Literature review

Yasmin Trowbridge
Level 6 Musical Theatre Diploma

My main section of research was on why we chose The Sound Of Music but also did some on the
social and historical context. After watching the musical and researching I saw The Sound Of Music
as very educational, motivational and uplifting which is why we chose it. It teaches us how powerful
Hitler was and allows the audience to see how fearful everyone was as war was looming. Along with
this it represents strong women through characters like Maria which is very motivating and uplifting
to see today in a society where sexism still exists. (Geri Mcclymont, 2020). The musical represents
family connection in a wonderful way and shows that you do not need to be related by blood to be
family. Maria came into this broken family and made their lives so much better. We really want to
spread this message as it will reach so many people like the LGBTQ+ community as they often look to
adoption or other options like this to have a family. And it will spread awareness about it to those
who are unaware. Finally, I would like to cover some of the social and historical context that went on
in the time of the musical (1938 pre World War 2 in Austria). It is based on the real-life story of the
Von Trapp Family singers who escaped Austria when it was invaded by Germany in World War 2, this
story of course is important to keep alive. Rodgers and Hammerstein were first approached by
actress Mary Martin about writing a song for a play with music she and her husband were writing
based on the life of the Von Trapps. Instead, they agreed to write a musical. It shows if you have the
strength of love you can tackle anything relating to now during the pandemic, bringing this musical
out will put everyones minds at ease and remind them they are always safe with their loved ones.

To summarise the rest of the presentation, the musical is necessary now because it looks at fascism
and escaping it through the world of musical education (Emily Langerhaulc, 2017). Fascism is “ a
governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and
criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and
often racism.” (dictionary.com 2021) This source helped us all understand what fascism is. Around
the world there are fascist groups that if not controlled could devastate a part of humanity like the
Nazis did. The Nazis and what they did cannot be forgotten as new generations merge into society.
Also, the pandemic has left a lot of people feeling vulnerable and negative much like World War 2
did to millions back in 1939 – 1945. It will be uplifting to be reminded that if the human race got
through World War we can easily get through the pandemic.

Blenheim Palace is an ideal place for filming and has held many other successful musicals there such
as Mission Impossible. In the opening scene Maria is seen singing on the hills where she later takes
the children to sing on. Blenheim Palace is surrounded by gardens which could beautifully represent
the hills. The east gate at Blenheim Palace has a similar image to the abbey where many scenes are
based. Along with this some scenes are set on a terrace towards the lake and at Blenheim Palace
there is a terrace and lake which would work very well for these scenes. There is a scene where
Maria leaves the Abby and embarks on her journey singing “Confidence” this scene includes her
splashing water from a fountain and Blenheim Palace has an array of fountains which would work
amazingly. The decoration inside the palace would include the art that Blenheim Palace is famous for
such as the Great Hall ceiling.
We performed a poem to emphasis the beautiful song Edelweiss in the show and get across the
meaning behind it – singing their national anthem and praising their country even though it is not so
amazing anymore. We also had two people slowly put red clothes on throughout the presentation to
represent the Nazis and how people never knew where or who they were.

Bibliography

Ductionary.com (2021), Available at: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/fascism (Accessed 13th

March 2021)

Emily Langerhaulc, (2017), “The Sound Of Music in 2017”, Rebel Music Teacher, Available at:
http://www.rebelmusicteacher.com/blog/2017/5/15/the-sound-of-music-in-2017 (accessed 13th
March 2021)

Geri Mcclymont, (2020), Reel Rundown, Available at: https://reelrundown.com/movies/In-Progress

(Accessed 14th March 2021)

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