I just went to a play reading of Twelfth Night last night in the hope that a local community theatre group might produce it in their season next. It went well. We laughed and we had fun. It's a funny play. Sits a bit on the page in Act 4 and 5 because the show becomes so much about physical comedy; so it wants to get on its feet but, other than that, a good night all around. Most folks in the room were behind the idea.
And there were a few that just thought we shouldn't do it at all. Why? It's too hard. Too hard to understand. I don't get it. I'm missing a lot....
Okay. Okay.
The language is archaic but a good dramaturge can work that script up nicely for a current audience unused to its rhythm and its turn of phrase. A good dramaturge can also streamline the piece to keep it at a nice length. Shakespeare will not be turning in his grave. He would, I am sure, be saying: "Give them what they want!" I imagine the guy to be more like me (this is a personal conceit) than like the purists who are worried about which folio they are working from and who want to preserve and reproduce every word. So we could do a version, with a bit of extra work, that our audience will love.
But it got me to thinking: why do Shakespeare if it takes all this work both for the company and for the audience. Why bother?
It could be because Shakespeare is the greatest playwright in the English language. But that's not why I do it. It could be because Shakespeare is the most oft quoted person in the English language after the folks who wrote the Christian bible. But that's not why I do it. It could be because we owe Shakespeare more of a debt language-wise than most people know. He added thousands of words to our daily vocabularies. But that's not why I do it. That's why we should respect him but not why we should produce him.
I do these plays because they are fun or moving or compelling. The stories are excellent; the devices simple and unreliant on fancy tech or gimmick. The characters are deeply memorable, inspiriing, or easy to hate. The language is vaulted, beautiful, and inspiring. These are real human stories told well and, four hundred years later, we relate to them. In short, I do these plays because they are entertaining. I do these plays because audiences love them.
And I think I can hear Shakespeare cheering because there's really no other reason to produce any play.
Jacqui
Burke is
a freelance director, writer, and
theatrical teacher living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She is
currently
directing the all female version of Taming
of the Shrew
for
Jaybird Productions going up in
the fall of this year and running her Shakespeare is Boffo! -- theatre for active kids -- summer camps. She is,
also, serializing The
Pretender,
her first novel, online at
http://thepretender-amarcienoelnovel.blogspot.ca/.
Jacqui
Burke
talk/text:
647-292-0210
twitter:
@jaybird01
skype:
Jacquiburkecell, jacqui.burke
www.wordsnimages.com
www.jaybirdproductions.ca
www.shakespeareisboffo.ca
http://jacquiburke.blogspot.ca
http://thepretender-amarcienoelnovel.blogspot.ca/
http://jaybirdproductions.blogspot.ca/
Warbles in the dark.
Showing posts with label Shakespeare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shakespeare. Show all posts
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Sometimes Weight is Freedom
I usually don't like to weigh a show down with a cumbersome concept. I read the script over and over. The show will start to demand a certain physical reality to tell the story well. We embellish as much or as little as that show's reality requires.
Doing anything else can have the opposite of the intended effect. Concept plays were invented because the directors were moved to tell the story in a stronger way but, a lot of the time, director's concepts (metaphorically often strong and often very clever) actually compete with the piece for the audience's attention, thereby weakening both. Very rarely, an overlaid external concept breeds strength but, usually (sadly), external concepts forced on a piece are rather like placing a lightly frosted window between the audience and the play. It might be prettier but you can't see as well.
So, I worry. I have encumbered my upcoming production of Taming of the Shrew with the initial artistic decision that it will be played by all women. The rest of the process will have to accommodate that decision - from basic movement and vocal work, to blocking to costumes to.... Consequently, this play will be a little more challenging to get up than other productions. It'll be a little more difficult to get that story told well.
But I'm wondering: could this 'all-female' concept actually offer me some freedom?
For example, I have long been a proponent of blind casting but have been criticized and even ostracized for having the temerity to walk the walk on this issue. And, yet, if our default is always white and male, fairly soon the number of artists who can tell a lot of these stories will dwindle to a very small sampling of the overall population. Crazy. We need to find ways of opening stuff up.
And in this show I can. Why? If I've already blown the lid off of one pot, no one is really going to peek in the other. Honestly, if the person playing a male role is a woman, are people going to further question race? Why would they?
