Emilia GalottiThe xoxo Pitch

Introduction ~The play~• Emilia Galotti was written by Gotthold Ephraim

Lessing in a span of 15 years. It was first performed in on March 13, 1772.

• The play tells of a Prince of Gutastalla, Italy, who becomes obsessively infatuated with an innocent and engaged woman name Emilia Galotti. He pursues Emilia in the hopes of making her his lover. The play becomes a tragedy when the Prince enlists the help of his Chamberlain Marinelli, not considering the fatal consequences of his actions and those of Marinelli.

~Gotthold Ephraim Lessing • Born in Kamenz in 1729

• Best known for being a German dramatist, theologian and most importantly as a key proponent in the German Enlightenment movement.

• He believed that it was integral to have the audience be able to identify with the characters and the situations they’d experience.

~Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

• Lessing attended University to study theology but quickly left to pursue his love for the theater as a freelance writer and critic.

• His earliest tragedy was called ‘Miss Sara Sampson’ in 1755.

~Gotthold Ephraim Lessing • From 1767-1769, he served as a

theatre critic at the German National Theatre in Hamburg.

• He wrote his thoughts on the theatre and drama in his ‘Hamburgische Dramaturgie.’

• He stated that literature was far more superior to physical artwork because it represents the emotions a human can experience more fully.

~The History behind the play

• German Bourgeois Tragedy• The theatrical genre of “Bourgeois Tragedy”

stemmed from a form of tragedy that developed around the 18th century in Europe.

• The term “bourgeois” is a characteristic associated with the middle class, with particular reference to their materialistic values or attitudes.

• In theatre, bourgeois tragedies tend to express the values of the bourgeois hero, or protagonist.

~The History behind the play• Their focus is family and their private life, valuing

humanity, individuality, and virtue.• In German, a new, successful genre stemmed from

bourgeois tragedy called, "Bürgerliches Trauerspiel," similar to “bourgeois tragedy.”

• It disagreed with Aristotle’s belief that tragedy could only conspire between royalty.

• Tragedy can “arise from a conflict between aristocratic depravity and middle-class morality”.

• Lessing’s “Emilia Galotti”, which was staged in 1771, is said to be a classic example of this form of tragedy.

~A theatre of sentiment• - Sentimentalism came into German Theatre by

1780 and Lessing brought it to popularity• it evokes feelings of sympathy, sorrow and joy, that

will reach and touch the audiences’ moral concerns.• - was believed in sentimental culture that human

nature was innately good if the individuals were true to their "natural" virtues

• - in this case it chooses middle-class figures rather than the characters of Kings and aristocrats as its heroes ( the hero in Emilia Galotti would be the father - Odoardo Galotti)

~Emilia for the 21st CenturyEmilia Galotti is rich in detailed and intriguing dialogue but the original telling proposes certain problems for today's audiences and younger audiences to truly connect with the story.• relationship between the Prince

and Galotiis • The reason behind Emilia’s

murder, committed by her own father

~Emilia for the 21st CenturyTherefore, we are proposing to ratify these concerns by combining the play with a modernized concept that is widely popular in today social pop culture, particularly on television and printed media.

The television show "Gossip Girl" uses a set of plots and conflicts that were in fact introduce in very early dramatic pieces, such as "Emilia Galotii."

• We found Gossip Girl as an inspirational choice to set the story of the play because of its current status and place in today's 21st Century Pop Culture.

• We have decided to use the characters, stylistic themes and concepts from the show to translate the play, making it more appealing to young adult audiences

• Our major objective here is to elevate both mediums, by demonstrating how each complement each other.

• In this translated version, the Prince is a wealthy son and owner of a series of multi-billion dollar hotels and the Galottis are a slightly lower-upper class family associated with the mafia.

• Odoardo Galotti is financially indebt to “The Prince” and the prince decides therefore that he is entitled to take Odoardo’s innocent and beautiful daughter.

~Inspiration Behind Pitch

• In addition to the show’s current status in today's 21st Century Pop Culture, the show is not completely fictional does represent person audiences can relate to.

• Cecily von Ziegesar, the author of the books the television show adapts, based her book series on the actual life styles of the upper class students and adults she knew growing up.

~Inspiration Behind Pitch

• For example, the show's fictional private school - Constance Billard School for Girls on the Upper East Side of New York – is based on the Nightingale-Bamford School, the New York City high school she graduated from in 1988.

• "The school is completely based on Nightingale," von Ziegesar told ABC News. "But I exaggerated to make it more entertaining."

~Characters as inspired by G.G

• It is remarkable when you compare, how similar the main characters in the show fit the profiles of those of the play~

Emilia Galotti (Jenny Humphrey)

•the early version of Jenny from the show •virtuous and innocent•Both are able to draw and command attention, regardless if they want or intend to.•Both stand up to their •fathers

Count Appiani (Nate Archibald) • self-described as the

"good guy" character.• protective, attentive

and give the most of their attention to their loved one.

