Spring has been a plethora of flowering trees and plants. Makes one want to really get out and smell the roses and other blooms as well (on the way to the theatre of course).
I recently attended a performance of Tosca and was reminded of the importance of body language in theatre. For me it conveys much of the meaning in the plot when lyrics are sung in an unfamiliar language. The language of most operas is unknown to me and perhaps to other audience members as well and so story interpretation relies on much more than lyrics. Earlier in my life it when I attended the opera I would rely on the actions alone to follow the story. Fortunately, the beautiful music was enough to draw me back often. Meanwhile, while some would see the exaggerated movements of the characters as examples of “over-acting”, I would say that in this genre, it is important.
Now, with the advent of different means of projecting a translation of the lyrics, patrons have a choice of following the plot line by reading, watching the action or, do as I do, a combination of both.
It makes me wonder if/when that kind of technology might be available for legitimate stage. My fear is that it would be an unnecessary distraction – perhaps knowing a line was bobbled would become the focus rather than the play itself. I have been informed that some movie theaters currently offer closed captions but not yet legitimate theatre and probably rightly so.
CAVEAT: While body language is an important part of any communication, live or filmed, its exaggeration requires consideration of the medium. In film and stage it can be a distraction if overdone.
AND here’s another pesky observation from a inveterate theatre goer – me. Too often when I attend a musical theatre production I find that the musicians overwhelm the singers. Even small combos are often too much. Miking an instrument trumpet may enhance that instrument’s already strong sound and thus overpowers the vocals. Even when singers are miked, it seems that certain instruments take the focus from them. My request to sound technicians as they are setting levels, please understand that I came and perhaps the much of the audience came primarily to hear the voices and understand the lyrics. I love the music of the orchestra. I greatly appreciate the overture and am in no way denigrating their importance to the production. But, I really want to hear and understand the lyrics.
Those are some of my May observations. Looking forward to begin rehearsals for a Fringe Festival production.
STOP – and smell the roses. Happy spring/summer to all.