaborates with composers and sound designers to create original soundscapes that complement and enhance the mood and atmosphere of each production. These experimental soundscapes often incorporate live music, ambient sounds, and electronic effects.

7 ABOUT PLEXUS POLAIRE

NARRATIVE FRAGMENTATION:

Plexus Polaire’s storytelling style often involves non-linear narratives and fragmented scenes, challenging traditional narrative structures and inviting audiences to piece together the story from various perspectives.

EXPLORATION OF THEMES:

Plexus Polaire’s productions frequently explore universal themes such as identity, memory, mortality, and the human condition. Through innovative theatrical techniques and imaginative storytelling, the company offers fresh perspectives on these timeless themes.

CULTURAL AND LITERARY INFLUENCES:

Plexus Polaire draws inspiration from a diverse range of cultural and literary sources, reimagining classic texts and myths in contemporary contexts. This intertextuality adds layers of depth and meaning to the company’s work.

HOW PUPPET MAGIC BRINGS PLEXIS POLAIRE’S ‘

MOBY DICK’ TO LIFE

Gros plan sur les marionnettes de Moby Dick

Translated: Close-up on the puppets of Moby Dick

READ THESE QUESTIONS CAREFULLY

Before the performance starts, remember to pay close attention while you are engaging in the performance, so you do not miss out on any details:

What themes or motifs

1 are prevalent in the performance you are watching?

How are the characters portrayed (both as human characters and those conveyed through puppets)

2 and what do you think motivates their actions? What is the effect of the smaller and bigger puppets used on stage?

5 of Queequeg (a skilled harpooner and Ishmael’s close friend) and Starbuck (the ship’s first mate)?

What are your impressions

3

How effective is Ishmael as the first-person narrator?

Is Ishmael conveyed as an observant and contemplative young man who seeks adventure at sea?

6

How do they enhance the storytelling? Pay attention to the puppetry, staging, lighting, and sound effects.

7 behind certain objects or actions within the performance?

What are the symbolisms

4

How effective is the portrayal(s) of Captain Ahab being the enigmatic and vengeful captain of the Pequod?

To what extent does Captain Ahab become the driving force behind the narrative of the performance?

8

Pay attention to the use of visuals, lighting, sound, and other theatrical elements in the production.

How do these elements contribute to the overall atmosphere and storytelling?

NOW THAT THE PERFORMANCE IS OVER,

(A)

Describe your emotional response to the performance.

Write down what you have noticed to answer the questions above, or a simple reflection of your thoughts about the performance:

GUIDED REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS:

(B)

Identify key moments that stood out to you and explain why.

(C) What are your interpretations of the ending and its implications?

CREATIVE JOURNAL ENTRY

CHOOSE A MOMENT IN THE

STORY

and write a journal entry from the perspective of Captain Ahab as he hunts for Moby Dick You may use the following prompts to help you craft your entry:

Describe his emotions as he sets out on his journey to hunt Moby Dick. What is driving him at this point in the story?

Detail his physical appearance and demeanor as he stands on the deck of the Pequod, gazing out at the vast ocean.

Explore his thoughts and memories of his past encounters with Moby Dick. How have these experiences shaped his determination to find and kill the whale?

Reflect on his internal conflict between his desire for vengeance against Moby Dick and his responsibilities as the captain of the ship.

Explore his relationship with the sea and the elements. How does the ocean both challenge and empower him in his quest for the white whale?

2 CREATING THE SOUNDS OF THE BATTLE

Imagine you are presenting Captain Ahab’s final showdown with Moby Dick through sounds and music. How would you create the mood and atmosphere of the characters in the heat of the moment, and how would you reflect the tension as the battle unfolds? Use the pointers below to help you:

Use sound to set the scene with oceanic sounds and ship creaks, alongside music reflecting Ahab’s obsession. You may also refer to the whale sounds earlier in the pre-show activity.

Use musical instruments and sounds to convey Ahab’s determination and Moby Dick’s power, fear, and respect.

Consider gradually increasing tension with pacing, dynamics, and layering of sound, leading to a climactic confrontation.

Use sound cues to emphasize important moments, such as Ahab’s first sighting and the climax of the battle.

Consider conveying the aftermath with quietude, reflective melodies, and subtle sounds of mourning to show the emotional and physical impact of the showdown.

3 DEBATE AND DISCUSSION

Discuss the relevance of the story in our contemporary society today with your friends. Choose one of the three discussion topics below:

EXPLORATION OF OBSESSION

The novel delves deeply into themes of obsession and the destructive consequences it can have on individuals and societies. In today’s world, where obsession with various pursuits — be it wealth, power, fame, or even revenge — can lead people astray, Moby Dick serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked fixation. Do you agree?

ENVIRONMENTALISM AND CONSERVATION

The novel’s depiction of the whale hunting industry and Captain Ahab’s relentless pursuit of the white whale can be seen as an allegory for humanity’s exploitation and destruction of nature. In an era where environmental issues such as climate change, habitat destruction, and species extinction are pressing concerns, Moby Dick prompts reflection on humanity’s relationship with the natural world and the need for conservation efforts. How far do you think that this will be an effective cautionary tale?

EXISTENTIALISM AND THE HUMAN CONDITION

The novel’s existential themes, such as the search for meaning, the nature of existence, and the inevitability of death, resonate with contemporary readers grappling with questions of identity, purpose, and mortality. In a world where individuals often confront feelings of alienation and existential angst, Moby Dick provides a framework for contemplating the human condition. Do you agree that this is possible with today’s societal circumstances?

FOR FURTHER EXPLORATION

Herman Melville’s Moby Dick novel, Gutenberg

Moby Dick

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Under the helm of Festival Director Natalie Hennedige from 2022 to 2024, SIFA will focus on performance and creation in the physical and online space, around the theme The Anatomy of Performance.

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