I was talking to one of my relatives yesterday about Dreamwell's upcoming show That Day in September. The questions I was asked about the show ranged from "How long is it?" to "How did you advertise it?" Not one question about the subject matter of the play despite the fact that I mentioned it was a show about 9/11. You would think that would elicit a question or two about the actual show itself. But this family member is clearly more focused on the practical elements of a production. I think this frame of mind is why it's so hard to talk to people about my theater ambitions. I don't care about making lots of money. I don't care about being the biggest theater in the city. I don't care about having a hundred people at a performance. What I care about is creating art that makes me people think, that challenges their preconceived ideas about the world, and that touches their hearts.
Most people don't think about such things on a daily basis. They are too caught up in daily life for such reflective thoughts. Once in a while they see a show or read a book, are moved, and that's enough. But I constantly want that stimulation. And I love providing it. It's exercise for our emotions and it's what makes us who we are. That's what matters to me.
Not how we advertised the show.
2 comments:
Flipping channels last night, I came across Flight 93. I finally felt I could watch it.
People say they haven't forgotten that day, but the response from your relative proves otherwise. I don't think we should dwell on it 24/7, but we should remember.
Exercise for our emotions, I like that.
Well, I've been wondering about the content of the play ever since I first heard you were doing it, even though I won't get to see it.
Also, did I already mention to you that there's a play I saw at the Great American History Theatre a couple of years ago, "Hiding in the Open" by Kira Obolensky? Eight-person cast; based on the true story of two Jewish sisters who "hid in the open" during WWII by working as maids in a hotel frequented by Nazis. Might not be contemporary enough for your productions, though.
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