Inspiration

Directing a show can be a daunting task if "inspiration" is your only tool. What happens when "inspiration" is not enough and worst, it doesn't come at all. Then what? I love rehearsal and often ideas will just flow because I'm working with such talented actors that it inspires me to view the work in new and interesting directions.

However, when you only have 10 days (60 hours) of staging time in the rehearsal. Inspiration must arrive early. It must come from those days reading that script or listening to that score or viewing that painting. In other words, from your own imagination. Translating the page to the stage in visual images and theatrical metaphors is not easy, especially when you are dealing with human beings with novel notions.

My process begins with a sound organizational structure that allows me to view the whole piece in its entirety. What are the necessary elements that must be communicated in order for the show to maintain its integrity. For instance: A Midsummer Night's Dream. Magic is a key element in the world of the Fairies. The theme of the "Folly of Human desire/passion" is another key element. For me, these two notions must remain consistent for me to communicate to my actors and my designers, and must inform the entire production.
Therefore, I can't interpolate "realism" without breaking these two notions.

One you establish the "rules" you can't break'em. Of course, rules can be bent or broken, if and only if, you justify and back it up with solid dramaturgical analysis. However, your initial hypothesis and themes should also be backed up.

Often directors will start off with some great ideas and run full force to discover in the middle of the rehearsal. It just doesn't work. It's not matching the "inspiration," the "vision," in his/her head. What do you just stay the course like our President. Well, sometimes you have to trust yourself, particularly if money has been spent. Or you have to reassess, but I would say to this Director. Did you really do your homework? Did you investigate this idea or was it never really there in the first place?

I guess those questions don't really help. So, I will end my suggestion with this. You made a mistake. Admit it and then evaluate what works and what doesn't work. What can be salvaged and what should be "let go." Then, once you found what works. Dig deep to discover why those elements work and then began to kneed this dough further. And before you know it, you've mined Gold.

Ciao,
eugene