Re: RAT dramaturgy

[Audie McCall <audiemccall@yahoo.com>]

--- vz <dexteriously@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Yes, absolutely, I agree with you about the word. 
> But since I'm
> frequently trying to do dramaturgical things, and
> since my literary
> manager and I have wrestled a bit with the term, I
> wanted to be sure I
> wasn't missing out on any of the issues it raises.
> 
> w 

Alright, I’m game for the discussion if you are.

Actually the title dramaturg is used for  two
separate, nearly unrelated roles.  The first being an
individual who, usually in a regional theatre setting,
researches and provides background information on a
particular play that is being produced.  They’re the
one who helps the director, actors and design team
understand the play’s historical context as well as
any additional conceptual overlays that the director
might choose to employ.  I got no beef with this role,
though I’m not sure why it can’t be performed by a
talented intern.

The second role, which comes to fore when an new play
is being developed and/or premiered, has been
alternatively described to me as the playwright’s
advocate, the play’s advocate, the intermediary
between the playwright and the director,  the
intermediary between the director and play, etc.  This
is the one I’m not so sure about.  Don’t get me wrong:
I’ve seen dramaturg’s do good, vital work in this
capacity, but I’ve also seen them contribute to a
potentially good play’s demise.  It begs the question:
do they help more than they hinder?  Are they worth
the risk?  Are they necessary at all?  Does the play
or playwright really NEED an advocate if they’re doing
their job?  Ain’t it kinda like bringing an attorney
to traffic court?

Most folks I know who actually earn they’re bread and
rent as dramaturgs spend most of their time acting as
polite doorkeepers for large regional theatres.  I
kinda pity them, but about as much as I pity parking
meter cops.

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