Talked with Lea tonight about her conversation with a prospective shop. Our desire for the design is very close to the budget. The discussion about the decisions that have to be made to come within the budget allowed us to think creatively about somethings we've wanted all along. We are going to look for a well designed, stylized, way to realize the tree. Freeing ourselves from the 'expense' of the realistic tree - then moves us toward, what is the world of the play we are creating, what does this tree have to be. It is an exciting conversation because we are trying to present this rich world of Scott's - without fully realizing it. The reason for not fully realizing it - is because the play grows in scope each time it is experienced, and it is important for the set to not to dwarf the play. It wants to allow for a vastness that resides in the poetry of Scott's world. Part of that vastness is in the imagination, so it is a dance ( a nice metaphor for this play) to find the balance of creating the world of the play while allowing for the imagination of the possible to take place in the audience's mind.
The conversation with Lea perfectly dovetailed with some of Scott's thoughts he shared with me today about the need for intimacy in the space. I love that everyone is thinking about the story of the play...and what is essential. Speaking of essential - the shop Lea talked to today said something lovely, when she suggested what might be able to be cut to save on costs, he cautioned her because he thought she had given just the right balance of what was required to communicate the world. So nice for him to recognize that. It encouraged us to talk about solutions in a different way.
I'm looking forward to my meeting with Sarah Sidman tomorrow, now the Knives and other Sharp Objectives is up and running, and her other show (Angela's Mixed Tape - I think) is out of tech. Very glad she is busy, happier that she is free to talk. Look forward to sharing those conversations - and answering questions about lanterns, matches, and late summer dusk.
goodnight,
Padraic
1 comment:
Padraic...Holli here....Scott's sister. It seems like all the road bumps in the past have worked to this play's advantage (good directing plays a part). I agree that the set can overwhelm the story. I worried about this happening as the story is so simplistic. I will be there during pre-view week and am very excited about seeing Sweet Storm again. I appreciate your ability and talent to direct this play!!! See ya soon....Holli
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