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The relationship is a representational relationship. The actors are attempting to make the audience feel that they are viewing actual events. This being said, I also would like to comment on the fact that it is a comedic relationship. The audience learns early on that the subject matter of the play is quite ridiculous. **2. Are the performers and the audience meant to occupy the same room?** Yes, I feel for this play to achieve its goals the audience and the performers are meant to occupy the same room. The language is difficult to follow at times, and I feel that an intimate setting would be the best remedy for this difficulty **3. What is the period of dramatic action?** The period of dramatic action occurs as Dawn begins her first lesson in the language of Unamunda, the universal language. At first she is skeptical that it is something that is worthwhile, but as the play goes on Don convinces her that she must become a student in the school of Unamunda. **4. What is the geographic location of the action?** The action occurs in a “small rented office set up as a classroom.” Present in the class is a battered desk, a row of three old chairs, and a blackboard. As far as what region, city, or state the play takes place, the audience is unsure and these facts are unimportant to understanding the events of the play. One hint is that the classroom is located at 30 East Seventh, Suite 662. This makes me believe that it took place somewhere in a large city, possibly New York since that is where the place was first produced. **5. What time of day is it?** Just from reading the play, it is difficult to conclude what time of day it is occurring. However, I get the feeling that it is late afternoon. This makes the most sense, because Dawn has a job as a word processor that would require her to work during the day **6. How are the personalities of the characters reflected in the set, lights, costumes, and music?** Dawn is to be dress plainly, which goes along with her shy, unsure diction and characterization. Don sports glasses, in an attempt to give himself credibility as a professor. The set contains a battered desk, a row of three old chairs, and a blackboard. The fact that the desk is battered and the chairs are old point to the fact that the operation is under-funded, and we later find out that it is illegitimate. By the end of the play the audience realizes that the props are presented this way to show that Don is of spotty moral makeup. **7. What is the weather? Is it hot or cold? Is it bright or dull?** The weather and brightness are unknown in “The Universal Language” because the play begins with Dawn entering the classroom, and ends with the characters still in the classroom. No mention is made as to the sun shining through the classroom windows or the weather outside during the dialogue. **8. What is the socio/ economic status of the characters?** Dawn is a word processor, so she is probably middle class. When Don asks her for the five hundred dollar fee for the lessons, she says that five hundred dollars is a lot of money and she admits that she does not have much money. Don is a con man but he admits that he is a bad one and that Dawn is actually the first person that he has successfully coned. This points to the fact that he is probably economically unstable. **9.What are the occupations of the character?** Dawn is a word processor and Don is a con man playing the role of a teacher or professor. **10. How old are the characters?** Dawn is in her late 20’s and Don is about 30 **11.What is the relationship of the characters to each other?** In the beginning of the play Don and Dawn have no relationship, as the play progresses Don becomes Dawn’s teacher and she becomes his pupil, and by the end of the play the two characters are in love. **12. Which characters are to be emphasized? Which are to be subordinated?** Don and Dawn are characters of equal importance. The young man only has one line and plays a very insignificant role in the play therefore he should be subordinated. **13. Where are the entrances and exits?** The play begins with Dawns entrance, and after she surveys the room, Don enters. The young man enters right at the end of the play **14. What are the furniture and property needs of the play and how do they reflect the characters and their actions?** A battered desk, a row of three old chairs, and a blackboard is needed to equip the stage. The battered desk and three old chairs can be used as evidence that Don is a con man.
 * 1. What is meant to be the relationship of the performers to the audience?**