I'm looking for plays, contemporary or classic, that I can direct in a festival. I think it would be simpler if I choose something that doesn't involve too many characters or elaborate/moving scenery. Any recommendations?
2007-02-07 23:52:19 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
I'm going to disagree with most of the above posters.
As a new director, I'd suggest something within the realm of Realism--that means no No Exit or Waiting for Godot! For heaven's sakes, those are extremely challenging nonRealistic plays that foil even the most experienced directors!
Shaw and the rest are fabulous, but for your first time, I'd say choose something contemporary. That way, you don't have to struggle with language or too much historical research. And glass menagerie is a prop master's worst nightmare...all those little glass figurines, are you kidding me?
And for GOODNESS SAKES, don't let anyone talk you into doing Our Town! It gets done all the time because of the no-scenery thing, but it's an incredibly tough play to do well because of the plot structure and the abstract elements.
May I suggest you visit www.findaplay.com? You can search by genre, # of characters, etc. Also, you can google Tony Winners and Pulitzer Prize Winners for some recent excellent choices.
A random list of a few goodies off the top of my head:
-Proof
-The Invention of Love
-Twilight Los Angeles, 1992
-anything by arthur miller
-Fences
-All in the Timing
-anything by Christopher Durang
-Laundry and Bourbon
2007-02-08 10:34:56 · answer #1 · answered by waldy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Directing a play which has no scenery puts the skills of the actors (and the director) right in the limelight. I've just produced two one-acters - one which I wrote, and the other acted in - and having a plain flat black background and only a few props made the whole process a lot easier on all of us. I won't recommend anything, as I don't know where you are, or who your intended audience is, etc., but choose your actors, and direct them well, and all will be well whatever you present.
2007-02-08 00:02:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Another poster suggested "Waiting for Godot." Nice choice, but in a festival atmosphere, might be a bit difficult.
How about "Love Letters," by A.R. Gurney. Very few requirements, though I'm not certain you could get the amateur performance rights... I think Dramatists Play Service handles Gurney's work...
2007-02-08 08:20:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I see all of these other plays like Godot That very predicable and rather boring. I prefer a great comedy . Its called "Man and Superman' written by George Bernard Shaw.
There aren't that many acting roles and the Stage can be Grand or the set can be just sparsely it really doesn't mater . It's the dialog that is why anyone will come to see that play!.! What a great nite for a play.. Great play to cut our teeth and so funny.!
Fairknightness
2007-02-08 08:40:36 · answer #4 · answered by Rae Ann 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
"The Glass Menagerie" Tennessee Williams.
2007-02-08 00:02:33 · answer #5 · answered by chazzer 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Jean-Paul Sartre's "No Exit" can be very nicely done without extensive props. 4 characters total.
2007-02-07 23:56:04 · answer #6 · answered by Philip Kiriakis 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
:) Waiting for Godot...
2007-02-08 00:02:20 · answer #7 · answered by sazsazsaz88 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