• -Nate frequently come and saves the day from Jenny.

• - they both share the "hero complex".

Prince (Chuck Bass)• -On first impression, the

Prince, like Chuck may be labeled as the antagonist or "evil character."

• - But like in the play - as their stories develop further

• their actions and downfalls bring them down to a level of a common or middle class person

• Thus the viewer and audience can relate to them.

Prince (Chuck Bass)• The common and

constant attributes they share:

• -womanizer, seducer and a stalker.

• - Both behave in a way that violates their station and decorum.

• In our version of “Emilia Galotti”

Odoardo Galotti would rather see his daughter dead than married to “Chuck Bass.”

Marquis Marinelli (Blair Waldorf)

• Both share an innate skill in plotting schemes against others.

• Both are intelligent and excellent at explaining themselves out in sticky situations.

• Blair's frequent sidekick in planning her schemes is Chuck (the Prince).

Claudia and Odoardo Galotti (Lilly van der Woodsen and Rufus

Humphrey)• - mothers, who are

protective and loving of their daughter(s).

• - They will do anything to help their children.

Claudia and Odoardo Galotti (Lilly van der Woodsen and Rufus

Humphrey)• -Odoardo and Rufus

share the common attribute in being overprotective fathers.

• - They won't stand to lose a fight.

• - And will do whatever is necessary to keep their daughter's away from the "bad guy"

Countess Orsina (Georgina Sparks)• Both are infrequent

characters that come in and out of the story line, but are essential to the plot.

• Both can be described as the true antagonist(s)

• manipulative and responsible for creating the utmost havoc and then leaving the scene of the crime.

•

Countess Orsina (Georgina Sparks)

• As the Countess is the mistress to the Prince, Georgina once had a relationship with Chuck

• He describes this relationship in the show as a "nightmare".

~G.G. Costume Inspirations

• Style and fashion are vital aspects of the television show, representing both status and personality, adding to the character’s overall individuality.

• Since the characters from Emilia Galotti are aristocratic and upper-middle classmen, and the setting is modernized and staged in New York City, the concept behind the costuming is similar to that of Gossip Girl.

• the characters of the play are powerful people, it is assumed they’d attend fancy, and themed, parties and charities.

~G.G. Costume Inspirations

• For evening, formal wear, the men will wear designer suits and the women elegant, floor-length, detailed designer gowns, similar to what we’d see on celebrities at award festivals.

~G.G. Costume Inspirations

• -Daywear attire would be sophisticated and tailored, but not as lavish.

• Like in the show, costuming in the play will reflect one’s personality

~Setting inspiration (The New York Eastside)

New York’s Upper East Side (A History)• Defined as the area between 59th Street, 96th

Street, Central Park and the East River. • At one time it was known as ‘The Silk Stocking

District’, but it now boasts some of the most expensive real estate in the United States.

• Some of the most famous of the city’s actors come from this area

~Setting inspiration (The New York Eastside)

New York’s Upper East Side (A History)• Today it is very well known for being an area rich in

history, culture, luxury hotels, shopping, real estate, exclusive clubs and private schools.

• Many upper class families such as the Astor’s, Rockefellers, Roosevelts, and Kennedy’s have lived here.

~The Lower East Side• known as being the home to the immigrants who

built the city • In the past, a region of labourers, the workers living

here were responsible for the city’s subways, bridges, and skyscrapers.

• within a two square mile region, crowded streets housed many who lived in slums and even worked in sweatshops.

~The Lower East Side• However, it was also because of this that organized

social work was created in America. • The community of immigrants was best known as a

ghetto in its beginning years.• Unionism, capitalism, socialism and communism

were widely discussed on the Lower East Sides’streets.

• Intellectuals among the immigrants brought with them oldworld interest in culture and also provided thousands their first contact with art and literature.

Let’s set the Stage!The play’s story is heavily driven by the characters and stylistically we wanted it to remain theatrical even though we are using designs and concepts inspired by the television show “Gossip Girl.”

• We also want to preserve elements of the play that would have existed in the classical version of the play.

There will be two sets of costumes for each character:

• The first worn at the beginning and end of the play will reflect the today’s version of these characters.

• costumes, inspired by some of the outfits introduced in the television show and from expensive brands such as Gucci, Chanel, and Armani.

There will be two sets of costumes for each character:

• This is to introduce the characters in modern and more recognizable reincarnations.

There will be two sets of costumes for each character:

• This is to introduce the characters in modern and more recognizable reincarnations.

There will be two sets of costumes for each character:

• This is to introduce the characters in modern and more recognizable reincarnations.

There will be two sets of costumes for each character:

• The second set for the introduction of the Masquerade that will take place in the middle of the play.

• The purpose of the masquerade is to preserve the stylistic designs that would have been used in the classic version.

• -gowns wore by the women, and the specific suits wore by the men

There will be two sets of costumes for each character:

• The second set for the introduction of the Masquerade that will take place in the middle of the play.

