Notes on The Director and Choreographer in Theatre

The Role of the Director in Theatre

• Visibility of the Director

  • Unlike actors and playwrights, directors are often unseen and misunderstood.
  • The public tends to associate directing mostly with film due to the visible role of movie directors (e.g., calling "action").

• Directorial Tools

  • Directors primarily work with people: actors, writers, and designers.
  • They don’t act, write, or design but instead coordinate and inspire these talents to realize a cohesive production.

• The Nature of Directing

  • Directors supervise all creative elements, ensuring cohesion in the theatre event.
  • Modern directors interpret the playwright's script into a conceptualized piece of art, balancing personal vision and collaborative input.

The Concept and Vision

• Production Concept

  • This defined vision drives the production.
  • Concepts can be bold, subtle, or even controversial, guiding performance and design choices.

• Variations in Directorial Approach

  • Different directors can interpret the same play in vastly different ways based on their conceptualization. Examples:
  • Macbeth can be staged historically or with modern relevance.
  • A Raisin in the Sun can explore different character angles, focusing on realism or heightened emotional connections.

Directing Styles

• Realism

  • This common style mimics real-life situations, focusing on authentic dialogue and settings.
  • True realism in theatre can be challenging due to its inherently artificial nature.

• Romanticism

  • Presents a glorified view of life, emphasizing heroic and idealized narratives.
  • Often includes poetic language and dramatic characters, utilized in classical plays and musicals.

• Expressionism

  • Focuses on inner truths through psychological perspectives, often employing exaggerated styles and symbolism.
  • It can reinterpret traditional texts in innovative ways, emphasizing emotional rather than literal interpretations.

• Other Styles

  • Naturalism: Extreme realism with detailed sensory representations.
  • Absurdism: Depicts nonsensical realities, often focusing on character experiences devoid of clear purpose, e.g., works by Samuel Beckett.
  • Brechtian Theatre: Utilizes alienation techniques to provoke critical thought rather than emotional involvement.

Evolution of Directing in Theatre

• Historical Overview

  • For centuries, directing didn’t exist as an independent role, with many practices revolving around actor-managers.
  • The modern concept of directing emerged with figures like Konstantin Stanislavsky, who emphasized thoughtful staging and actor development.

• Georg II, Duke of Saxe-Meiningen

  • Regarded as one of the first modern directors, shaping current directorial practices by emphasizing meticulous rehearsal and ensemble performance.

Directing Process

• From Concept to Production

  • Play Selection: Directors must choose scripts appropriately aligned with their resources and casts.
  • Analysis: Understanding the script deeply, researching production histories, and developing a clear vision before casting.
  • Casting: Selecting actors involves both instinct and the ability to see possibilities in each audition.

• Rehearsals

  • Start with read-throughs, followed by blocking (defining movements), character development, and integration of technical elements.
  • Tech Rehearsals: Adding lighting, sound, and scenery to finalize the production before the audience sees it.

Performance and Previews

• The Role of Previews
  • Previews allow audiences to engage with the production before official opening, giving actors the chance to acclimate and provide valuable feedback to the directors.

Evaluating Directing and Choreography

• Assessing Direction

  • Audience perception may vary, but evaluating direction involves understanding the role's multifaceted responsibilities.
  • Look for cohesion in elements and whether performance aligns with overall vision.

• Importance of Context

  • Audience interpretations can vary; effective directors help convey messages through the nuances of style and pace.

Conclusion

• The Challenges of Directing
  • Directing is demanding and dynamic, requiring broad knowledge of theatre while constantly adapting to different artistic demands.
  • Successful directors manage to bring together various artistic disciplines for a cohesive performance, impacting the entire theatrical experience.