I was really intrigued by the project Rob Melrose describes from his time at Yale doing a Shakespeare play with 3-5 actors. I generally have mixed feelings about productions of this kind. When I map out productions for ADK I try to use the smallest number possible but this is usually 10-12. But in this production of *The Tempest* Melrose is not doing the traditional story — he is making a comment about the play and the psychological nature of these three real characters. I really wish I had a chance to see it!
Also I am in complete agreement with Melrose’s final statement in the interview: “Because theater is one of the few art forms that really asks its audience to engage its imagination.” Many theatre companies follow the lead of TV/film and do the work for the audience, as he states. This makes me crazy! When I go to the theatre, I expect and want to be engaged and challenged by the work. And I expect the same of my company when we perform. I place great value in the work the audience contributes to the play. That’s why it’s different every night. If it feels the same, then we’re doing something wrong.
Have you ever seen the video of the old Ian McKellan / Judy Densch (both of them much younger back then) version of *Macbeth* with about 6 actors, all of whom remained on stage seated in semi-circle for the entire performance? When it was each one’s turn to perform, he or she stood up, went to the center of the circle, and performed. The conception was of the play as ritual or ceremony. I’m not sure that’s Rob’s idea in this production — I’d rather think not — but I often think about it as representing on extreme non-realistic mode of staging.
I was really intrigued by the project Rob Melrose describes from his time at Yale doing a Shakespeare play with 3-5 actors. I generally have mixed feelings about productions of this kind. When I map out productions for ADK I try to use the smallest number possible but this is usually 10-12. But in this production of *The Tempest* Melrose is not doing the traditional story — he is making a comment about the play and the psychological nature of these three real characters. I really wish I had a chance to see it!
Also I am in complete agreement with Melrose’s final statement in the interview: “Because theater is one of the few art forms that really asks its audience to engage its imagination.” Many theatre companies follow the lead of TV/film and do the work for the audience, as he states. This makes me crazy! When I go to the theatre, I expect and want to be engaged and challenged by the work. And I expect the same of my company when we perform. I place great value in the work the audience contributes to the play. That’s why it’s different every night. If it feels the same, then we’re doing something wrong.
Have you ever seen the video of the old Ian McKellan / Judy Densch (both of them much younger back then) version of *Macbeth* with about 6 actors, all of whom remained on stage seated in semi-circle for the entire performance? When it was each one’s turn to perform, he or she stood up, went to the center of the circle, and performed. The conception was of the play as ritual or ceremony. I’m not sure that’s Rob’s idea in this production — I’d rather think not — but I often think about it as representing on extreme non-realistic mode of staging.