WWRY Context

Historical context

The show itself is set 300 years in the future. It gives us an idea of how people live and what has happened to the world but due to it being a futuristic setting the audience are regarded to use their own intuition and interpretation to understand this utopia. 

What the script offers an actor is that references it makes to the music and what life was like. Some of the knowledge of the bohemians is partially incorrect and that is also key to understanding the piece. For instance referring to Elvis as 'Pelvis' therefore when studying the rock and roll culture it is crucial to remember that you shouldn't specifically apply all of your research to your character. You need to remember some of the uncertainty that the bohemians have and how eager they to seek new knowledge and discover.

So why choose a futuristic setting for the show. What influence does this have over the characters and the story?

With the 21st century music has moved forward in a dramatic fashion. Vinyl is no longer used and mp3 downloads are at an all time high. Rock bands like Queen are now much less frequent and this has sparked controversy in the world of music.

So is the trends of modern music that has influenced Elton's writing? I think he has enforced the stereotype of music declining since the late 20th century, that modernisation isn't always a good thing. And I think the idea is that we shouldn't forget these influential figures, we need to remember them. There is a line in the song 'No-One But You' it says 'We'll remember forever' I think this is key to the narrative and setting of the show, that despite the advancement of 300 or more years. The music will live on.

Due to music being forbidden in the time period it gives it more status with the 'Planet Mall' society, it becomes coveted like a illegal drug so to speak. But it represents pro's and cons with how life can adapt, the music always survives and yet it must be fought for otherwise it will become extinct.