Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome
Barry’s Philosophy
My approach as a Director of any play is more Pragmatist than Academic: however my time at Villanova’s Master’s Program has given me more respect and insight into the Academic need to examine a play’s dramaturgy – historical perspective, theme/style, authorial background, technical necessities, etc. So I will now give it my due respects and pay attention to the ‘exterior’ elements of the play.
I concentrate on the author’s words and actions as my guide on what to do. They labored over their child and I let them guide me on how to perform it. All plays work in the reality of their performance and trying to find that reality is the goal of every production of that play.
What is the appropriate action/emotion? What is the importantest word and what color to give that word? Can I be seen from the house? Can I be heard from the house? That is my directing methodology. Be seen. Been heard are first and foremost.
I am not a shouter, not a demander, not a demeaner, not a manipulator. My work with actors is collaborative, congenial. Theatre is a lesson in life and living and how to accomplish that with a respect for the work and the people you are working with to achieve a production to the best of us all.
An interview with Kirsten Quinn
Barry Brait / Classic Theatre Productions 