Saturday, September 22, 2012
Britain's National Theater To Open New York Office
NYTimes.com: Following the financial and critical success of their London-to-Broadway productions of “War Horse” and “One Man, Two Guvnors,” executives at the National Theater of Great Britain announced on Thursday that they are opening their first office in New York next month to oversee future shows and deepen relationships with theaters and donors in the United States. While no new National shows are in the immediate offing for Broadway, the executives said, the new office is poised to make the National even more of a force in American theater than it already is.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
I think this is wonderful. Im sure there are people out there who are saying British theatre should stay in Britain. I believe that we should encourage this kind of international theatre cooperation, which sounds silly because it's not like we're dealing with national security of anything serious of that nature. When it gets down to it, Britain has given this country the opportunity to see some really amazing pieces and I can't wait to see more in the future. I wish that America's theatre community could experience even more international theatre. Bring it on!...not the musical...bring on the theatre.
I am surprised that this has not already happened. It seems that the exchanged between Broadway and West End has been pretty consistent over the decades. I am not sure what this office will do that has not happened in the past. I agree with skpollac that it would be great for American audiences to see more British theatre, and if this office helps that to happen. Hear, hear!
Like dale I am also surprised that London does not already have an office in NYC, but at the same time it is understandable as to why the move would have been put off due to the poor economic state of both Europe and the United States. This is a great move for NYC Theaters because the Arts are so well sponsored in England and it would be wonderful to bring some of that over seas. Shows like "War Horse" were absolutely amazing and brought A TON of money to Broadway.
Also, the shows that the Brits come up with are usually pretty great, even though they may not get amazing reviews over there. I can think of one example; Phantom of the Opera got less than good reviews in London, but in the United States it is one of the longest running shows on Broadway.
I'm very excited to see that the British are officially opening up an office in NYC. While some may not like the fact that theatre is crossing seas, I think it is great. Just because we are in America does not mean that we shouldn't see and experience the art that other countries have to offer. When Americans travel overseas to places like Italy and France, they undoubtedly visit museums and experience the pieces and exhibitions. Ultimately, art should not be restricted to remaining in the place of its origins. I am so happy that pieces such as Billy Elliot and War Horse were brought overseas, as they are some of my favorite pieces of theatre I have experienced to date. I hope that the British continue to bring over great productions, and perhaps NYC will even welcome productions from other countries in the years to come.
It's about time that The National is opening up an office in the US. After all, it seems like most of NY's biggest hits come from London, so clearly they're doing something right, and something we're not doing. Please, come on over, British National Theatre. Maybe if you're working next to us, we can learn a thing or two about what you're doing that makes your shows so darn good. Also, on a more serious, less sarcastic note, there has always been a separation and controversy on relations between NY/London theatre. Maybe if their connection becomes more explicit, with a National Theatre office in NY, more exciting collaborations can happen.
I'm actually really glad this is finally (officially) happening. After spending the summer working with the National having a NY office can and should really help with their NY and Touring productions. I was never a fan of waking up at 5am so that I could speak with the folks back in London when I needed to. I'm interested to see what jobs will staff this NY office and how they will incorporate into the larger wheel that is the National Theatre. Kudos to them on this move though.
I am glad this is happen, the National Theatre not only creates wonderful shows but supports artist to create things like warhorse. The fact they said they would be even more of a force in american theatre leads me to believe that the company is willing and wants to do the same with american artists. Even if they do not though it is still a great choice that can allow a chance to share more of our culture and their culture with each other.
Post a Comment