The question-and-answer sessions following each performance have been their own dramatic highlight. The audience is curious about everything from the origins of the scripts to the actors’ ways of approaching new works of art, the actors respond candidly, with humor and insight. Here are highlights from the Q&A. These fragments come from many nights and many contexts, but give a taste of the tone and spirit of the proceedings. Enjoy!
How long did it take to fuse together? * Family, patience, focus, trust, self-expression, diction, volume, articulation, breaking down stereotypes * You’re marvelous * Now I actually understand * We were like infants when we started * If we’ve helped you get closer to the paintings, we’ve done our job * We didn’t even know each other * It becomes your favorite * I didn’t see any of you stumble * We looked with our own eyes * Someone has given me a chance * I’m not ashamed of my past anymore * Has this been done before? * I think we are always going to stay in touch * Perfect job when you get to be yourself * We got thrown into cold water * I could relate to it * We’re a big ole family * The way you all moved * These paintings were their whole TV show * The expression it allows us is a step forward * I wish you could come with me when I look at any piece of art * These skills all transfer into the workforce * How do you keep it fresh? * It gets more real * Help me out * Something bothers her so bad that she’s in her own little prison
Posted May 2, 2009 in Students
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Backstage at last weekend’s performances, I interviewed a dozen of the actors. I asked them about the employment skills they felt they’d gained from Staging Old Masters, the surprises of working on the show, and something audiences might not know about them personally.
http://www.vimeo.com/4359899 http://www.vimeo.com/4360464
Visit our Multimedia section for more video content—including scenes from movement class and script-writing. Or browse photos of performances and rehearsal.
Posted April 30, 2009 in About the Program, Students
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The scripts for the short theatrical pieces of Staging Old Masters were drawn from hours of observation, theatrical improvisation, and historical research. The language below—standing apart from the performance scripts—is collaged from the actors’ first observations of (and improvisations around) the paintings; it reflects the development of their techniques of seeing. You can click on a painting to be taken to our web catalogue, and see the work in its gallery context.
Corrado Giaquinto, Italian, 1703-1766, St. Helena and the Emperor Constantine Presented to the Holy Trinity by the Virgin Mary, 1741-42, oil on canvas, 137 1/8 x 56 13/16 in. (348.3 x 144.3 cm), Saint Louis Museum Purchase
Lamonte J., Samantha T., Dawn S., 2/24/2009
When stars go up * I should have listened. * The end of an era. Constantine is cleaning up the house, so the Lord can open in some new souls. That’s the depiction of all the new babies. An’ all the old souls an’ all the new souls can come again and start anew. * Holdin’ his head up to God an’ he’s gettin’ all the power * Some bird-a-freedom? Read More
Posted April 26, 2009 in Students
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