how do you evaluate a director's work?
Thu, 26 Mar 2009, 05:59 pmLisa Skryp49 posts in thread
how do you evaluate a director's work?
Thu, 26 Mar 2009, 05:59 pmI have been reflecting on my reactions to theatre that I see.
As an actor who has yet to tackle directing, I realise I generally look at things from that point of view. My observations re: lighting/set design/sound are generally minimal - unless it is particularly amazing or dreadful. Sad I know, but true.
As to the direction of a show, it is a similar thing for me; unless someone makes some very different thematic/interpretive/stylistic departure from the expected, I don't tend to notice & the lucky actors get all the credit for a great show.
To me it would seem that if a director has done a good job, no one will really notice, as the show will flow smoothly, tell the tale effectively & captivate as it should.
Just wondering - how do you evaluate a director's work? What are your thoughts on this, folks?
Many moons
Sat, 11 Apr 2009, 12:33 amWalter Plinge
You know, I have been thinking about what I have read.
I have directed plays and musicals and opera in australia and in Europe, sometimes professionally, sometime for the love of community. And in each case, everything is different.
I approach work as a vision. Firstly, I need to really love the written text. It needs to fill my mind with fantasy as to how I can create this on a stage. How I can use as many tricks as I know to deliver a work that is passionate to its audience. Because thats what its all about. I as a director, turn written text into sound, colour and movement.
So how do you evaluate my work? Its not easy. In some cases, I make decisions that I know will jarr with the audience. I know some of the decisions I will make, will destroy the suspension of disbelief that I ask an audience to willingly agree to. An example is meta- theatre, where a director chooses to show the workings of a theatre, ie, he will lower the lighting bars so an audience will have to see the lights. This destroys the suspension of disbelief and can, if done the right way, create a new sense, perhaps of discomfort, perhaps of voyeurism, perhaps for some other reason altogether.
Is this bad directing? Not if it makes you react. And, in my opinion, whatever reaction an audience or a single member chooses to have, is for me a delight. I know then that I have succeeded. If an audience leaves and thinks 'ho hum, this didnt make me laugh or cry, I wasnt angered or made happy, or I have nothing to think about', then, as a director, I have failed. If my cast fails, then I have failed. They are the instruments of my vision. If they let you down, its because I let you down.
Directing accepts responsibility for everything and nothing. You see what we want you to see, but its everyone else who brings it to life every night. So ultimately, a good director is maybe just someone who will trust his cast and crew, and will earn the trust back, so that the people who give you a show, do so knowing that they are making something special. Together.