Pittsburgh Arts, Regional Theatre, New Work, Producing, Copyright, Labor Unions,
New Products, Coping Skills, J-O-Bs...
Theatre industry news, University & School of Drama Announcements, plus occasional course support for
Carnegie Mellon School of Drama Faculty, Staff, Students, and Alumni.
Post Gazette: "It's almost Valentine's Day, the time of year for crimson roses, heart-shaped candies, candlelit dinners -- and Count Dracula? Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre thinks the blood-thirsty Casanova isn't just for Halloween.
There have become many motifs of Dracula. it isnt surprising that the original novel has become convoluted and in many ways lost in these reinventions and re-tellings. much of what has been lost from the novel is the themes. the common themes Dracula is understood for is Horror and Terror yet much of the original text follows a common theme of passion and lust. it is understandable that through years of censorship and toned down sexuality that these themes have been lost. when you pull from the original text , like the Ballet probably has it is not surprising that they would chose a Valentines-Day Opening Rather than a halloween . they are showing respect to the original material which i wish more people would do.
I love that PBT has taken Dracula and put it in February right next to Valentine's Day. This change is time from October next to Halloween will make audiences think a little more about the story and meaning of the show. Dracula is the original love and horror story liked and feared by many. Putting it in a different form, like dance, adds a contrasting dynamic that's intriguing and fun. Dance also adds an excitement and sexuality to it that can't be expressed in words. Hopefully I will be able to go see the show this weekend, it looks very interesting and different from previous ballets that I've seen.
Dracula, and most vampire stories, have such an inherent sensuality to them that really makes it a clever match for February. Especially when considering it will be danced, which often brings sensuality and physicality to the table as well.
I'm most amused that they couldn't not mention Twilight. Vampires are hot right now, in both senses of the word. And for all the less likable aspects of Twilight, it did bring vampires back out of Halloween and horror on the public consciousness. Though it pains me a little to say it, Twilight really helped present them with a good opportunity to perform Dracula near Valentine's Day. The audience is primed for seeing romance in vampire stories, and makes younger audiences interested in vampire-stories. But, then again, they might not be open to exploring new ground beyond the realm of Twilight and dudes that sparkle.
Two intermissions? Wow I'm surprised that audiences today will sit through a long show. Not to mention they only have a few days to tech a long show in the theatre. Other than that I agree that it is a great idea to do Dracula for Valentine's Day. While it is not a new twist we haven't seen it in a while. I don't know what kind of audience the PBT usually sees, but I think a lot more will show up to this production.
4 comments:
There have become many motifs of Dracula. it isnt surprising that the original novel has become convoluted and in many ways lost in these reinventions and re-tellings. much of what has been lost from the novel is the themes. the common themes Dracula is understood for is Horror and Terror yet much of the original text follows a common theme of passion and lust. it is understandable that through years of censorship and toned down sexuality that these themes have been lost. when you pull from the original text , like the Ballet probably has it is not surprising that they would chose a Valentines-Day Opening Rather than a halloween . they are showing respect to the original material which i wish more people would do.
I love that PBT has taken Dracula and put it in February right next to Valentine's Day. This change is time from October next to Halloween will make audiences think a little more about the story and meaning of the show. Dracula is the original love and horror story liked and feared by many. Putting it in a different form, like dance, adds a contrasting dynamic that's intriguing and fun. Dance also adds an excitement and sexuality to it that can't be expressed in words. Hopefully I will be able to go see the show this weekend, it looks very interesting and different from previous ballets that I've seen.
Dracula, and most vampire stories, have such an inherent sensuality to them that really makes it a clever match for February. Especially when considering it will be danced, which often brings sensuality and physicality to the table as well.
I'm most amused that they couldn't not mention Twilight. Vampires are hot right now, in both senses of the word. And for all the less likable aspects of Twilight, it did bring vampires back out of Halloween and horror on the public consciousness. Though it pains me a little to say it, Twilight really helped present them with a good opportunity to perform Dracula near Valentine's Day. The audience is primed for seeing romance in vampire stories, and makes younger audiences interested in vampire-stories. But, then again, they might not be open to exploring new ground beyond the realm of Twilight and dudes that sparkle.
Two intermissions? Wow I'm surprised that audiences today will sit through a long show. Not to mention they only have a few days to tech a long show in the theatre. Other than that I agree that it is a great idea to do Dracula for Valentine's Day. While it is not a new twist we haven't seen it in a while. I don't know what kind of audience the PBT usually sees, but I think a lot more will show up to this production.
Post a Comment