Production Style

This play depicts characters and situations that could exist in the real world and features familiar, everyday language—characteristics of the theatrical style known as “realism.”  But the director of the Appalachian State production, Dr. Ray Miller, decided to interweave these realistic elements with a number of non-realistic production elements.  His directorial choices and the design choices he made in conjunction with the design team were influenced by the non-realistic styles of various theatre artists, including those listed below.

Martha Clarke is a contemporary choreographer and director renowned for her multidisciplinary approach to performance.  To learn more about her technique and style, read this CNN article about one of her pieces.

Robert Wilson is an acclaimed theatre and visual artist best known for his experimental work.  He creates towering, powerful stage environments, as well as art installations.  To learn more and see images of his work, visit the Design Museum webpage.

Anne Bogart is a contemporary director best known for The Viewpoints, the signature technique she developed:  “The Viewpoints is a technique of improvisation that grew out of the post-modern dance world. It was first articulated by choreographer Mary Overlie who broke down the two dominant issues performers deal with - time and space - into six categories. She called her approach the Six Viewpoints. Since that time, Artistic Director Anne Bogart and SITI Company have expanded her notions and adapted them for actors. The Viewpoints allows a group of actors to function together spontaneously and intuitively and to generate bold, theatrical work quickly. It develops flexibility, articulation, and strength in movement and makes ensemble playing really possible.” (SITI website)