Long Live Caesar!
So Michael Cremonini is directing Julius Caesar for the Fall Festival of Shakespeare (the program where the Shakespeare & Co people go into the high schools and direct plays), and the word on the street is that he never thought it could be done until our Institute got him excited about the play. So I say "Yay us!"
I still haven't chosen my script for the Festival, but my assistant and I are furiously narrowing down our choices. We're going to see who turns up at auditions before we pick, but right now our short list includes Shrew, 1 Henry IV, and Winter's Tale. Anyone out there have experience working with teenagers on any of those scripts? Words of wisdom? Warning?
hoping you are all well,
Viva la Revolution!
posted by Uta @ 11:04 PM
5 comments
5 Comments:
I didn't know you were at a school that does the Fall Festival! I'm so jealous! Man, I'd give absolutely anything to get to direct a show up there.
Everyone likes Shrew, and the kids get it (even though the subplots are quite confusing). Henry IV works only if you have your Falstaff. If you're not sure of your Falstaff, I'd pass. But I'd love to see you do Winter's Tale. I love the play for its challenges, and despite its flaws. You and your students would have interesting discussions about the ending. Did the statue come to life, or was Hermione in hiding? Spirited debate makes for a fun show.
If this kid still does the Fall Festival, you've got to tell us all about him:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZoO8LyizLA
(not work-safe)
Thanks for your thoughts about the plays. I would love to do Winter's Tale, but the whole thing depends on who walks into the room. For all I know we'll end up with something not on the list... It's exciting!
I don't acutally teach high school any more. I moved to the Berkshires to help my family out, and then got the contract to direct in the Fall Festival. The pay is negligible, but I'm learning a ton from some truly brilliant folks, and I admit, when we work on scenes in Founders theater during directors' training, I get a little awe-struck.
hope all is well in Texas!
First off, color me jealous, too, Meg. That seems awesome.
ANd under: "Great minds think alike" (and I'm bowing to a much more creative person here in Meg) Shakepeare on the Mountain will be doing 1 Henry IV next summer , and most likely Winter's Tale in '09. I love WT and unfortunately probably won't be directing because I have a shot at doing a big fat expensive production of "Amadeus" in the same time frame in the big venue downtown. Choices, choices.
Anyhoo, I've long been doing bits from Winters Tale with students for a long time now, because its so much fun--especially the "country" bits--you can work in Dibbling at the sheepshearing party and have all kinds of fun with music. Kind of like Midsummer and Much Ado, it has a gossipy, flirty edge that makes a nice contrast Polixenes' raging about the baby daddy, so it's a great mix to do with teens. Plus the whole statue coming to life image is a beauty--the dramatic possibilities are endless.
So that's why I like it. I'm sure anthing you take on will be spectacular no matter what.
all the best,
Sandi
Sandi, Amadeus is my favorite play! Man, everyone has such great opportunities this year. Hooray for us!
The decision has been mead...
It's Winter's Tale!
Sandi, thanks for your thoughts on WT and teens, and continued luck and prosperity with your company. We had 56 kids audition for the show, but the S&Co limit of kids participating (because of costume logistics) is 30. It's clearly time to create a massive crew!
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