Not to be confused with “take it personally,” it is important as a director to make a personal connection to the play. Even when assigned a play–which is often the case–in order for the play to achieve greatness in production, a director must find the specific theme or moment of quality or whatever it might be about that play that s/he can care about in a deep and meaningful way. If the director only passively skims the surface of the play, the audience experience will be similarly distanced.
I am thankful that when I arrived at Roundabout I discovered that the values of the program were quite aligned with my own and, in many cases, were articulating those values better than I ever had on my own. It did not take long for me to feel personally invested in the work. I am passionate about the fact that we partner with teachers and principals to meet the gargantuan task of engaging students in learning despite the many, many, many obstacles they face every day at home, on the streets and subways and within the school system. I am proud to be part of a theatre that values an audience that wants to be entertained and to be challenged with classic revivals and with new work. I care deeply about our roster of teaching artists that are at the heart of what we do in the schools and in our theatres.
Unlike other arenas of business, the personalization of our work is not only expected but vital to our success.
What are these Radical Rules? Read the introduction to Radical Rules.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Phil // Jan 23, 2008 at 2:46 pm
This “radical rule” reminds me of my stint teaching public speaking at a community college. One recommended technique was to personalize ideas– i.e. speak of comments not in abstractions, but as they relate to our lives as human beings. Your “rule,” David, takes that advice to the logical next step, and to connect it to our own lives.
To be honest, I don’t know if this is easier to do in the arts than in other subjects, or not. I’ve found it easier, but I’ve had many great teachers and learning opportunities. I wonder if people in environments that are “arts-poor” would have difficulty connecting the arts to their lives. Do they find themselves “personalizing it” with other ideas/concepts, such as math, politics or science?
2 Hawley Hussey // Jan 24, 2008 at 9:25 am
“If the director only passively skims the surface of the play, the audience experience will be similarly distanced. ”
David, I find this to be true for EVERYTHING. From day to day meetings with staff and colleagues to the planning of a residency to assessing the eventual outcomes. If any member of the process is skimming the surface that is exactly what your outcome will be. A distant surface. Maxine Greene says that “Inspiration opens up intellectual possibility.” I raise a glass for one full minute to Maxine Greene! And to you!
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