The construct is already sexless. We can make it raceless, too. Sometimes weight is freedom.
Jacqui Burke is a freelance director, writer, and theatrical teacher living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She is currently directing Lend Me A Tenor for Scarborough Theatre Guild, directing The Wild Life (a Kidsplay production), and prepping for the all female version of Taming of the Shrew for Jaybird Productions going up in the fall of this year. She is, also, serializing The Pretender, her first novel, online at http://thepretender-amarcienoelnovel.blogspot.ca/.
Jacqui Burke
talk/text: 647-292-0210
twitter: @jaybird01
skype: Jacquiburkecell, jacqui.burke
www.wordsnimages.com
www.jaybirdproductions.ca
www.shakespeareisboffo.ca
http://jacquiburke.blogspot.ca
http://thepretender-amarcienoelnovel.blogspot.ca/
http://jaybirdproductions.blogspot.ca/
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Balancing Fear
When I was a kid, people were still into afternoon tea parties at which foks were daintily and prettily dressed. Everyone spoke evenly and smiled, but nobody laughed, and one spent most of one's time precariously balancing a cup of tea on one's knee. Some thirty-five years later, things change. Now, it's definitely not afternoon parties and/or definitely not tea parties and I not only smile but, apparently, am famous for my laugh. What remains, though, is the balancing act.
I am embarking on two new personal projects for Jaybird Productions, my own company, besides the shows I have committed to directing for other companies next year. The first is David Mamet's Oleanna that I plan to mount in November of this year, assuming I can get the rights and a space. The second is an all woman version of The Taming of the Shrew which I plan to do in some park, somewhere, in the summer of 2013. Almost certainly in Leslieville or the Beaches. And, though I have developed significant skill over the last four or five years of directing consistently and some-odd forty years of theatrical experience, every time I think about doing these things, I lose my breath.
What you may not know about me (because, folks, I come across as confident - sometimes a bit cocky) is the stress reaction - the losing my breath - is almost certainly a good sign. But, usually, I get this reponse later in the process like, say, the day before rehearsal starts, for example. It's a sign to me that I am personally invested in the project. That I am committed. If I get the reaction, I breath. I steady myself. It's all about balance.
Though tea is a lovely, sometimes soothing, and healthy drink, the thing about it is it's hot. You can burn yourself if you spill it. So, too, with creative projects. We have a burning desire to work, to do yet another show, but we don't want to get burned. And when one is producing one's own projects, there's this wall, here. See it? White hot. And there, too. And there, another one. Must be steady. Navigate carefully.
Mamet's Oleanna is not usually a show that community theatres do - and, of course, in these economic times I should be doing a comedy - but I am desperate to do it and, therefore, am mounting it myself. Why? Well, it's not a dainty show. Not in the least. There's this little fight at the end. It has to be believable and vicious. Fun. And don't ask me why I want to do The Taming of the Shrew with an all woman cast. I can't articulate it (which means no Community Theatre would let me do it -- they like fast talkin' directors) but I am going to do it. And there I go, again. Just lost my breath.
How does one balance this fear? Funnily enough, for me, by applying a zen-like focus on the the detail, on the doing. By ignoring the big whys, the big picture. It's important to be at the party. The sun is shining. It's a nice afternoon. Everyone's here. Just focus on balancing that cup of tea and you won't spill it.
Of course, I now have not one but two cups of tea. Good thing I have a strong sense of balance, quite a bit of practice, and two knees.
Jacqui Burke is a freelance director, writer, and theatrical teacher living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She is currently directing Kidsplay 2012: The Mayan Prediction opening in June, and The Last Five Years for TOKL Productions opening in July. She is, also, serializing The Pretender, her first novel, online at http://thepretender-amarcienoelnovel.blogspot.ca/. She is preparing for two Shakespeare is Boffo! summer camp sessions for 2012.
Want to contact me?
Jacqui Burke
Artistic Director
Jaybird Productions
talk/text: 647-292-0210
twitter: @jaybird01
skype: Jacquiburkecell, jacqui.burke
www.wordsnimages.com
www.jaybirdproductions.ca
www.shakespeareisboffo.ca
http://jacquiburke.blogspot.ca
http://thepretender-amarcienoelnovel.blogspot.ca/
http://jaybirdproductions.blogspot.ca/
Ask me about Shakespeare is Boffo! Premium Summer Camps for Kids. Two installments in 2012: The Homeschoolers` Version: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm, August 13-17, 2012 for only $125. Premium Full Day Summer Camp: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, July 16-20, 2012 for only $155. Both prices hold until May 15th, 2012. Spots are going fast. Register, now at www.shakespeareisboffo.ca
Like what you read?
