The Task

You told your sponsor about your idea to rewrite Wuthering Heights, and he liked it! However, he also decided that he wanted you to focus upon the relationships between Heathcliff, Linton, Catherine, and Isabella that encompasses the love, revenge, and betrayal present in the original novel. He has left it up to you to choose the time and setting of the action to any period after 1900, but whatever period you choose, he wants you to include the determining aspects of the period such as events, style, and specific cultural aspects. Oh yeah, and one other little detail. He wants a scene that encompasses all of those aspects on his desk in five days.

In order to finish this rewrite by the deadline, each playwright in your group has to research a specific aspect of the period. You will then meet and discuss your findings and what you might want to use in the scene. Then you will switch mentalities and become one of the characters in the scene. You will figure out who they are and how they became that way. Then everyone will come together and write the script.

After you have written the script you have to present it to your client. To do so you will create a portfolio that includes the following:

• The script of your scene.
• A character description for each of the characters. This should include their background, specific mannerisms, hobbies, etc.
• A description of the setting, where is the action taking place.
• A list of slang words or vocabulary exclusive to this period or group.
• Pictures, drawings, or written descriptions of the costumes for each of the characters.
• A description of world events occurring during the period that influence this play.

Each of these should be accompanied with an explanation of why you chose this option over another, just in case your sponsor gives you a hard time. Good luck!