It Isn't Theatre If...

February 20th 2007

 6 comments
Here's a quick hit for today...  American Theatre magazine used to interview people for the final page and one of the final questions was always (actually it was a statement):  "It isn't theatre if..."
 
You fill in the blank for me..."It isn't theatre if..."  what?
 
The great critic John Heilpern toured Africa in the 1970's with the legendary theatre director Peter Brook.  During the tour, Brook ordered Heilpern to write a play but it had to be a play that contained no language.  Heilpern asked Brook how do you write a play with no language to which Brook replied, "What's a play?" and casually sauntered off...Heilpern went around to the company asking each member "What's a play?" and one of them responded, "A Play is anything with me in it."  He ended up starring in Heilpern's "play"  The Shoes! 
 
So, what's a play?  Let me hear from you...
 
Peace and Love
Richard (Rick) St. Peter
February 20, 2007

Comments

Kim Dixon said...

"It isn't theatre if..."

I'm not a part of it. ;)

posted at 4:28 PM on Mar 1st 2007

Steve said...

A play is the foundation and starting place of every performance.

There, happy?

posted at 11:55 AM on Feb 24th 2007

Pogue said...

For me, it isn't theatre unless there is a distinction between performer and audience. There are those who perform and there are those who watch and respond to the performance. As I've said ad nauseam, the artist tells the audience. He is the one who has something to say. He is the one making an offering to others. Their say comes in their response to the artist's telling. I'm old fashioned and it ceases being theatre for me once the line between actor and audience is blurred.

posted at 4:57 PM on Feb 20th 2007

Steve said...

You asked both questions, I answered the first.
What's a play?
I'll think on that one, if American Theatre had been asking that question for all these years I would have my answer ready, I can also tell you my favorite curse word and sound, and I know what I want God to say to me when I get to Heaven (if it exists).

posted at 4:18 PM on Feb 20th 2007

Rick St. Peter said...

Steve-

What's a play??

posted at 3:42 PM on Feb 20th 2007

Steve said...

it doesn't tell the story.

posted at 3:37 PM on Feb 20th 2007

Post A Comment

Comments have been disabled temporarily
Name:
Country:
Email:
  Due to spam bots, your email will not be displayed.
Website:
Remember Me:    
Comment: