Modern Plays Not Modern Enough?

In the movie cinema we're seeing the most modern characters, plots, settings, costumes and effects. Why then is it that modern theatrical pieces are either old plays modernised or new plays based in old times. The only times i have seen a completely modern performance is back in high school (the past 5 years) when we were told to make a five minute improvisation. Why then can't we turn the concepts of a modern five minute impro into a full length play (I'm at the moment writing one so i'm not a hypocrite). I'm involved in Roleystone theatre only because of the people there because roleystone does nothing but old tripe. The newest play roleystone has done is COSI in which i was involved. It was a great play but it was the set in the 70's. We are in the new millenium now and it contains more issues and concepts to base a play on than any period in history, so why can we not use them in plays today? Comments?

I absolutely agree with you. It is also probably because Roleystone theatre is run mostly but people aged 50-60, maybe older (no offence to any on the committee). They're the ones that put on half of the plays and agree on the production of other ones. Don't get me wrong - I love the old classics but for once I would like to see something new (1990's even) that others have not seen. It might even be interesting.

Don't forget that the average age of the audience is 60. They grew up in the "theatre era", before telli. I think most theatres have to try and play it safe with rehash rather than new stuff to get Bums on Seats.

I hope that you guys realise that bagging the theatre where you are currently involved is not a good idea.

Yes alot of theatre companys are stuck in a bit of a rut. But don't you think that rather than cutting it down you should try and change it.

If you don't like the way things are run then go else where or get over it. We are all members and we should all be doing something to change it if we don't like it.

*SLUUURRRP* The sound of Kris sucking up to the committee of roleystone theatre.
I hope you realise that this is a message board service where you are able to say your thoughts and opinions. My thoughts - Roleystone theatre puts on old crap. You don't like me saying that Kris, then you can write a message back saying your opinions.
See how it works. Or should i write it in caps lock so you can understand it?!

>I hope you realise that this is a message board service where >you are able to say your thoughts and opinions. My thoughts - >Roleystone theatre puts on old crap. You don't like me saying >that Kris, then you can write a message back saying your >opinions.
>See how it works. Or should i write it in caps lock so you can >understand it?!

Look, I don't know either of you, but I have watched Mr. Gambler post argument-starting and contentious posts all week, culminating in your bagging Roleystone TC. I just think that you might not need to write your messages to Kris in caps lock for her to understand it, presuming you don't need her to hide behind a lame pseudonym to understand yours.

Have the courage of your convictions to put your name to your posts, rather than being controversial and mysoginistic without having to deal with the flame-consequences personally.

Toby

They are all the same horse - just with a different jockey!

As I am ready to be zipped up into the black body bag ...........As I am at the wrong end of the time scale or line or what ever!

I think it depends on the demographics of the BOSÂ’s your theatre attracts and that being a known and good old safety net for them.

To suddenly change the lighting state while you are starting on a tightrope can be dangerous, however, to do a slow cross fade, very subtly, you will achieve your required results.

I would only want to speak from my present experience at the ‘Old Mill’ -
When I went there and designed the set for ‘Hotel Sorest’, sure there was those who were not happy with the concept, but it worked. Very good houses.

When ‘Jack the Ripper’ was staged, there were the stalwarts who tutt tutted, again the it worked to about 80% or more houses. 'Shirley Valentine' was something different for the Mill’s BOS’s - yet apparently we are not getting any more than yesteryears, excepting that the demographics of the audience may have changed slightly, as regards to age and circumstance.

We would still only average around 70% houses per year, that is - calculating it on my thumb ruler, no matter what shows are performed.

The latest one, on the boards, 'Man of La Mancha' is no exception. It is certainly different and is primarily a play with music thrown in - not a musical, as some may think! Fabulous voices and dazzling dancers, costumes and set are not required, just ordinary AMDRAM warm props, who are used to the best of their collective abilities.
If it was not for the terrible seats the BumÂ’s would not realise they are there seated, without interval, for two hours - thatÂ’s certainly different for the old millers - but at least we can always bank on at least 70% occupancy of the house's in order to budget on.

Hey! We need change - Yes! And we do change - with each new generation -and to hell with the costs?? - So don't woffle on about your local theatre, think about what the word theatre and what it means and is supposed to be and "DO IT", it's does not mean 4 walls, a stage and a camel trying to be a horse!!!

Like me, with one foot in the stirrup and the other in syrup, when I do eventualy slip off my charger - at least I have

"Dreamed the impossible Â…Â….............and will have 'GONE HOME' almost sattisfied!!!!!

