Thursday, April 19, 2007

TAMING OF THE SHREW Director's Notes

When I viewed TAMING OF THE SHREW (twice, the first week of the run, I enjoyed myself that much!), I noticed there were no Director's Notes. Guess there were reasons for that: it's a lot of work mounting Shakespeare when you're the director, set designer and production manager! At any rate, the lively, raucous, and somewhat bawdy version of the play elicited some controversy apparently, and the next week, Director's Notes were forthcoming. I like them a lot, so here for your reading pleasure and edification...

The Taming of the Shrew Director’s Notes

Let’s Talk About Sexes

Someone said to me recently that they didn’t think this play has any relevance to a contemporary audience; however, I think it has a tremendous amount of relevance for those who would care to look a little closer. Firstly, it reminds us that we are, in fact, still quite hung up on the whole gender issue, even though we would like to think otherwise. For, if we were truly past the power struggle between men and women, we would not see in this play a man dominating a woman, but rather one person helping another person to discover the secret power of surrender—which leads me to my second point: this play reveals that we despise surrender. To us, surrender is weakness; we consider it tantamount to failure and defeat. But I am reminded of a certain Jewish carpenter some 2,000 years ago who unleashed the greatest power in the universe by choosing surrender. And I believe that Katharina discovers this power to some extent, as she is the only person in the play who truly transforms and is truly joyful by the end. And isn’t that what we all want? Transformation that leads to joy? Many people think that Katharina is a free spirit at the beginning of the play and in bondage at the end; however, I submit to you that it is quite the opposite. At the beginning of the play she is a slave to her own petulance; so concerned about the flawed behaviour in others that she fails to recognize her own shortcomings. At the end of the play she chooses to surrender, and reaps the delicious rewards of love, freedom and joy. So, I encourage you to give less attention to Petruchio’s boorishness and more to Katharina’s powerful transformation. In other words, have fun...and look a little closer.

Say NO to the Bawdy(?)
Bawdy: a term used to describe coarse, low, sexual humour or dialogue.

Shakespeare’s plays are rife with bawdiness; a fact which many directors in the past have, in my humble opinion, either failed to see (which is laziness) or chosen to ignore (which is artistically irresponsible). Like it or lump it, it’s a part of the text and was intended to be given no less attention than the other parts. If this makes you feel uncomfortable, I implore you to ask yourself why it’s alright for us to accept the mountain of sex and violence in the TV and movies that we watch but reject the mole hill we will see here. This question aside, let me assure you that I am not suggesting that we all start talking dirty and smacking each other around; however, I do think that, if we in Christendom weren’t quite so uptight about sex, we may in fact be less inclined to fall sexually and more inclined to talk openly about the issues, thereby leading to a healthier understanding about our sexuality. At the very least, whether you love or despise the characters in this play, I hope you will have grace for the actors and for yourself, and that instead of imbibing the icky cough-syrup of solemnity you will apply the relieving balm of laughter.

Aaron Caleb
Trinity Western University
Spring 07

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In the face some well-meaning but I'm sure at times rather distressing controversy, I wonder if it was an encouragement to hear these words of praise I passed along from Brian Doerksen?...

"Hey, after you recommendation we went to see the TWU production of ‘Taming of the Shrew’ . . .I think my first Shakespeare piece I have seen since high school . . .it took a bit of time to ‘change gears’ due to language . .but we LOVED IT!! We laughed so much . . .a great night at the theatre . . and only 25 minutes from home!"

Responses to GRACE

So many interesting responses to GRACE. Stirred up much talking, thinking, feeling - exactly what we hoped for it. I'll put up a post here and add to it over the next few days as I come across other emails that have come my way over the past month or so....

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Well the title of this play is certainly ironic, as there seems very little "grace" ('free and unearned favour of God' - OED) in the essence of this play. O there are lots of clever ways in which grace plays peeks through in the lives of the characters, but in the end everyone dies violently at the hands of the Christian. Where is the grace in that?? Once more the most negative image of how religion works in peoples lives is given center stage. I know that there is plenty of cynicism out there about the hypocrisy and the evils of religion - 'The God Delusion' by Dawkins has been on the bestseller list for months. The acting, direction and staging of this play is excellent. But it left me sad and a bit angry, as it seems to leave the audience little hope that religious faith can be transformative.

PS (My wife) loved the play, and adamantly (and eloquently) disagrees with me. ... In the final analysis good theater makes you think and reshape your ideas, and this play certainly did that. I am glad I saw it and it will certainly provide fodder for further discussion....

