WA Repeats
Sat, 16 Feb 2008, 01:30 pmdead28 posts in thread
WA Repeats
Sat, 16 Feb 2008, 01:30 pmJust a thought about WA Theatre and the lack of inspiration to try something different - every year is like a repeat. Consider the following:
1)
2007 Limelight Theatre - Cabaret // 2008 Kwinana Theatre Workshop - Cabaret
Tough act to follow - winner of Best Musical 2007 Finley’s (so why?)
2)
2007 GRADS - Importance of being Earnest // 2008 Limelight - Importance of being Earnest
This show is done almost every year - lets make a joint promise to give it a break for 5 years!
3)
2008 Marloo - Pirates of Penzance // 2008 G&S Society (city) - Pirates of Penzance
I know which production I would rather see!!
4)
2006 Playlovers - Seussical // 2008 Mandurah - Seussical
Again another tough match - give it a few years to settle
And there are lots more - this does not help create a fresh theatrical market. Two points:
1) let's mix it up a bit and ensure we are not repeating ourselves (5 year gaps)
2) Take risks - too many theatres just play it safe - take a chance; there is so much more theatre work out there which has yet to be touched.
Just thoughts .........
DW
This is a problem we all
Mon, 18 Feb 2008, 07:35 amThis is a problem we all have to face. I have a friend here in Adelaide who does one or two shows a year as Producer. He always does farce and has a very small group of actors he selects from. he pretty much sells out but if he strays from his formula even to the extent of using a different theatre he loses audience because he loses his comfortable habit audiences. And because he only does farce he doesn't pick up others.
I do new works largely. Sure I play to smaller houses but our audiences are growing with every show. I also find I get more commitment from my performers because I am challenging them.
I think we are both right. We are both producing theatre, I wouldn't be happy doing what he is doing, he wouldn't be happy doing what I am doing. I go to his shows (and occasionally help out with lights or stage management) and he comes to mine and occasionally helps me out.
Oh and "The Importance of Being Earnest" is a great play and can't be done too often.
Lysistrata is interesting I haven't heard of it being done here in Adelaide for years, I am planning it for the end of the year. I was going to do a new American play but the royalties have gone through the roof.
Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing.
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