Making Art
Life is definitely heating up with King and I in it’s final rehearsals, so I have had little time to write. My husband is a saint.. but that’s another story. Although I have few breathing spaces at the moment in which to reflect, today is one of them, so here goes…
As I think about the show and where we are I can’t stop a big smile from spreading across my face. What a fantastic show we have! A living breathing Siam has come to life peopled with wonderful characters. I know a show is good when the production staff begin to watch it more than comment on it. I find myself drawn in to this show in that way. I forget to think about the acting and enjoy the story. That is the acid test- and the goal of all theatre. Theatre works best when people can lay aside their own thoughts for just a few moments and suspend disbelief to be drawn up in another’s life. When this happens the actors have been successful in creating someone so real that we forget for just a moment they are pretending.
Often as a director I am asked “So how’s the show?” For this show I can easily answer “Great!” but it is not enough. I would need to say “enchanting” or “transporting” or more… it has become a work of art. When I held the first parent/full cast meeting I told the gathered people that this was our goal. To go beyond rehearsing a play into the realm of making art. And we have done it!
What is art? Art to me is about beauty and about expression. It is about capturing a truth about the human experience. It is about something that becomes more than the sum of it’s parts. Art is about creation and sometimes co-creation.
Our King and I has become art. A true co-creation of many, many kinds of artists. During the entire process of the show we have made decisions about the characters, the set, the costumes, the lights, the meaning of the play- through collaboration. The actors have had full voice in what happens to them and my staff has had full voice as well. I am very proud that this show has steered through the delicate task of blending many people’s best work to grow into something beautiful that belongs to all of us: Cory, Megan, Bill, Jon, Eric, Jen, Drenda, Carlton, Roger, Theresa, Baron AND all 60 cast members created this beautiful art.
If you are reading this and you are one of my wonderful staff thank you! If you are reading this and you are a parent, spouse or significant other of a cast member thank you! And if you are reading this and are new to Hershey Area Playhouse- run, don’t walk to get your tickets to a wonderful experience!