Big 8 Forensics Conference Tournament

2021 — Online, WI/US

• Invite

Farrago (POI)

Event Description:

Note - Farrago is called Program Oral Interpretation outside of Wisconsin.

Purpose of the Category

To develop skills in identifying, selecting, combining and presenting quality literature from a variety of genres which addresses a specific theme or emotion.

Definition of the Category

The challenge of farrago is to select material from a variety of literary genres (poetry, short stories, speeches, essays, drama, novels), which addresses a central specific theme or emotion, and to interpret the material through oral presentation.

Rules

1. The contestant must choose quality material from at least two literary genres, which have a common theme or emotion. Published material is considered any material publically or commercially available in print, online, audio, or video form. Quality material is characterized by insights into human values, motivations, relationships, problems, and understandings and is not characterized by sentimentality, violence for its own sake or unmotivated endings. Adaptations, if any, should be minimal, and may be made for the following purposes only: (1) to establish continuity; (2) for gender changes including things such as pronoun changes; or (3) to avoid potentially offensive language. Lines attributed to one character in the literary script may not be attributed to another character during the performance. The coach is responsible for providing access to a copy of the student’s original source of materials to provide to the Tournament Practices and Procedures Committee, should the validity be questioned. Original material is not allowed. Multiple sources may be combined and creatively woven together to create a cohesive thematic performance.

2. An introduction, which establishes the tone and theme is required, and along with any transitions, if any are used, is to be presented without the use of notes. All selections must be verbally identified by title and author. It is at the presenter's discretion where, when, and how to accomplish those identifications. The introduction must be the original work of the speaker. The presentation may begin with a read portion of the selected material prior to the presenter’s personal introduction. The student must identify the genre of each selection presented.

3. The student must use a manuscript. The material is to be interpreted, however, the participant will not be penalized whether or not the selection is memorized.

4. Platform movement should be minimal and non-intrusive to the performance. Costumes, props, music or other audio-visual supports may not be used, with the exception of the manuscript. The manuscript and /or binder containing the manuscript may be used as a prop or in other creative ways. Use of the manuscript is subject to critique.

5. Vocal music, if used, should be incidental and not overwhelm the presentation

6. Maximum time limit: 10 minutes, with an allowable 15-second grace period. There is no minimum time requirement. Any entry exceeding the grace period may not be ranked first in the round. If all entries in a round exceed the grace period, no first rank shall be given in that round.

Criteria for Evaluation

1. The extent to which the introduction and transitions provided the listener with appropriate unifying information and identified the type of literature used.

2. The extent to which the chosen materials demonstrated literary merit. Individual judges may lower the rank due to use of profanity or vulgarity.

3. The extent to which the reader indicated an intellectual, emotional and sensory understanding of the material presented.

4. The extent to which the reader's vocal interpretation projected the imagery of the material, including such items as rhythm, cadence, diction, and phrasing, as well as the use of effective pauses, volume, rate, and pitch.

5. The extent to which the reader's physical presence was appropriate to the individual selections, including such items as eye contact, facial expression, gestures, and bodily movement.