So The Tempest opened last weekend. Things cleared up, came together, and we put on a couple of fine shows. At least they were fine shows to me. There were a couple of flubs here and there, and some late cues, but overall I thing it turned out good. I guess sometimes I'm too hard on myself. I just want to create the best thing that I can, and when things fall short, I get down. I'm still sad that some things didn't pan out, but now I've just got to let things go, and let the play evolve by itself.
I would say my major strength as a director is casting the right people. I think I get a good feel for what's right for people and what their abilities are. For example I couldn't imagine any other person playing Caliban except for the guy who's doing it. He's perfect for the role. Also there are some roles in the play that are traditionally cast a different way, Ariel for example, but the actors really stepped up and showed there is no one way to play a character. The real test comes the weekend after next when Prospero is being played by a black woman. Many people are making a big deal of it, but Prospero is just another character. In Shakespeare the words make the character, not really the actor. Is it harder to believe that a black woman is playing a duke from Milan, or that a human is playing a spirit? I think as long as it's good, people won't care.
Now I just hope we have more nice weather this weekend and that my actors don't forget their lines.
Here are some pictures:
Prospero; "Ye elves of hills, brooks, standing lakes, and groves."
Prospero, Ferdinand, and Miranda; "They are both in either's powers.
Stephano, Caliban, Trinculo "Come kiss."
Trinculo, Caliban, Stephano; "I should know that voice."
Stephano, Trinculo, Caliban; "Have we devils here?"
Miranda and Prospero; "Thou art inclin'd to sleep"
Prospero and Miranda; "When I have deck'd the sea with drops full salt"
Prospero and Ariel; "Remember I have done thee worthy service"
Miranda and Ferdinand; "Ay, with a heart as willing As bondage e'er of freedom"
Caliban; "...and teach me how To name the bigger light, and how the less, That burn by day and night"
More photos here.
And of course the shameless plug:
The Tempest
7:30 PM Friday, Saturday Sunday
June 16th - July 9th
Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre
34 Pearson Dr. (Behind the Montford Community Center)
Asheville NC
Free (Donations accepted)
I would say my major strength as a director is casting the right people. I think I get a good feel for what's right for people and what their abilities are. For example I couldn't imagine any other person playing Caliban except for the guy who's doing it. He's perfect for the role. Also there are some roles in the play that are traditionally cast a different way, Ariel for example, but the actors really stepped up and showed there is no one way to play a character. The real test comes the weekend after next when Prospero is being played by a black woman. Many people are making a big deal of it, but Prospero is just another character. In Shakespeare the words make the character, not really the actor. Is it harder to believe that a black woman is playing a duke from Milan, or that a human is playing a spirit? I think as long as it's good, people won't care.
Now I just hope we have more nice weather this weekend and that my actors don't forget their lines.
Here are some pictures:
Prospero; "Ye elves of hills, brooks, standing lakes, and groves."
Prospero, Ferdinand, and Miranda; "They are both in either's powers.
Stephano, Caliban, Trinculo "Come kiss."
Trinculo, Caliban, Stephano; "I should know that voice."
Stephano, Trinculo, Caliban; "Have we devils here?"
Miranda and Prospero; "Thou art inclin'd to sleep"
Prospero and Miranda; "When I have deck'd the sea with drops full salt"
Prospero and Ariel; "Remember I have done thee worthy service"
Miranda and Ferdinand; "Ay, with a heart as willing As bondage e'er of freedom"
Caliban; "...and teach me how To name the bigger light, and how the less, That burn by day and night"
More photos here.
And of course the shameless plug:
The Tempest
7:30 PM Friday, Saturday Sunday
June 16th - July 9th
Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre
34 Pearson Dr. (Behind the Montford Community Center)
Asheville NC
Free (Donations accepted)
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Yeah I don't know about Warped yet. If I do end up going though, i'll let you know.
whats up?