CMU School of Drama


Monday, September 15, 2008

Mark Taper Forum makeover freshens up L.A. theater scene

Los Angeles Times: "Touring the newly renovated Mark Taper Forum a few weeks before its official unveiling was a bit like standing at the crossroads between the past and the future. It wasn't merely the sight of stage carpenters readying the set for 'The House of Blue Leaves,' John Guare's delirious 1970 farce, which will inaugurate the next chapter in the Taper's 41-year history when the show opens today. Nor was it the mix of old construction and new, the way the striking carousel-shaped building has been endowed with a freshly carved-out basement lounge complete with luxurious bathrooms, not to mention all the technical improvements that have the crew happily humming as they work."

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think it's just remarkable what they used to have to go through to put on a production at the Mark Taper Forum. Until this recent renovation, every scenic element had to fit though a door that was 4'10" by 7', yet they created some of the most noteworthy Californian theatre within the past 40 or so years. Some of the space that was also designed by Jo Mielzinger had fallen out of repair - including the giant treadmill-like structures that had been out of use since the late 70's. I'm particularly interested in the way that they stage works such as their season opener - "The House of Blue Leaves" in such a classical greek style footprint - with the stage coming straight up to the patrons in the first row.

AllisonWeston said...

Having worked professionally in Los Angeles Theatre before, I can say that this is an important milestone for LA Theatre. This renovation is a real gift to the LA Theatre scene bc its construction will bring attention to a flourishing theatre scene in a city where film is often the focus. The Mark Taper Forum's new makeover is a signal to everyone that theatre still exists in LA and might draw new interest from theatre virgins.

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed the authors take on how space can define a theater goers experience. He's totally right about the Geffen Playhouse giving off the posh Hollywood air, or the sophistication of the Boston Court. I agree that it shapes your preconceptions, and I feel that the space can set a certain expectation level for the patron's. If your going to see a show at the taper, your know your going to see something polished with all the scenery and stuff verses a show at Theater 40 which uses a space in a high school at night. Out on a wing here but always felt that the artistic team has a bar that they have to meet per set by the space their in. It's when you exceed pass the bar that you can really get people coming out smiling and wanting more.