Saturday, October 17, 2009
Returning to Laramie
Berkeley Rep Blog;: "Estimates for last Monday night’s audience at The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later are impressive. Somewhere in the realm of 50,000 people (according to the New York Times) attended one of the 150 staged readings of the new play around the world — including at least one in each of the 50 states."
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7 comments:
Working on Laramie was one of the really great shows that I have worked on. It was great being a part of something that was so big and global, all happening at the same time. As I was in the booth, I was watching the twitter feed from people all over the world reporting on their experiences through the show and their thoughts on it. The updates on how the Lincoln Center was doing in their production were helpful, but somewhat hard to find. But it was a really great experience, and I was happy to be a part of it.
I often find myself listening to lengthy discussions about how to successfully integrate ever evolving technology into theatre and art. Furthermore the conversation is usually a debate about wether the technology is being brought in because it is "cool" or because it actually has a purpose or as we have been discussing in Salt Peanuts helps tell the story. I think this is a perfect example of a situation in which technology was brought in as an element that made this production unique and interesting but also in a way that was beneficial to the very important story this play tells. Technology was used to connect audiences around the world as well as to allow those audiences to voice their thoughts not on,y on the performances but on the situation. I think in this case peoples reaction were an essential part of the story that was being told.
I think that this project was more interesting than many of the plays the school has put on recently. I was quite bummed that very few underclassmen D/P's got to see it because of grapes strike. Apparently Sunday's rehearsal was open for folks to see, but few of us knew that in time. All the same, I was encouraged by the school's involvement in the project.
It is great to hear how this play has been seen by so many people. Not only was it viewed though the play did what it is meant to do: inspire discussion which it seems most, if not all theaters had at their talk backs after the show. This is such a promenient issue right now, with the equality march in DC, the repeal of Dont Ask Dont Tell and more states adopting same sex Marriage, this play could not have come at a better time to continue discussion.
I wish I could have seen the show, but I am trying to get my hands on a copy. I hope the full show gets mounted and I will definatly make the trip.
I feel that this is the truest reason for theater. Theater, that while it is an entertainment form, is meant to tell stories that change the world in which it exists. This is the quintessential example of such works. I feel that the telling of such a story in a theatrical and, I use this word with all resepct to the content of the work, entertaining work allows a vast audience to witness and enjoy the piece than if it were merely a documentary.
In my last experience with the Laramie project, projections were integral to the communication of the story and not simply because it was cool. I would love to have seen live feed projections of other readings incorporated into our reading. That would've made this production a truly global collaboration cross theatres and cross cultures. Using different actors via screen or via person would be an approach I would love to see for the next anniversary production of Laramie.
I was so pleased with how our production of "The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later" turned out. We had the full support of the department and a fantastic team and cast in place to put the production on stage.
The use of live projections from Tectonic in New York City made the process all the more interesting and special as a shared experience.
One thing that was very disappointing was the fact that this anniversary/performance date also fell on a night where a large populate of Drama students were in strike for Grapes or rehearsal for another production.
In response to Ethan's comment about the Sunday rehearsal being "open," I should clarify that that rehearsal was never going to be an open rehearsal, but kind of turned into one as the evening progressed as we realized how many people wouldn't be able to make the actual show. Nobody should feel left out that they weren't "invited." Besides, the actual production with all of the projections was a much cooler thing to see.
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