Austinist: Anonymous Fun in a South Austin Motel Room: Austinist Reivews Static

Jonathon

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 18:29:18 -0600

Ha! I take it back! No good point! NO GOOD POINT! You're a sheep! (Just joking, you know we're friends)

Jonathon

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 18:26:21 -0600

Brenner, You make a good point. Of course every production is a sum of it's parts -- especially in contemporary alternative theatre that aims to provide a more visceral experience for it's patrons than say...I dunno...some straighforward regional theatre production of STREET CAR. The EXPERIENCE of being at the theatre is the culmination of the performers, the scenic design, the LX design, the sound design, the space itself...and on and on.... "Everything" might be pushing it. I think "almost entirely" might've been better. BUT, I also think that when staging new writing for the FIRST TIME, when overbearing concepts are less (if not completely) appropriate, that the text is BY FAR the strongest voice in that particular production -- (probably) more so than it will be in future productions... I'm not entirely sure I agree with that last statement I made...but I think it's what I mean... Glad you had a chance to check out the review. Interested to know what you think after you see the show for yourself...

Brenner

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 18:21:18 -0600

Okay, I spoke too soon. I should've looked more closely at what I was quoting. Your use of the verb "rests," Jonathon, indicates that the script would specifically be the FOUNDATION upon which the other elements are built. And there's no arguing with that. Trusting that my previous comments won't be rendered completely useless by this circumstance, I'll exit, now, somewhat sheepishly. Ba-a-a-a-a.

Brenner

Wed, 05 Apr 2006 18:14:30 -0600

"When it comes to staging new plays, everything rests on the quality of the writing." I can't fully concur with that. I mean, I'm a playwright myself, mostly, when it comes to theatrical things, and so I'd like to agree. But I've seen some shit that ... "EVERYTHING" rests on the writing, Jon? Nuh uh. My major case in point would be SVT's own DEATH OF A CAT. Because, yes, Colin Swanson's script was, as usual, a fine fine thing indeed. But what made that production so compelling was the sum of its many excellent parts. It's the only play I've ever seen, in fact, where the manipulation of the stage curtain was a brilliant show in itself; and that had little, if anything, to do with the script. And, to be all immodest, I can't imagine my own excellent script, ART STRIPPED NAKED, being produced to the top of its potential if someone other than David Jones is cast ---as he was in its Hyde Park Theatre premiere --- as Eddie. Scripts are the main elements, sure; they're where most good and better plays (and movies and so on) come from. But ... well, I guess I'm just stumbling over your use of the word "everything." I'm glad to've read your review of STATIC; I'll catch the show this Sunday; and your report has left me better prepared, without ruining any of the surprises possibly waiting in that hotel room.