Encourage me by clicking on one of these ads in this blog.
I am embarking on two new personal projects for Jaybird Productions, my own company, besides the shows I have committed to directing for other companies next year. The first is David Mamet's Oleanna that I plan to mount in November of this year, assuming I can get the rights and a space. The second is an all woman version of The Taming of the Shrew which I plan to do in some park, somewhere, in the summer of 2013. Almost certainly in Leslieville or the Beaches. And, though I have developed significant skill over the last four or five years of directing consistently and some-odd forty years of theatrical experience, every time I think about doing these things, I lose my breath.
What you may not know about me (because, folks, I come across as confident - sometimes a bit cocky) is the stress reaction - the losing my breath - is almost certainly a good sign. But, usually, I get this reponse later in the process like, say, the day before rehearsal starts, for example. It's a sign to me that I am personally invested in the project. That I am committed. If I get the reaction, I breath. I steady myself. It's all about balance.
Though tea is a lovely, sometimes soothing, and healthy drink, the thing about it is it's hot. You can burn yourself if you spill it. So, too, with creative projects. We have a burning desire to work, to do yet another show, but we don't want to get burned. And when one is producing one's own projects, there's this wall, here. See it? White hot. And there, too. And there, another one. Must be steady. Navigate carefully.
Mamet's Oleanna is not usually a show that community theatres do - and, of course, in these economic times I should be doing a comedy - but I am desperate to do it and, therefore, am mounting it myself. Why? Well, it's not a dainty show. Not in the least. There's this little fight at the end. It has to be believable and vicious. Fun. And don't ask me why I want to do The Taming of the Shrew with an all woman cast. I can't articulate it (which means no Community Theatre would let me do it -- they like fast talkin' directors) but I am going to do it. And there I go, again. Just lost my breath.
How does one balance this fear? Funnily enough, for me, by applying a zen-like focus on the the detail, on the doing. By ignoring the big whys, the big picture. It's important to be at the party. The sun is shining. It's a nice afternoon. Everyone's here. Just focus on balancing that cup of tea and you won't spill it.
Of course, I now have not one but two cups of tea. Good thing I have a strong sense of balance, quite a bit of practice, and two knees.
Jacqui Burke is a freelance director, writer, and theatrical teacher living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She is currently directing Kidsplay 2012: The Mayan Prediction opening in June, and The Last Five Years for TOKL Productions opening in July. She is, also, serializing The Pretender, her first novel, online at http://thepretender-amarcienoelnovel.blogspot.ca/. She is preparing for two Shakespeare is Boffo! summer camp sessions for 2012.
Want to contact me?
Jacqui Burke
Artistic Director
Jaybird Productions
talk/text: 647-292-0210
twitter: @jaybird01
skype: Jacquiburkecell, jacqui.burke
www.wordsnimages.com
www.jaybirdproductions.ca
www.shakespeareisboffo.ca
http://jacquiburke.blogspot.ca
http://thepretender-amarcienoelnovel.blogspot.ca/
http://jaybirdproductions.blogspot.ca/
Ask me about Shakespeare is Boffo! Premium Summer Camps for Kids. Two installments in 2012: The Homeschoolers` Version: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm, August 13-17, 2012 for only $125. Premium Full Day Summer Camp: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, July 16-20, 2012 for only $155. Both prices hold until May 15th, 2012. Spots are going fast. Register, now at www.shakespeareisboffo.ca
Like what you read?
Encourage me by clicking on one of these ads in this blog.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Welcome to my boutique....summer camp.
About a week before I was slated to start teaching the March Break
Camp this year, I saw the signs. The ROM was advertising all over town
for its summer camps - early in March. Of course, my heart sank. I
simply do not have the advertising clout that can be marshaled by a
major institution like that. And they were full on, probably expecting
to get a ton of registrations during March Break or these weeks following
as harried parents scurry to get their kids into quality programs. Half
of those slots will be filled in the next few weeks. So what the heck
do I think I'm doing out here in this crazy competitive market?
