Re: RAT Playwriting Opportunities & Dramaturgs

[vz <dexteriously@yahoo.com>]

--- MFarkash@aol.com wrote:
 > I'm glad that one of my earlier filings helped
 > spark this spirited debate.

Yes, thanks, Michael!  And thanks also for hanging 
in there instead of just griping and disappearing.
 
 > 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.

I don't think there's any question that to "foist"
upon a playwright is an abuse.  But this is not a
dramaturg-specific problem, except in your
experience.  Directors, actors, designers, marketing
directors, etc. all can be foisted on playwrights
without understanding the play, to the same ill effect
that you decry.  And clearly, from the testimony here,
there are dramaturgs, even if you decline to call
them what they call themselves, who enter into 
trusting working relationships with playwrights.

 > 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.

Again, you are referring to a real problem that is not
dramaturg-specific, except, perhaps, in your experience.
Qualifications vary among directors, etc.  Stifling
can be wrought by directors, etc.  And again, the 
testimony here has been that there are dramaturgs 
outside of your cautionary paradigm.
 
 > In a world where dramaturgs reign

I *hope* you understand that this is a rhetorical
construction that invites further debate.  Or worse.
Or better.  Well-played!  If I had a cream pie at hand, 
your name would be written on it.

 > we come up against, "Your play is fine, only we'll
 > have to have our resident expert work out a few kinks,
                 -snip- 
 > and who will try to reshape your play even though
 > they have no clue.

These are bad situations.  Would anyone disagree?
I don't see them advancing your critique of dramaturgy,
though.  You might just as well tell of having your
play forcibly translated into Swedish.  A terrible
fate!  But let us please still note that there are
many instances where this sort of abuse does not
take place. 
 
 > Yes, theatre is a collaboration. But beware of 
 > too many cooks in the development kitchen.

Yes, okay.

Wally Z


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