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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2017 14:21:32 GMT
I think Norris should get some top notch dramaturgs on board because I perceive a crisis in this area and I see it in every single theatre I have visited this year. Theatre auteurs like Icke are wonderful but in my mind the play’s the thing and there needs to be an investment in the development of writers who can fill the larger spaces. It was a good call to commission St George and Common but the lack of dramaturgical development is evident in both plays.
Jack Bradley ran the literary dept for a while in Hytner’s “regime” and he was one of the best. Some writers don’t need that input so much because of their experience. I went to a talk years ago where Bradley interviewed Michael Frayn when Copenhagen was on and he revealed that Frayn’s work required very little dramaturgical intervention. Frayn Then disclosed that was because his wife (a literary heavyweight herself) was his first reader and gave him feedback. So, in fact all writers - no matter their accomplishment - need input while developing their work.
Along with the revivals and classics a national theatre should give writers the opportunity to engage with the important topics of their time. I am keen on new writing because I believe the role of Theatre is to hold a mirror up to life. We might not like what we see reflected there but it’s essential that we look.
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Post by Honoured Guest on Dec 29, 2017 14:42:39 GMT
There seems to be general agreement that the Dorfman has now hit its stride, with a widely lauded 2017/18 programme {Consent, Barber Shop Chronicles, Mosquitoes, Beginning) and the forthcoming rapid succession of the next five productions (John, The Great Wave, Nine Nights, An Octoroon, Hello I'm Darling).
The Lyttelton began 2017/18 with a hugely successful seven-month season - a last hurrah from the old regime (Angels in America), an incoming American hit transfer (Oslo), a returning success (Jane Eyre) - which gave the NT a much-needed breathing space to plan the current and forthcoming season of major new productions (Network, Pinocchio, Absolute Hell, Julie, The Lehman Trilogy, I'm Not Running).
Apart from the Travelex season of new work, the Olivier has Follies, Amadeus, Macbeth, Translations, Exit the King, Antony and Cleopatra.
Verdict: STRONG AND STABLE.
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Post by Cardinal Pirelli on Dec 29, 2017 14:56:10 GMT
I think Norris should get some top notch dramaturgs on board because I perceive a crisis in this area and I see it in every single theatre I have visited this year. Theatre auteurs like Icke are wonderful but in my mind the play’s the thing and there needs to be an investment in the development of writers who can fill the larger spaces. It was a good call to commission St George and Common but the lack of dramaturgical development is evident in both plays. Jack Bradley ran the literary dept for a while in Hytner’s “regime” and he was one of the best. Some writers don’t need that input so much because of their experience. I went to a talk years ago where Bradley interviewed Michael Frayn when Copenhagen was on and he revealed that Frayn’s work required very little dramaturgical intervention. Frayn Then disclosed that was because his wife (a literary heavyweight herself) was his first reader and gave him feedback. So, in fact all writers - no matter their accomplishment - need input while developing their work. Along with the revivals and classics a national theatre should give writers the opportunity to engage with the important topics of their time. I am keen on new writing because I believe the role of Theatre is to hold a mirror up to life. We might not like what we see reflected there but it’s essential that we look. I suspect that many (most?) don't actually register the importance of dramaturgy and, as a result, put blame on writers, directors, the bar staff etc. instead. The fact is that most will have been used to small spaces and small casts, just as writers will have been so the Dorfman and the Lyttelton are their home ground. Who is there who has experience shaping and guiding projects to completion on a massive stage though? There is this big gap, not helped by the gradual handing over of that space to musicals, pseudo-musicals, revivals and the odd literary adaptation.
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Post by martin1965 on Dec 29, 2017 18:03:26 GMT
I suspect The Ryan regime would end in multiple complaints and restraining orders from having to perform nude on or off stage..... and not doing any new work or series or revivals of classics that aren’t comedies wouldn’t be good either Well certainly multiple somethings from Ryan!
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Post by lynette on Dec 29, 2017 18:29:51 GMT
Cleo, you are right. You can have all the talented directors you like ( please not Katie Mitchell cos for me she can do no right) but without good plays they might as well go and make more dosh on adverts. No, what is needed is support for people who want to write plays and who are already writing: financial support for development, courses, workshops, mentoring and outreach visits to schools and colleges and unis. Then more studio shows, try outs and low key performances which again need some financial support as actors shouldn’t be asked to do stuff for nothing. And the NT should go and search for talent: visit colleges etc, rooms over pubs ( play that goes wrong ) and then people will approach the NT when they realise that support is available. Bring in the directors certainly ( not Katie Mitchell) but only when there is material, to direct. Create a busy channel of writing and development, a channel that people know about and want to be involved with. ( I think something like this might already exist but it is not wide reaching enough, is it.)
And yes, of course, Ryan, more nudity.
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Post by tributary on Dec 29, 2017 19:00:20 GMT
I think honestly what happens now is that the writers take the plays to the directors more than to the building. I suspect the reason the Almeida get the goodies is that they’ve got two directors the writers want. I agree with what’s being said re the quality of NT dramaturgy but the weakness is in their lack of director relationships. NT got Alan Bennett plays because he wanted Hytner as director, now he’ll go to the Bridge. Bartlett and Hickson and Anne Washburn stay loyal to the Almeida; I bet you Graham will now too. Alice Birch stays loyal to Katie Mitchell, home and abroad. Hangmen was supposed to be on at the NT, and they jumped ship to the Court, and now the new McDonagh has gone to the Bridge. It’s about directors, not buildings/resources.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2017 20:21:53 GMT
On another note: is it possible to change the title of this thread. I find the current one unnecessary and, while I am finding the posts interesting, I don’t like contributing to a troll’s vendetta.
