Taking my lead from the title (and several references in the text), I emphasized the idea of 'telling stories' in directing this one. I based my approach in Story Theatre techniques. The challenge of this play, I find, is the two seemingly seperate stories - divided by 16 years. With every actor double-cast, and minimal costuming, the audience remained engaged by the actors' transformations and the magic of theatre. This tale also has magical moments (a bear, a statue coming to life), which benefited from a less-is-more approach.
Our performance began with a troupe of actors (or storytellers) discovering a box. Within this box were the few properties and costume pieces used to tell our tale. It also included an imaginary book from which the opening lines of our story was "read" (rediscovering an old tale.) My talented cast also provided live accompaniment.
Our performance began with a troupe of actors (or storytellers) discovering a box. Within this box were the few properties and costume pieces used to tell our tale. It also included an imaginary book from which the opening lines of our story was "read" (rediscovering an old tale.) My talented cast also provided live accompaniment.
“The accurate casting, strong conceptual attack, the beautiful flowing focus of the staging, and the creation of an ensemble that played with energy, specificity, and honesty realized a magical performance...”
“The control of focus was delicately maintained in the most difficult of moments."
~ Roger Held, Michigan Technical University
~ Roger Held, Michigan Technical University
Scenic Design - Peter Komistra, Lighting Design - Skelly Warren, Costume Design - Darice Damata-Geiger, Properties Master - NIkki Kulas.
Photographs courtesy of Don Lintner
