S76 - For Peter Pan on her 70th Birthday by Sarah Ruhl - 4m, 2w
When Ann thinks of her father, she immediately remembers playing Peter Pan in her hometown theater in Iowa, particularly when he used to bring her flowers after her performance. Her memory is jogged by the fact that she and her four siblings are in their father’s hospital room during his final moments. His death sparks a conversational wake that includes everything from arguments over politics to when each sibling realized that they grew up. A loving look at a family’s view of death, life and the allure of never growing up.
posted by Larisa at 10:11 AM
9 Comments:
It's not a secret that I love Sarah Ruhl. There is a lot to love about this script as well. I think it approaches family dynamics and differences in a new and nuanced way, which makes it a very timely and hopeful play. It would be a stretch for our audiences structurally - the shift from realistic family drama to Peter Pan is tricky. I like that there are great roles for older actors. I would love to see people flying in our space - but have no idea if it is physically possible.
I think it could be fantastic for our space, audiences (if they are game), actors, and our current time, but I also see a lot of challenges.
I don't know how in the world to stage this. It certainly would be a director's challenge. I think lighting and sound designers would love it. Then there's the dog! I did enjoy the dialogue and family dynamics. I'd like to ask the directors for their ideas.
I would want to hear from directors and the artistic technical committee as well - what is and isn't possible in the arena - if after reading the play all those folks thinks it is doable - in some form or another, then I think it is worth considering. I like that the family actually sounds the way families sound when they talk together - with overlapping memories and disagreements and petty complaints - they feel genuine.
I would like to see this on our stage. It is certainly a director's challenge. As Sarah Ruhl states, flight is not a requirement. I would also like to hear what the directors and technical folks have to say about its possibility.
too liked it very much and after just finishing Sarah Ruhl's memoir entitles SMILE, I see the appeal even more because of the background it brings. That being said - I don't think it should be considered for season 72. We already have an AGATHA CHRISTIE slot and with Euridice in season 71 I think we need to hold off. This will also give us the chance to see how the Ruhl play this season sells. I would say - put it on the list for consideration ins season 73. As for the technical aspects - completly doable and I would love to be involved in solving the challenges when the time comes.
While I did not enjoy reading Eurydice I loved this script. I don't see the technical issues as an insurmountable obstacle; I think we sometimes focus too much on perceived obstacles, forgetting that theater is about storytelling and any implied technical aspects can usually be worked around in order to simply tell the story. I loved the dialogue; it sounded so real. In fact, some of the conversations were quite reminiscent of those in my own family. It is a yes for me.
This script was not what I expected from Sarah Ruhl, but I really enjoyed this. As a director, this would be a great challenge and totally doable in our space (without flying of course). It might be an opportunity for a co-production with Prime Productions or another over 55 focused theatre group if we are looking for collaborations. Scott may be right, we might want to take a break between seasons with Sarah Ruhl in them. But definately this has potential for us.
I could have been more impressed with this. I felt each movement was too dialogue-heavy with limited thematic exploration, sometimes feeling slow and repetitive. I did like the exploration of family dynamics and the psychological exploration of the third movement.
The tech is obviously designed for a much bigger theatre but is still doable as it is the story that counts. It is a good story but not a great story. Still I would be in favor of it.
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