The wail of the tiny -- smaller than small -- business person.
So, in order to keep the chin up, I believe a reiteration of core values is in order:
So, if you are looking for a freer, more fluid, and active experience for your child this summer, welcome to my tiny little boutique camp without the boutique price. How did I manage that? Not my fault. I thank my friend Trish O'Reilly at The Open Door for her tireless efforts to make use of empty space at St. David's Anglican Church. They have a great series of summer programs there -- all at great prices, all artist-driven with low teacher/camper ratios.
I am hoping to have the budget to compete in advertising, at least a little bit, with the more established camps and institutional camps. Well, maybe next year.... :)
Jacqui Burke is a freelance director, writer, and theatrical teacher living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She is currently directing Wrong for Each Other for Encore Productions opening in April, Kidsplay 2012: The Mayan Prediction opening in June, and The Last Five Years for TOKL Productions opening in July. She is, also, serializing The Pretender, her first novel, online at http://thepretender-amarcienoelnovel.blogspot.ca/. She is preparing for two Shakespeare is Boffo! summer camp sessions for 2012.
Want to contact me?
Jacqui Burke
Artistic Director
Jaybird Productions
talk/text: 647-292-0210
twitter: @jaybird01
skype: Jacquiburkecell, jacqui.burke
www.wordsnimages.com
www.jaybirdproductions.ca
www.shakespeareisboffo.ca
http://jacquiburke.blogspot.ca
http://thepretender-amarcienoelnovel.blogspot.ca/
http://jaybirdproductions.blogspot.ca/
Ask me about Shakespeare is Boffo! Premium Summer Camps for Kids. Two installments in 2012: The Homeschoolers` Version: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm, August 13-17, 2012 for only $125. Premium Full Day Summer Camp: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, July 16-20, 2012 for only $155. Both prices hold until May 15th, 2012. Spots are going fast. Register, now at www.shakespeareisboffo.ca
The wail of the tiny -- smaller than small -- business person.
So, in order to keep the chin up, I believe a reiteration of core values is in order:
- I started these camps in the hope of attracting active kids to the study of theatre in general and Shakespeare in the specific. How? Give the kids boffer (soft) swords and let them bash each other about benignly (and then get them to do a bit of performing as well). It's active. It's fun. They love it. And kids who are active actually learn better. So, so...
- I started these camps with the goal of sending kids home tired. Course it tires me out, too, but what the heck?
- I started these camps to offer a premium artist-led experience
- I started these camps to get the kids outside for a significant portion of the day. Fresh air is good for you.
So, if you are looking for a freer, more fluid, and active experience for your child this summer, welcome to my tiny little boutique camp without the boutique price. How did I manage that? Not my fault. I thank my friend Trish O'Reilly at The Open Door for her tireless efforts to make use of empty space at St. David's Anglican Church. They have a great series of summer programs there -- all at great prices, all artist-driven with low teacher/camper ratios.
I am hoping to have the budget to compete in advertising, at least a little bit, with the more established camps and institutional camps. Well, maybe next year.... :)
Jacqui Burke is a freelance director, writer, and theatrical teacher living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She is currently directing Wrong for Each Other for Encore Productions opening in April, Kidsplay 2012: The Mayan Prediction opening in June, and The Last Five Years for TOKL Productions opening in July. She is, also, serializing The Pretender, her first novel, online at http://thepretender-amarcienoelnovel.blogspot.ca/. She is preparing for two Shakespeare is Boffo! summer camp sessions for 2012.
Want to contact me?
Jacqui Burke
Artistic Director
Jaybird Productions
talk/text: 647-292-0210
twitter: @jaybird01
skype: Jacquiburkecell, jacqui.burke
www.wordsnimages.com
www.jaybirdproductions.ca
www.shakespeareisboffo.ca
http://jacquiburke.blogspot.ca
http://thepretender-amarcienoelnovel.blogspot.ca/
http://jaybirdproductions.blogspot.ca/
Ask me about Shakespeare is Boffo! Premium Summer Camps for Kids. Two installments in 2012: The Homeschoolers` Version: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm, August 13-17, 2012 for only $125. Premium Full Day Summer Camp: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, July 16-20, 2012 for only $155. Both prices hold until May 15th, 2012. Spots are going fast. Register, now at www.shakespeareisboffo.ca
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