This document represents a formal record of a meeting jointly submitted by our team.
During this meeting, team members primarily engaged in discussions about various topics and the feasibility of their implementation. The discussions were reoriented based on the remarks made during the lecture. The most critical task identified was to settle on a singular narrative and to progress according to our conceptualized ideas, allowing for creativity within a reasonable scope and enhancing the use of visual and auditory technology.
In our previous discussions, we identified three distinct themes: marine environmental protection, dark fairy tales, and mental health issues. Among these, a complete performance story had already been developed for the dark fairy tale theme. However, considering the difficulty in stage design and prop production, as well as the performance skills of our group members, we decided against choosing a story with human characters as protagonists. Instead, we opted to integrate story elements into animal characters. By combining this approach with the previously selected theme of marine environment, we ultimately decided on a narrative featuring fish as the main characters.
The backdrop of our story is the Chinese fairy tale “The Carp Leaps over the Dragon Gate,” in which the carp, after enduring numerous hardships, leaps over the Dragon Gate and transforms into a real dragon. However, we aimed to adapt this into a dark fairy tale, deepening the thematic essence of the story to enhance audience empathy. By integrating elements of marine environment and mental health, we have developed the following script:
Play Script (15-20 minutes)
Scene One: The Polluted River
- Background: Dim, murky waters with dead fish floating.
- Action: The carp struggles amidst the pollution, hearing of the Dragon Gate legend.
- Dialogue (Possibly shown by screen): Expresses a yearning to escape and the despair felt.
- Location: Alison House Corridor
- Installation: TV with touch screen or sensor, fish models, 2 speakers
Scene Two: The Harsh Journey
- Background: Dangerous, uncertain river paths.
- Action: the carp faces various challenges and witnesses the tragic fate of companions.
- Dialogue (Possibly shown on screen): Internal struggle and fear.
- Location: Alison House Atrium
- Installation: Stage setting, 5 speakers
Scene Three: The Illusory Dragon Gate
- Background: Imposing, ominous Dragon Gate, concealing traps.
- Action: the carp attempts to leap over, only to be captured.
- Dialogue (Possibly shown on screen): Outburst of pain and feelings of betrayal.
- Location: Alison House Atrium
- Installation: Stage setting, 5 speakers
Scene Four: Aquarium Imprisonment
- Background: Bright, contrastingly cheerful aquarium, stark against carp’s turmoil.
- Action: the carp becomes an exhibit, and sinks into despair.
- Dialogue (Possibly shown on screen): Reflections on freedom and truth.
- Location: Alison House Atrium
- Installation: Stage setting, 5 speakers
Scene Five: The Final Awakening and Departure
- Background: Dimly lit aquarium display.
- Action: the carp closes its eyes, slowly sinking to the bottom.
- Dialogue (Possibly shown on screen): Inner surrender and acceptance of reality.
- Location: Alison House Atrium
- Installation: Stage setting, 5 speakers
