tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post114882417290637289..comments2024-02-27T16:59:54.089-05:00Comments on (The New) Theatre Ideas: Pursue Failure (Damn It!)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-1149100651392021762006-05-31T14:37:00.000-04:002006-05-31T14:37:00.000-04:00This stunting of creative growth may explain why a...This stunting of creative growth may explain why a lot of theatre made by recent grads of theatre programs seems so…<I>by the numbers.</I> Very workmanlike, very literate, very technically proficient, but kinda soulless. That’s why I’ve always preferred those productions and production companies that are a bit deficient in their technical know-how but are clearly bouncing off the walls with enthusiasm and zeal when they helm a project.Jamespeakhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11365318854323448524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-1149032946515510322006-05-30T19:49:00.000-04:002006-05-30T19:49:00.000-04:00I agree.The paradigms of failure/success in wester...I agree.<BR/><BR/>The paradigms of failure/success in western terms is focussed solely on capital gain. Can a play that is both entertaining and thought provoking that takes place in a laundromat and is only seen by 70 people who paid five dollars apiece and is not covered by any newspaper or website be considered a success?<BR/><BR/>If not, what did we learn from the failure?<BR/><BR/>In 2005, <A HREF="http://www.wneptheater.org/" REL="nofollow">WNEP Theater</A> wrote and performed <A HREF="http://www.wneptheater.org/_html/dadaneueweltaffen.html" REL="nofollow"><I>Soiree DADA: Neue Weltaffen</I></A> - we received a number of critical raves in Chicago as well as in NYC (for the FringeNYC). We ran the show for 15 performances in Chicago, 5 in NYC and, combining the two short runs, lost app. $6K (the trip to NYC was the bulk of the expense). Most would call the show a failure because we lost so much dough and only performed it 20 times.<BR/><BR/>As the director/producer, I thought it was smashing. It was fun, angry, and those who saw it either loved it or hated it. It always provoked discussion and raised questions concerning art and politics.<BR/><BR/>If it was a success, I can't afford to create too many more successes. If it was a failure, what do I learn from that?<BR/><BR/>I'm not disputing the need for more risk - I think you're right on the money there, Scott - I do, however, question the failure/success nature of the discussion you've initiated.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-1148866590579496292006-05-28T21:36:00.000-04:002006-05-28T21:36:00.000-04:00Great film indeed !Failure is based on things bein...Great film indeed !<BR/><BR/>Failure is based on things being right and wrong.<BR/>It's based on an idea of what is perfect and imperfect.<BR/>It's based on assumptions, judgments and it is so so western.<BR/>We have a lot to learn from the eastern philosophies when it comes to taking risks and not seeing it as failure or success.DLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11971226704327883196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16876687.post-1148834974415498712006-05-28T12:49:00.000-04:002006-05-28T12:49:00.000-04:00Thanks for stopping by Desperate Curiosity. I have...Thanks for stopping by Desperate Curiosity. I have been reading through your blog and I have found a lot of food for thought here. <BR/><BR/>On the subject of making mistakes in the pursuit of art, and using this as a springboard for deeper excavation of thought and process, I recommend watching a film by Lars Von Trier and Jorgen Leth called 'The Five Obstructions'.<BR/><BR/>Thanks.<BR/><BR/>Andrew.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com