|
|||
|
Disclaimer:
The reviewers' opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of TheatreLouisville.org. |
From the publisher...
December 2008
It won't be long until we flip the calendar to a new year. Each new year brings a slew of resolutions and plans, and of course, that's a good thing. However, before we decide where we're going, it helps to take a long look at where we've been, because in many cases we don't want to go back there. Thus, here is TheatreLouisville's end-of-year list entitled "Out With the Old," and we hope it will help all of us "Ring in the New" with better things. Ars Myopia Ars Myopia is thus the first item on our "Out With the Old" list. Journalists, arts fans and the wider community, please take note. Checking It Only Once Let's all think things through before we put our plans into action, checking and rechecking our lists, and then checking our knee-jerk reactions at the door. To paraphrase Scrooge, out upon ill will! It never should have come in, in the first place. Mi, Mi, Mi Stuff happens, and sometimes people may find themselves truly unable to fulfill the commitments they've made. There is such a thing as being too ill to perform, or having a personal or family emergency. It goes without saying that producers and directors should always have a Plan B — and, ideally, Plans C and D. Yet during this busy season, when productions overlap as well as super-size, it may be difficult enough to fill out a single cast and crew, let alone one with understudies and backup. Wouldn't it be great if theatre groups could loan understudies and off-season performers as easily as they exchange a bit of costuming or props? And even more so if theatre groups would communicate that option to one another? Maybe Theatre B doesn't have an actor who's a very quick study and who fits the physical parameters needed by Theatre A ... but then again, maybe it has, or better still, someone who has played the role in a previous production. (Occasionally, our tendency to choose the same plays does work to our advantage.) I have seen it happen, and I've seen it make the difference between a thriving production and a financial catastrophe. In theatre, the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts. If we are the ones who must unavoidably exit too early, let's do everything we can to help those who remain on the other side of that door. If we are responsible for a production, let's share, offer and communicate. And whoever we are, let's sweep the insular mentality out with the trash. Okay, Now Break a Leg Best wishes to all for a very happy and successful season! — A.S. Waterman ___________
Read previous Messages from the Publisher
|
| |