• The purpose of the masquerade is to preserve the stylistic designs that would have been used in the classic version.

• -gowns wore by the women, and the specific suits wore by the men

There will be two sets of costumes for each character:

• The second set for the introduction of the Masquerade that will take place in the middle of the play.

• The purpose of the masquerade is to preserve the stylistic designs that would have been used in the classic version.

• -gowns wore by the women, and the specific suits wore by the men

• It is important to maintain as much of the original plays concept and allow it to complement the modern aspects as well. What is interesting is the show itself has such a ball where a number of the characters do dress up in these costumes for the celebration.

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihDQdkZOCqE&feature=related

Location, location! ~The setInstead of constructing a backdrop showing an expensive Banquet hall or a plush hotel suite,

-specific props and furniture pieces will be creates and brought in by the actors for the each scene or act as needed.

Act 1, the stage would be set with a large, expensive looking red velvet chair, a wooden desk, and a coffee table with crystal dishes and silver wear.

Location, location! ~The set• Act 2, chairs, smaller tables

and waitresses carrying trays would enter creating the Mafia bar in which Emilia’s father runs.

• For theatrical purposes we want to suggest these locations, but the story which will preserve as much of the original, translated text must be portrayed by the actors.

“The IT” ~Designs for the Show~The Masked Ball

~Newest Modern addition: MusicPart of the reason why the

show hold such a strong position in 21th Century culture is that it introduces new music to audiences, keeping up with the current new wave of music,. Therefore, we wanted to include this aspect to complete the modern translation of the piece

1.) Miss Nothing by The Pretty Reckless

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFlHsKExcYg&ob=av3e• This song was chosen as the main setting to

the whole atmosphere of the play• Emilia is the focal point of all the discussions

and scheming. • Lyrics:" I'm misused, misconstrued / I don’t

need to be saved /Miss slighted, I mind it/ I'm stuck in the rain"

1.) Miss Nothing by The Pretty Reckless

• She goes through the loss of her fiancé. • the story of a girl who was once Miss

Everything but is now Miss Nothing • Lyrics: "And as I watch you disappear into the

ground / My one mistake was that I never let you down / So I'll waste my time, and I'll burn my mind / On miss nothing, miss everything"

1.) Miss Nothing by The Pretty Reckless

• song contains a sense of foreshadowing the death of Emilia

• Lyrics: "And as I watch you disappear into my head / Well, there's a man who’s telling me I might be dead / So I'll waste my time, and I'll burn my mind / So I’ll waste my time, and I'll burn my mind / On Miss Nothing, Miss Everything!"

• (And on a side note - since we are basing on Gossip Girl it was rightfully so in choosing a sing by one of the actors in the show.)

2.) Only Girl (In the World) by Rihanna

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa14VNsdSYM• perfect choice for the masquerade ball• - its genre and style of dance would fit right in to the

masquerade scene. • The title of the song referring to Emilia: "the only girl

in the world" Lyrics: "Like I'm the only one that you'll ever love / Like I'm the only one who knows your heart /... / Like I'm the only one that's in command / Cuz I'm the only one who understands how to make you feel like a man"

3.) Open My Eyes by The Rasmus

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQpzjfGvBfI

• Emilia Galotti is a tragedy, ends with the murder and death of Emilia

• the music at end of the scene would be sad and tragic

• the lyrics explain how everything has come to end, including what the Prince and Marinelli has done.

3.) Open My Eyes by The Rasmus

• As the title says "Open My Eyes" the Prince opening his eyes in the end and realizing the pain and the outcome of his actions have created.

• Lyrics: "I've lost a war/ I've lost a fight / I've killed a man/ Wasted a life/ Open my eyes let me see you"

~Live ResearchIn the midst of our research, Raquel and Aracely had the fortune of attending a one night concert featuring Taylor Momsen’s band “The Pretty Reckless”

Taylor Momsen plays “Jenny” on Gossip Girl, the inspiration behind our Modern Emilia.-Her song “Miss Nothing” was performed that night, and was immediately selected for the piece shortly after the concert.

Any questions?

~Sources• GROETSCH, ULRICH. "Lessing, Gotthold Ephraim."

Europe, 1450 to 1789: Encyclopedia of the Early Modern World. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 18 Oct. 2010 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

• Zarrilli, B. Phillip, Bruce McConachie, Gary Jay Williams, and Carol Fisher Sorgenfrei. Theatre Histories. New York: Routledge, 2006.

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emilia_Galotti• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gotthold_Ephraim_Less

ing

~Sources• Heath's Modern Lauguage series. Lessing's Emilia

Galotti. Edited with introduction and notes by Max Winkler. D.C Health & CO., Publishers. 1895

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFlHsKExcYg&ob=av3e

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa14VNsdSYM• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQpzjfGvBfI

Thanks for paying attention.

You know you loved it!

xoxo