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The play was very raw and very real, and - I think you're right - that is what subdued me for the second half. I felt like the play was very explorative and really asked the question "what if?" It really bleed for me. I was almost surprised by my own reaction. I guess you noticed that I was unable to stand for the applause...the actors did such a fabulous job (as did the director!), and I greatly applauded their work, but I just couldn't "agree" with what happened. Standing, to me, felt like it would be agreeing with the deaths and the way things ended up - like it would be almost agreeing that it was "right," which I didn't feel, because it felt so WRONG to me. Ultimately, throughout the play and afterwards I found that I could not judge, though...I could not judge any of the characters, because they were so blind to their own hypocrisy...but that only spoke VOLUMES to me of the hypocrisy in our own lives. It was GOOD. I really appreciated the way the play challenged me and really made me wrestle deeper with the feelings it evoked in me. I'd love to talk to you more in person :o)

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Hey, while I’ve got your ear I want to tell you how much I enjoyed Grace. Angela’s direction was subtle and lovely. Craig’s performance was breath-taking. The female (whose name escapes me) was luminous, vulnerable and completely in the moment. She was entrancing. The other two performances were strong too. The story is not without its snags but it provided fodder for many a discussion in the week following. It’s exactly what I envisioned many years ago when we had those discussions about what Christian theatre was supposed to be. I loved it. Bravo!

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And here's a word from the aforementioned, name-escaping female, one Alexa Devine...

By the way, Craig just told me to check out the PT Blog - and hey, what a great idea! I loved reading the discussions and comments about Grace. Reminded me of the many (and I mean many) fascinating and thought provoking conversations I had with friends and strangers after almost every performance. Never before have I been so eager to hear people's feedback and discuss questions they may have had about the play and the issues it brought up. I was amazed at how each conversation (especially the talk-back at TWU) helped me to continue to find beauty, depth, humanity and Grace within the play (and in my life actually). What a awesome treat it was!

And so I want to thank you again for the opportunity. It was a blessing and an experience I will hold close to my heart for a very long time.

Love,
Alexa

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And for the home stretch, a thoughtful and thought-provoking interchange between one of our patrons and Dan Amos, who you've seen onstage in A BRIGHT PARTICULAR STAR, THE QUARREL and other shows....

To whom it may concern,

Four of us attended Saturday night's showing of Grace. The play was expertly acted, and in many ways well-written. However, we drove away not sure precisely where the grace was to be found. This is not a criticism, but an admission of ignorance. Could someone help by interpretting for us the presence of grace in this story?

By His mercy...

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Hello Roger,

I work on staff here at the theatre, and served as the sound designer for the show. I’ve been asked to respond with some thoughts as to the ultimate presence of grace in the story of Grace.

The fact that you went away a little frustrated, asking this very question, to me indicates that the show has exactly fulfilled its purpose. I think that the playwright ultimately wants us to consider what grace is, if it actually exists, and where it is found in human life, especially in tragic situations. This is a very messy story that never nicely wraps up any one issue. It is worth mentioning that the playwright was inspired to write the play after hearing about an actual, very similar, situation on the news, involving a bizarre, Christian love triangle/murder-suicide.

In direct answer to your question I believe that grace can be found, though it is tempered by tragedy, somewhere in the journey that each character makes in the story. Sam obviously comes from a place of lonely hopelessness to a state in which he can let go of his guilt and become ‘alive’ again, even opening up to the idea that God, and grace, may exist after all. The complexity lies in the fact that he finds all of this through his relationship with Sara, which ultimately turns adulterous. Very messy.

Karl’s story is filled with grace, indeed, a grace wrought with cosmic destiny, in that his little ‘friend’ Rachel encounters him and offers him forgiveness for an act that has paralyzed him with guilt and bitterness for sixty-odd years. His admission at the end that “there is something, that waits, and comes back for us” is a tremendous step of hope. However, he still ends up murdered, and is found to have unconsciously been the vehicle of Steve’s illness. Again, very messy.

Sara not only finds a renewed sense of grace and redemption for herself through her interaction with Sam, but also gets to be the instrument of grace for another. This is a powerful, positive thing. As per normal in this play, however, she becomes caught up in the messy turmoil of a deteriorating marriage and an awkward love affair.

It is sometimes difficult to remember in such a disturbing story that we are watching a tragedy, in the traditional, even ancient, sense. The ultimate purpose of tragedy is to ‘ennoble’ the viewer – to make him or her a braver, stronger, wiser or ‘better’ person. This is achieved when the audience identifies and empathizes with the tragic hero, yet is able to detach and see the mistakes that the tragic hero makes. Steve is definitely the tragic hero of the piece. It is probably easiest for those of us with Christian evangelical backgrounds to identify with him. Yet there is something that rings alarm bells in us from the start. I believe the most potent aspect of his character is the everpresent proximity of grace to him, which he foolishly ignores, misunderstands, or is unable to focus on. The entire ending predicates on his redemptive epiphany with Karl, rapidly followed by his bitter realization that Karl has been unwittingly poisoning him. If he could only see past his initial wave of resigned rage... if he could only stop and realize that he now has the means to sue the chemical company and make ALL of his money back... If he could only put aside his selfish pride for a second, a moment... perhaps it wouldn’t be a tragedy at all.

Ron Reed makes clear in his director’s notes that he did not choose this play for the things that it says, but for some of the difficult and uncomfortable questions that it asks. I thank you and your friends for engaging with these questions. Please, if you wish to dialogue further, reply to this email. We in the office are enjoying bouncing your questions around between ourselves.

Blessings...

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Dan,

Thank you. Your response was careful, and infomative. I suppose at this point, while I remain unsatisfied from failure to see how the title fits the story, I would ask the larger question of Ron, namely, what redemptive element this story conveys.

