Luck of the Irish Invitational
2024 — Online, MI/US
Multiple Interpretation
Event Description:
Multiple interpretation is the performance of a humorous or serious literary selection with three to eight participants in front of, but not necessarily facing, the audience at all times. The event is designed to encourage the analysis and performance of literature of literary merit. The presentation must consist of a single selection of prose, poetry, or drama, or any combination of the genres (e.g., prose and/or poetry and/or drama).
A group must not use material that any member of the multiple and/or the group as a whole have used in competition in any previous year. nor may the multiple use a selection from the same piece of literature any individual in the group has used in a previous year.
Interpreters will generally wish to begin with some remarks introducing the plot, scene, author, and/or characters; such information may also be used as transitional material. This material is included in the time limits and may include singing, humming, or other creative approaches.
The suggested time limit for multiple interpretation is in high school is ten to fifteen minutes, while the suggested time limit for multiple interpretation in middle level events is eight to twelve minutes. Presentations that do not conform to the suggested time parameters may be penalized at the discretion of the judge. Penalties are not mandatory for timing irregularities.
Contestants must take the original script or a photocopy of the proper pages from the original script to all rounds.
BASIS OF DECISION
Suitability of Selections: Selections should reflect a reasonable standard of literature that is appropriate for secondary school competition. The selections should be adapted to the age, temperament, and capabilities of the interpreters. The selection(s) should be of the type that shows insight into human nature and creates an impact on the listener. Editing is permitted, but the author's intent must be preserved. The rewriting of a selection to change the gender of the primary characters is inconsistent with the author's intent and thus is not permitted. In interpretation events, the use of good literature should be noted favorably, and a selection devoid of literary merit should be scored accordingly.
Platform Conduct: Members of the multiple may gesture and move around the platform as necessary. Good interpretation requires total physical, vocal, and emotional involvement. Interpreters should identify with the characters in the scene being presented. The degree of physical expression depends on the literature. The presentation should not be dominated by choreography, and movement should be appropriate to the theme of the presentation. The psychological relationships of characters and/or the emotional content of the literature should be clear and effectively demonstrated in the arrangement of the group. The grouping of the performers should pictorially represent the literature. Focal points should be used during representations of conversations between and among performers. A possible exception to this guideline may occur when the characterization requires the use of sign language.
In multiple interpretation, direct eye contact and touching are prohibited. Accidental bumping or eye contact that is corrected quickly should not disqualify students from competition. Direct eye contact with the audience is at the discretion of the performers.
The use of a manuscript or notes is optional. NO hand props, decorative scripts, lighting, scenery, readers’ stands, benches, platforms, or risers are permitted. Contestants may sit and/or stand. ONLY chairs, stools, and cubes are permitted.
Oral Presentation: Original characterizations are encouraged. Only sound created by the voice and the body of the interpreter is allowed. Mechanical aids or instruments are not permitted. Singing, humming, and/or whistling must be appropriate to the theme of the presentation. Sound effects or singing should heighten and develop the literature.
Individual performances are as important as the performance of the ensemble. Unison or choral reading may be used, but the entire presentation may not consist of only choral reading. Unison reading, when used, should be an integral part of the presentation.
The interpreters should show genuine appreciation of the selection and demonstrate imaginative insight into its mood and meaning. Vocal expression should communicate the relationships between ideas and should be clear and audible.
Clothing: Street attire that suggests mood and character is permissible. Costumes that are unique to the stage, such as period dress and robes, are prohibited.