{Still a few seats left for "Man of La Mancha" - It's a must see play with music.}

Joe McCabe

Dear Gambler,

Grow up.

Glynn.

Mr Malone,
In the posting "Walking out at interval" I did not bag RTC, I merely asked for peoples opinions on the subject of the audience walking out at 1/2 time. The posting "When should the stage crew become involved" Was also asking for mere opinions on the topic. The only time i have so much as said that RTC puts on old crap (And I dare you to prove me wrong), Was in the recent posting of "Modern Plays Not Modern Enough". Now as for the caps lock thing, that started out as a little joke on my part(see Summary Of Responses) that was not to be taken as offensive. The reply from Kris was highly catty, as was a lot of the thing Kris has said to me at RTC over the past fortnight. This being the reason that my message would seem for lack of a better word offensive. (See also Kris's "RE: Summary Of Responses" and her "RE: Modern Plays Not Modern Enough"). Also the reason that I use 'The Gambler' is because it is so closely associated with my real name ( Mr Jason Gamble [happy]) that anyone who knows me will know that the gambler is me. Do you know me now Mr Malone? NO, so whats the bloody point?!

Dear Glynn,
See My reply to toby malane's posting and then you can sink you teeth into my left testicle you fop!

mights be the gambler should take a long hard look ast himself and write proper comments instead of slagging everone else off

The fact that you bagged RTC was hardly the point I was making - the fact that you are being inflammatory and rude on a public posting site where you will find that you are in a minority of one interested in reading the tripe that you are coming up with, was the point.

A brief survey of your last few posts reveals (amongst others) the following rubbish:

>I'm involved in Roleystone theatre only because of the people >there because roleystone does nothing but old tripe.
>
>*SLUUURRRP* The sound of Kris sucking up to the committee >of roleystone theatre.
>
>Do you know me now Mr Malone? NO, so whats the bloody >point?!
>
>See My reply to toby malane's (sic) posting and then you can sink >you teeth into my left testicle you fop!
>
>PS: Pretty Bunny - the CAPS LOCK key located at the left hand >side of your keyboard should be used only in conjunction with >angry letters to the Prime Minister.
>
>*Rrreawww! Saucer and milk table 2*
>Kris, FEMALES have way too many opinions for me to want any >of them!

Jokes? Freedom of speech? Probably. Certainly. I don't care. What is the point, MR Gamble(r) is that this kind of rubbish is fine if you want to email it to Kris, or me, or the Board of Roleystone Theatre, but nobody wants to read your juvenile rubbish on here. I certainly don't, and judging from responses from people such as Kris, ltwynam-perkins, Jonno Beckett, 'the buttel' and others, a lot of other people aren't interested in your opinion either.

The discussions you started were constructive, and sparked lively debate, which is exactly what this page needs - and I think everyone has enjoyed the debates. I just don't understand why you need to go ahead and rip apart a fellow site user (Kris) or mention by name the company you think 'put on old crap' - what's wrong with saying 'plenty of companies put on old crap' rather than demeaning a fine company like Roleystone.

I don't know you, Jason. Thank Christ for small mercies. I consider this conversation closed, and for the benefit of the other site users, please email your responses to me, Mr. Gamble.

Cheers.
Toby Malone (my real name)

Although I've come into this debate (if you could have call it that) a bit late, I want to 'cash in' on the topic that has been raised......

IF YOU WANT TO SEE SOME 'MODERN PLAYS'.........

Check Out Hayman Theatre's Upstairs Theatre Season at Curtin University!!!

We've just add the last touches to our programme for this semester which includes a number of 'modern plays'. Some are written by our students while others are by more established modern playwrights..

Upon getting our performing rights cleared/organised (including mine for Sarah Kane's "4.48 Psychosis"), I will put up a programme of our exciting lineup for this semester so WATCH THIS SPACE!

I would like to add however, that the line-up of shows at the Blue Room, PICA and Rechabite Hall should suffice enough as evidence that we have an exciting range of 'modern plays' being put out by our theatre community.

We've been having a healthy discussion on our hayman theatre message board about the very same topic and we discovered how little theatre people had seen outside of Hayman Theatre. I would wonder how much theatre you have seen outside of RTC because I don't think you would be concerned about how many modern plays are being put out otherwise.

Cheers

Crispian.

Hi Crispian

I'll second your suggestions

> IF YOU WANT TO SEE SOME 'MODERN PLAYS'.........
> Check Out Hayman Theatre's Upstairs Theatre Season at Curtin
> University!!!

looking forward to seeing next semester's line up.

Is it worth mentioning that the Hayman shows are very cheap?

:-)

Cheers
Grant