The Death of Andre
The play is about the death of Andre, a young man who is being mourned, and the people who were loyal to him who attend his funeral.
Cal's Secret Friendship
Cal had a near secret friendship with the deceased man. The motif of secrecy enters the frame, with only the two understanding how important they have been to each other in their secret friendship.
The Motif of Grief
Andre dies of Aids, and the motif of grief enters as the entire family mourns the young man's death (Rubinstein, Prince & Robbins 352). People arrived with balloons as a way of letting go.
A Challenging Encounter
Cal in attendance of the funeral approaches Andre's mother to tell her about the relationship and see her thoughts and feelings as well. Cal's approach to the mother challenges her to think about reality and appearance. The secret relationship between Andre and Cal would have spoilt the family name. The secret relationship brings about naivety and suspiciousness (Rubinstein, Prince & Robbins, 351). Andre's mother, out of suspicion, denies other characters from getting what they want. She shows a lot of silence and, at the same time, a lack of understanding. Due to regrets and guilt, she is also unable to say goodbye by failing to let her balloon go (Rubinstein, Prince & Robbins 352).
The Theme of Love
The theme of love is well expressed when Cal tries to deliver his speech. He starts by telling Andre's mother that he knew that one day they would be friends. As Cal continues, he becomes silent, and it becomes apparent that not even the most basic communication is clear between them. It is not only due to a lack of tolerance but due to a lack of a word to express himself. There is no call to detail his love to Andre and her and at the same time try to make her understand.
Narration and Bitterness
Cal narrates very well the brevity of Andre and at last, says that his friend died of Aids. He continues to share his bitterness and tell her mother that Andre only feared her and curiously waves goodbye (Rubinstein, Prince & Robbins 352). Sadness fills the whole place, and Andre's mother is left on stage alone unable to wave her son goodbye.
Tonal Variation and Dramatic Expression
As the director, I would put more emphasis on the tonal variation. The tone will be a clear message to the audience on what is taking place. Tonal variation and dramatic expression will as well create suspicion on what is intended to take place.
Work Cited
John Rubinstein, Faith Prince and Rex Robbins. The way we live now: American plays &
the AIDS crisis. Theatre Communications Group, 1990.
