For Your Consideration.
For far too long, it seems to me, legitimate theatre has been shooting itself in the foot. Making it no longer central to a 21st Century lifestyle. It has not focused not on what it does best, which is to tell stories which in production move an audience towards a vision of existence other than the one being lived; a more vital more humane world of the collective imagination. Instead, for far too long our actions have joined the mainstream thinking of theatre as a business, an escape, an entertainment, attempting merely to be “good” – good for what? For whom? In what way good? What part of me is it good for? And what are we escaping from? We should be more than “show business” – (who in hell thought of theatre as a business in the first place?) – looking for critical “raves” and avoiding critical “pans”. To look at theatre as a business is a sure way to eliminate it – even as a business.
Our art form depends upon dialogue and a willingness to use our collective imagination. In a world of cell phone “chat”, “reality” TV, “real action” movies, and of PC isolation, the theatre is uniquely (perhaps threateningly and certainly dangerously) capable of doing this. It is our prime strength.
This season will show a rededication to the dialogue between actors and their audience; a passionate dedication to what theatre does best. The theatre experience enables us to listen to one another, the only way we can hear one another. In a very real way the audience creates the production. When an audience is not “there” the actors are not “there” either – and I don’t mean merely box office. A play receives its resonance, it’s echo, from the audience. If the audience won’t play, there is no game.
So often an evening in the theatre is approached by critics, (often acting as a privileged consumers’ guide), or certain audience members, with a “show me” attitude. This is not helpful, to the play, the production, or the audience’s enjoyment. Theatre is essentially participatory, an opportunity, not for immediate judgment, but for audience and players to fuse and become part of one another. Ultimately, it is a particular mode of expression through which a community realizes itself.
So, for this new season, we hope to passionately engage you, our loyal patrons! We hope that you will be willing to join in the game. The plays all provide the opportunity for exciting engagement; the company is rededicated to their craft and to engage you – and I know you will come with us on the upcoming journey through the fall, winter, and spring – when I will have to think of something else to say – again – each year for another 25 years!
Affectionately,
