Joshua Barroso
Mary & John, the lead characters of Utopia, experiences displacement as they leave the modern-day world to live in an 80’s-themed simulation.
I chose this element of the play as I feel it is central to Utopia’s writing and will help to establish the shows atmosphere through its presentation. All of the characters in Utopia were written with this concept in mind and I believe research into how this concept informs the characters relationships with one another would be greatly beneficial to the show’s production.
Research Question
How does the concept of displacement inform the representations of John and
Mary’s relationship in both Utopia and Technical Difficulties?
I was inspired to ask this question after having conversations with the show’s director surrounding the differences between Utopia and Technical Difficulties and how
they may be represented on stage. I feel that this research may help with characterization
differences for actors as well as offer some insight and inspiration for general aesthetic
differences between the scenes.
Central Purpose
In this Research Report I provide my findings based on specific elements from
a scene in the play Utopia. To support my observations are references that include various academic articles focused on domestic abuse, contemporary film examples which exemplify similar themes and ideas as well as supplementary image references. This research is important because it will offer insight toward the development of Johnny and Mary’s relationship and the representation of time and culture.
Main Concept
Displacement: “The substitution of one idea or impulse for another, as in dreams, obsessions, etc.; the unconscious transfer of intense feelings or emotions to something of greater or less consequence.” (Oxford English Dictionary)
Nostalgia: “Sentimental longing for or regretful memory of a period of the past, esp. one in an individual’s own lifetime; (also) sentimental imagining or evocation of a period of the past.” (Oxford English Dictionary)
The concepts of displacement and nostalgia act as the driving forces behind Utopia’s writing. The main idea behind Utopia’s 80’s sitcom setting was to evoke the sentimental imaginings individuals hold for the 1980’s as a time period whilst also critiquing certain aspects of said culture. Displacement, as well, is seen through Johnny’s abuse towards Mary, as well as Mary’s relationship to the setting of Utopia.
Central findings
The relationship between poverty and violence is one which I feel is central to the depiction of Johnny and Mary’s relationship. As well, it informs the displacement the characters experience upon entry into Utopia. During the technical difficulties scene Mary and John could be represented as impoverished in order to establish their motivation to leave the real world for Utopia (possible wardrobe changes to more ragged clothing, dimmer lighting to emphasize less ideal environment, leave mess from earlier scenes to establish grungy atmosphere). In Utopia, then, Johnny and Mary being represented in a more ideal setting emphasizes the lack of economic poverty within Utopia which therefore allows Mary to overcome Johnny’s abusive behaviour. As a result, Mary’s relationship with Johnny can be grounded within a real world issue which may help to humanize both characters and the concept of displacement can be utilized to highlight patriarchal values in present in past cultures.