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The folk community and the community backstage

In this section you will hear about how the Hollywood musical aims at creating a sense of community. This section will take you approximately 20 minutes to complete.

Activity 6.1

Listen to the podcast (1:15 mins) and take notes below.

Download mp3 (audio file)

Download Transcription (Word file)

1

Write down the 3 devices mentioned in the podcast that, according to Feuer, contribute to build a sense of community or participation.

Feuer refers to the following devices:

1. a 'sing-along' in which all of the characters participate or have a song that passes along various characters which is similar to the oral tradition of folk music.

2. the 'backstage musical' - the group effort of 'putting on a show' also extends to the audience through the feeling of a global community.

3. to draw upon folk themes, such as the 'small-town girl' coming to the big city to make her break, or perhaps the city is made to represent small town life.

Check your answer

Activity 6.2

Here is a final example from the film On the Town. While you are watching, think about the question below and annotate your thoughts in the box.

Watch the clip: On the Town (3:06 mins) (opens in a new window)

2

How does this clip offer the audience the feeling of a tightly knit community or sense of participation?

It draws upon a folk theme of sailors stopping in a harbour and looking for new adventures playing tourist in New York. They are seen in all the landmark places of the city.Check your answer