What constitutes a good show?
Mon, 4 Dec 2006, 08:21 amGordon the Optom11 posts in thread
What constitutes a good show?
Mon, 4 Dec 2006, 08:21 amShould a play still be considered admirable and worth recommending, if the sets are first class, the lighting outstanding, the direction imaginative, the acting amazing – never been better - but the script boring, clichéd and pointless? On this occasion the audience may depart the theatre frustrated and thinking what a waste of time and talent.
Or is the piece which has very little scenery, a few lights, the acting is wooden with the odd fluffed word, direction is dull and laborious, but the play has a brilliantly inventive, beautifully written script, a better show?
Possibly the play is one which is technically average, has good - but not outstanding acting - yet on leaving the theatre you realise that you have engaged in some kind of emotional experience? Perhaps you have laughed, cried, aroused, been scared witless and still are thinking about passages in the play a day or two later. Is this the 5-star production?
I realise that in the ideal show, all of these ‘quality features’ should be present, but isn’t the audience enjoyment factor the most important point of any show?
We hear of Art Galleries which have spent $20,000 on a pile of bricks, or recently in the UK of the 50,000 pounds spent on a standard urinal as the latest art. Likewise I feel that the number of productions which are weird and fit into some strange genre is increasing. There is a massive GENERAL public out there, which some producers may consider plebs, who need to be taught to appreciate the latest real and innovative theatre art. Are the public right or should a select few discerning theatricals receive preference?
The Da Vinci code was a massive seller, very popular but hardly the best written book of the year, but it was a good satisfying yarn. So how should books and plays be rated? Does the audience enjoyment factor matter?
In the Eye
Thu, 21 Dec 2006, 10:13 amArtistic qualities are certainly important, to that I agree. They do not however make, or break, a good show, at least not alone. Strong artistic values need the support of solid performances and structured direction in order to carry it of. Again, the artistic qualities need to be consistent with the goals of the production.
I have even seen and heard of cases where the lack of artistic elements hasn't broken the show. Shows which have been slammed by critics for poor visual aspects, or artistic interpretation have been stunning box office smashes.
However, I am like you I think Stinger in that I enjoy some artistic interpretation. Aspects such as visual, spatial, and geographical direction are always a joy to watch, when done well. The problem comes from the fact that these aspects are somewhat abstract that most audiences would tend to overlook them. A seasoned performer or theatre goer would more likely appreciate things things, but I find they tend to be in the minority. For the most part, as a performer or director, you are entertaining the general public, who have little expereience and understanding of the details behind acting, direction, stage-craft.
With regards Robbie, he may consider himself an entertainer in the definition he uses, but he has very little authority to peak for the rest of us. I agree that there is more artistry to acting than simply pretending. Pretending is easy. My five year old can do that without thinking. Making it believable is where the art rests.
Absit invidia
Jeff Watkins
Perth based Actor/Performer
who can also sing and dance
Fight/Sword Choreographer
Virgin Director
UPstageWA Rep