S73 - By The Way, Meet Vera Stark by Lynn Nottage Comedy 3 men, 4 women (doubling) flexible set
posted by Greg at 2:10 PM
Dec 31, 2023
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8 Comments:
I love this script and desperately want to see it performed! However there is a multitude of reasons that it is not right for TRP. The setting requirements do not work for the round. Act two is almost entirely panel discussions which even if you split the stage would be a monster to block, since at the very core - people are sitting in chairs facing one direction. Additionally I know first hand the struggles we had casting the one black character that we needed for the Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, I think looking for 4 strong AA characters would be next to impossible at this time. I would encourage a production of this at the Capri, Mixed Blood or Penumbra.
An alternative to this play would be On the Mountaintop - there is only two AA characters and it’s brilliant as well. It also has technical difficulties entrenched in it - but far less than this play does.
Scott - that's exactly what I'm feeling. I love the script! But It's a bit too daunting for TRP to try and cast this one right now. It will be interesting going forward with diversity casting a big issue for the board. It's not as easy as it seems!
I completely agree. It is a strong script, but one we should not consider until we prove that we have the ability to cast it.
The play is best when the characters are allowed to show the story. I can do without Herb et al's lectures.
Lynn Nottage has created a whole industry around Vera Stark including setting up the websites she developed. Here is a good link that gives background information as well as an interview Lynn Nottage wrote. It is Carmen Levy-Green "interviewing" Lynn Nottage. https://www.goodmantheatre.org/Documents/OnStage/1213/1213Onstage_4.pdf
The two websites given in the script, I was only able to access http://meetverastark.com/ unable to access findingverastark.com
A big project technical-wise with the film clips and slides.
My vote is yest.
I enjoyed this script very much but must agree with the conclusion that it is not for TRP at this time. Penumbra did a wonderful production a number of years ago and, of course, it was perfect for them.
I absolutely loved this script. I agree with some comments concerned that TRP wouldn't be able to do this show justice considering the diversity in the cast-- we could consider this for future seasons!
I think this would be a challenging play, but in a fun, artistic way. I have heard directly from black actors that they stopped looking at auditions from TRP because it seems like there are not parts for them and they don't see a huge history of casting BIPOC (particularly Black) actors in historically white roles. We have to start somewhere.
I think the tech problems would overcome how good folks feel about the play. But I would be curious what director's proposals we would get. A probable no for me.
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