Re: RAT Playwriting Opportunities & Dramaturgs

[MFarkash@aol.com]

I'm glad that one of my earlier filings helped spark this spirited debate.

However, my complaint is with dramaturgs being foisted upon a playwright, as 
opposed to working with people you trust, or who have the ABILITY to 
effectively comment on plays, AND understand your particular vision. I don't 
call them dramaturgs. They are fellow writers that I trust, directors I 
trust, and artistic directors who understand the play.

Yes, I understand that a "dramaturg" is anyone who comments on your play. But 
are all the "dramaturgs" out there qualified to do so?  Everyone's been 
talking about the good that dramaturgs can do -- what about the HARM in 
stifling a play, making it too commercial or otherwise stifling a playwright. 

I personally have never met a human who terms themself primarily a 
"dramaturg." But since it's become more likely that I will, I have decided to 
arm myself with 5% pepper spray. (Just kidding.)

In a world where dramaturgs reign, we come up against, "Your play is fine, 
only we'll have to have our resident expert work out a few kinks, and if you 
recognize it at the other end, consider yourself lucky" -- or "let's put your 
play through the development process, and we'll have everyone in our 
department, including our high school interns, give input" -- or even, as 
I've said before, theatre owners who also fancy themselves artistic directors 
-- and who will try to reshape your play even though they have no clue.

Yes, theatre is a collaboration. But beware of too many cooks in the 
development kitchen.

Michael Farkash