Question: Watch the show "Dr. Horrible"
Discussion prompts for Dr. Horrible
1. What did you notice? What about the play was interesting, strange, revealing, or meaningful for you? Be specific.
2. What values are being represented in this dramatic world. Discuss two values and to what group/groups these values are attached. Give at least two specific example from the play of how each value is expressed/represented. What does this suggest about the play as a whole?
If "values" ends up being a difficult word to tangle with, try replacing it with perspectives, priorities, or concerns.
3. (watch with a pencil, modified)
For this prompt, choose something that that you didn't completely understand when viewing the production and do some additional research this might mean looking up the meaning of a word, or googling an unfamiliar reference and then discuss your findings.
Armed with this new information how have you been able to put what was at first difficult to understand into context? What connections exist between this new information and other details of the world of the play?
4. (Issue of diversity)
Examine the politics of the play by choosing an issue of diversity (such as race, gender, sexuality, class, religion, or disability) and analyzing its depiction. How does the play's depiction reinforce or challenge conventional (traditional) understandings of the issue under examination? How does this play's politics inform the play and speak to our present moment?
5. Choose one song to analyze (the soundtrack and lyrics are found here https://drhorrible.com/dr-horrible-lyricsliner-notes/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.). (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. What is the function of the song? In what way(s) does the song advance the plot, aid in the development of character, and/or contribute to the dramatic action of the play?
6. Ask two of your own questions about the play. This is your opportunity to find out what someone else thinks about an aspect of the play that you found particularly interesting, confusing, or challenging. You cannot repeat any question that is part of this list of discussion prompts.