Flat, Original casting, Inaudible actors, Slow, Ambitious
See it if You'd like to see Lucas's take on Strindberg, support live theatre & support young actors as they develop their technique in a small venue.
Don't see it if Hearing dialogue is a concern; even in the 4th row of a tiny studio, actors are rendered invisible by poor vocal projection/presence.
Lack of vocal projection & the technique that makes it possible is a widespread problem in today's theatre, & this production's a good example.
Gabby Aris, a young actor in her directorial debut, has made some interesting choices—which might have worked if everyone could be clearly heard all the time; but without guidance or amplification, all faded in & out in a quiet buzz, causing the narrative, plot & emotional arcs to wander.
The actor's basic tool is her or his body; the full command of it, physical & vocal, is what everything—motivations, presence—is built on & made possible by. Microphones are a useful tool, but their use shouldn't be depended on or assumed. An audience should be able to hear what's goin on, especially in a small space; & just because a space is small, it shouldn't be assumed that the actors can be heard.
There was a time when actors could pull off a "stage whisper" unassisted. It may never come up, but a good skill to have; Patrick Stewart, anyone?
See it if You'd like to see Lucas's take on Strindberg, support live theatre & support young actors as they develop their technique in a small venue.
Don't see it if Hearing dialogue is a concern; even in the 4th row of a tiny studio, actors are rendered invisible by poor vocal projection/presence.
Lack of vocal projection & the technique that makes it possible is a widespread problem in today's theatre, & this production's a good example.
Gabby Aris, a young actor in her directorial debut, has made some interesting choices—which might have worked if everyone could be clearly heard all the time; but without guidance or amplification, all faded in & out in a quiet buzz, causing the narrative, plot & emotional arcs to wander.
The actor's basic tool is her or his body; the full command of it, physical & vocal, is what everything—motivations, presence—is built on & made possible by. Microphones are a useful tool, but their use shouldn't be depended on or assumed. An audience should be able to hear what's goin on, especially in a small space; & just because a space is small, it shouldn't be assumed that the actors can be heard.
There was a time when actors could pull off a "stage whisper" unassisted. It may never come up, but a good skill to have; Patrick Stewart, anyone?
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