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Post by lynette on Dec 29, 2017 21:47:11 GMT
On another note: is it possible to change the title of this thread. I find the current one unnecessary and, while I am finding the posts interesting, I don’t like contributing to a troll’s vendetta. I’ll see what I can do...
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Post by tributary on Dec 29, 2017 22:02:41 GMT
On another note: is it possible to change the title of this thread. I find the current one unnecessary and, while I am finding the posts interesting, I don’t like contributing to a troll’s vendetta. Oh come on. The title fits the topic. Criticism isn’t trolling or a vendetta. Criticism of someone paid with taxpayers money at £250k a year certainly isn’t trolling or a vendetta.
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Post by lynette on Dec 29, 2017 22:47:43 GMT
I changed it, tribs, because it opens the discussion up more but I think we can take criticism here...
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Post by Deleted on Dec 29, 2017 23:03:00 GMT
I like it, it makes it more discussion-y and less like we're all ghouls sitting around waiting for the Fates to cut RuNo's life-thread. Thanks, Lynette!
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Post by Honoured Guest on Dec 29, 2017 23:03:43 GMT
The sun has come out.
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Post by foxa on Dec 29, 2017 23:09:18 GMT
I think it's better - less like entries in a slam book.
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Post by zahidf on Dec 29, 2017 23:19:28 GMT
Better topic title. No need to be nasty about Norris
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2017 1:05:33 GMT
I may be wrong, but wasn't the thread title "Rufus Norris - How long?"?
Can't see what was wrong with that. It was just a question - one that could be answered with a ringing endorsement of Norris' tenure, and a desire for him to be in the job for the next fifteen years.
Am I wrong?
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Post by zahidf on Dec 30, 2017 5:36:28 GMT
I may be wrong, but wasn't the thread title "Rufus Norris - How long?"? Can't see what was wrong with that. It was just a question - one that could be answered with a ringing endorsement of Norris' tenure, and a desire for him to be in the job for the next fifteen years. Am I wrong? Focusing on Rufus as an individual rather than the national as a whole seemed unsavoury. whilst i was happy to post, it did put others off.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2017 9:14:10 GMT
I may be wrong, but wasn't the thread title "Rufus Norris - How long?"? Can't see what was wrong with that. It was just a question - one that could be answered with a ringing endorsement of Norris' tenure, and a desire for him to be in the job for the next fifteen years. Am I wrong? So, we could also have titled the thread “Rufus Norris - the next Fifteen Years”. However we spin it the original title suggested that his days were numbered and encouraged speculation on this. It reminded me of Jon Ronson’s book “So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed” where he examines the negative impact that social media campaigns can have on an individual’s life. Personally, I much prefer the way this discussion has developed. It is far more interesting to speculate on solutions rather than to relish the prospect of someone losing their job, no matter how much they’re being paid - especially when we can see flashes of brilliance in the programming.
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Post by lynette on Dec 30, 2017 20:38:01 GMT
In which case I won’t be posting here any more. Pathetic. O come on.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 31, 2017 17:34:50 GMT
I think a more general title and discussion helps. Got a start no man is an island and Norris doesn’t hand pick every writer and director who graces the South bank. In terms of new work Ben Power has the erm Power there with Norris taking advice of that team. Equally I’m sure every established work isn’t one that came from his mind and his alone.
I know he’s in charge and the “buck” does stop with him but a more general outlook rather than it being personal does seem favourable.
Interestingly I was reading that “Five Guys Named Moe” got a 3 night try out at the Cottesloe which got it the West End run back in the 80s...using NT spaces for short low-risk trials more is something I’d like to see again to support new work- musicals particularly could benefit from it!
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Post by Honoured Guest on Jan 10, 2018 12:35:05 GMT
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Post by Jan on Jan 10, 2018 14:17:22 GMT
That’s all we need isn’t it Parsley ? Dramaturg from The Bush going to NT. A mate of Tanya Ronder I suppose.
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Post by phantom1986 on Jan 10, 2018 14:28:44 GMT
Any casting news yet for 'Absolute Hell'? Presume they'd be starting rehearsals soon and surprised to see they've yet to announce anyone.
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Post by lewis on Jan 10, 2018 15:07:10 GMT
Any casting news yet for 'Absolute Hell'? Presume they'd be starting rehearsals soon and surprised to see they've yet to announce anyone. Im not sure theyve even started casting yet. It doesnt start until the middle of April. I dont think theyll start rehearsals until the end of feb at the very earliest
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Post by nash16 on Jan 10, 2018 23:38:11 GMT
Any casting news yet for 'Absolute Hell'? Presume they'd be starting rehearsals soon and surprised to see they've yet to announce anyone. Im not sure theyve even started casting yet. It doesnt start until the middle of April. I dont think theyll start rehearsals until the end of feb at the very earliest The show is fully cast. Has been since early December.
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