I like messy, I live in messy, we as Christians too quickly jettison all things messy including 40% of the psalter, God's clear message that life is not immune from lament. Having said this, I resisted the impulse to share Christ with a person like Sam yesterday. I resisted it because the play twisted the enterprise of sharing Christ into something I want nothing to do with. I observed an unkind version of sharing Christ in Grace, much like I did in the movie, The Big Kahuna. This is not a style of evangelism I condone. But there were moments of great courage, and brilliance in Steve's well-intended, yet over-bearing, unsympathetic, manipulative, and disengenuine overtures. These moments, as rare as they are, remain precious. Proclaiming Christ is something to be done with great care, but we Christians need affirming examples, or, at least poor examples shown to be redemptive.

I also think I am still shell-shocked. Watching a man load a gun in a LIVE theatre context, to subsequently fire said gun, a short distance from my face is drama I have never before encountered at that level, that was intense. But I think the intensity of that show has momentarily shaken foundations such as how I share Christ. Everyone walking out of that theatre is thinking, 'God forbid I ever become the blow-hard evangelistic maniac Steve was'.

I love you guys, and am so thankful for your theatre. I desire for LIVE theatre to shake me, especially for God's glory. But I hoped by now, (nearly a week later) something good might have come of it, or, that less desireable vestiges of the story would cease to influence me. I regret to say, neither has transpired.

The question I ask as I prepare to share some vital, but, hard-to-swallow-truth about God, Scripture, or man in a sermon is, 'am I willing to destabalize the faith of some in exchange for this truth, illustration, theology, etc." If the import of that truth does not justify the exchange then it is not worth the destabilizing effects.

By His mercy...

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And this, in July;

Where can I locate a copy of Craig Wright's Grace? I've been bugging Angela for it for months, and she said her only copy is covered in her notes. I would be willing to pay for it - I've just got to get my hands on it. This play in all sincerity changed my life, my view of theatre, my view of death and spirituality, faith and religiosity. I've spent many an hour searching the internet, I even have my friend who's a librarian at a theatre archive in New York City trying to track it down for me with no luck yet. In fact, I'm so obsessed that I've just finished watching the entire series of Six Feet Under, and read every interview and listened to every audio commentary done by Craig Wright. Please say you can help me.

May 5: Carolyn Arends, Chris Janz



Look what PT's "resident keyboard player" Brett Ziegler is putting together! Unfortunately I'll be at another swingin' shindig up in town, or I'd be there.

And how about that, eh? "One of the most affecting communicators in any genre" - from Billboard Magazine, no less! That's our Carolyn.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Apr 17: Laurell Hubick on Commercial Drive

from Laurell...

I've got a gig coming up THIS TUESDAY night in Vancouver! Love the hometown shows!
I am SOOO excited to be opening for Kyle Riabko, an amazing artist who I can't wait to see live.
The details...
TUESDAY, APRIL 17th, 8pm (show starts around 9, but get there early in case I start before that)
Kyle Riabko with special guest laurell @ RIME
1130 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC
tix: $10

This month I am the featured artist on soulshine, so feel free to take a look and listen at www.soulshine.ca/onDemand

For those who don't know yet, I have also entered into the world of myspace, where you can stay more in touch with me and my music. There are lots of extras that you can find on there, so sign up today and become my friend on myspace! www.myspace.com/listentolaurell

Also..... I'm sure some of you have been wondering about when my new recording is going to be finished, so I just wanted to give you a very excited update that my little EP is almost done and sounding very tasty! :) I am just so pumped about getting some new material out there that I hope (fingers crossed) you will enjoy!

laurell
www.laurell.ca
(604)986-7019
laurell@laurell.ca
nectarmusicproductions

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Apr 8: Easter Sunday gospel singing - Tom Pickett

Tom writes...
Hey you all forgive the blanket email – But if you don’t have Easter plans you need to be at one of two places preferably both.

The Yale 12:30pm
and/or
St. Andrews Wesley (Nelson and Burrard) at 4:00pm.

Double Bill at each venue:

The Mahalia Jackson Tribute
Dalannah Bowen backed by Joe Chappell and Tom Pickett
Michael Creber piano, Rene Worst bass, Chris Norquist drums

and

The Gospel Experience
Will Sanders, Joe Chappell, Tom Pickett, Candus Churchill, Lovi Eli
Diane Lines piano, Lou Houver drums

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You know you need to be there.

Love and Gratitude,

Tom

Friday, April 06, 2007

Apr 13-14: TOMFOOLERY - TWU Senior Art Show

Featuring work from graduating students and guest artists

Two days of painting, installation, photography and more from graduating Trinity Western University artists. Snacks, music, and tomfoolery will be had. More information

Apr 13-14
The Art Center
2nd Floor, 2060 Pine Street
Vancouver, BC

Friday 4pm-11pm (reception 8pm)
Sat 11am-6pm

Sunday, April 01, 2007

Apr 1: IMAGE Update

Gratitude to the folks at IMAGE Journal for their April 1 IMAGE Update email. Made my day.

Want them to make your day, once every two weeks? Be one of the cool kids: subscribe.