When did it happen? Maybe I've always felt like this and now I've finally reached a point where I say...no more, I can handle no more. Theatre. Could it really be true that I don't like going to the theatre? Did I not major in it? Don't I love the performance? Can I no longer appreciate the live exchange of art across an open stage?
I saw two plays this weekend, both from well known theatres in Chicago. The first was The Caretaker, at the Writers Theatre, and the second was Absolute Hell, at the Gift Theatre. I will start with The Caretaker.
The Caretaker was executed brilliantly. The cast was strong and specific in their choices. The set was detailed down to the last ball of dust and streak of rust. As an actor and artist I felt privileged to watch such masters of the craft at work. Bandealy's caustic and rolling banter smack into Norris relentlessly. Anish Jethmalani brought a really beautiful sense of moment to moment struggle to his character. His continuous attempts at kindness with so little communication and so much generosity really isolated and captured the human need for companionship. I found it heart breaking. Noris's character was wonderfully difficult to watch with his constant and repetitive babbling and lack of appreciation; a perfect opposition to Jethmalani. Although I have read some criticism on the characterization not successfully reaching audience empathy, leaving a lack of concern for the character's outcome, I leave this fault with the playwright, if that was even the intention.
Ron OJ parson deftly guided his actors through the rhythmic musicality of Pinter. The rise and fall of conflict through beat, pause, and silence was thorough and well executed making the overall movement engaging to an artists' ears and eyes.
But. Oh, there it is...but. The praise that I deliver is absolutely genuine, BUT...written by me, the actor/artist. I can appreciate the work, the time, and the mastery that was put into this production. I can see the skillfully applied seams, and the challenges in successfully pulling off Pinter.
BUT
The every day audience part of me...was bored. And I got off lucky because I was just bored, other audience members of whom did not down a cappuccino before the show, spent $60 for a very uncomfortable nap. Why would anyone do this play? Sure, it's Pinter, but it's still a bore. Nothing really happens, the characters are practically one dimensional, it's not relatable to every day audiences, and there's very little to get out of it. It's like trying to squeeze blood from a turnip.
But you see, I may have a guess to my question. "But it's Pinter! It's impressive to do Pinter. Audiences vaguely recognize the name. It's challenging. It's subtle. IT'S PRETENTIOUS!"
If I wanted to watch people being one dimensional assholes I would just...wait, I see it every day, all the time, through co-worker and acquaintance interaction. WHY AM I SPENDING $60 TO SEE IT ON MY SATURDAY NIGHT?! Oh, because it's a well known theatre with talented artists. This production was a waste of so much talent.
As artists we have a responsibility to our audiences. We should not pick shows to impress our colleagues or because we've always wanted the challenge of doing "Pinter." You do not respect your audience when you take 2 hours out of their lives (4 hours if you include the trek to and from BFE if you don't live nearby) and $60 out of their pockets for shows that contain less excitement, less emotional investment than an episode of 16 and Pregnant. You show your respect by bringing them (or at least the attempt)something that they've never seen or felt before. Something that TV close-ups and the big screen cannot bring them. Something that is worth them getting off the coach, turning off Jersey Shore, and forking over $60.
My conclusion....(out of * * * *)
Actors and Directors: $60 workshop to see masters at their craft = * * *
Artists: Use that $60 to buy food, paint supplies, plays, classes,etc. = *
Every day Joe: $60 will buy you 2 incredible hand burgers and a couple beers Kuma's Corner, followed by a movie. You may even have some left for a couple delicious chocolate shakes from Coldstone. *
