Deck 10: Image Maker: the Director

Question 1

The text mentions three types of directors that have evolved over the years. Describe each of these types and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Answer 1

The three types of directors mentioned in the text are traditional directors, independent directors, and inside directors.

Traditional directors are typically executives or former executives within the company. They have a deep understanding of the company's operations and are often chosen for their industry expertise. The advantage of traditional directors is that they bring valuable insider knowledge and experience to the board. However, a disadvantage is that they may be too closely tied to the company's management and may not provide enough independent oversight.

Independent directors are individuals who have no significant ties to the company, its management, or its major stakeholders. They are seen as impartial and are brought in to provide an outside perspective. The advantage of independent directors is that they can offer unbiased opinions and help prevent conflicts of interest. However, a disadvantage is that they may lack the industry-specific knowledge and experience that traditional directors bring to the board.

Inside directors are current executives or employees of the company who also serve on the board. They bring a deep understanding of the company's operations and can provide valuable insight into its strategic direction. The advantage of inside directors is that they have a strong connection to the company and its management. However, a disadvantage is that they may have a conflict of interest between their roles as executives and their responsibilities as board members.

Overall, each type of director has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the most effective board will likely have a mix of traditional, independent, and inside directors to provide a balance of industry expertise, independent oversight, and insider knowledge.

Question 2

Julie Taymor's work is heavily influenced by Eastern theatre practices. Discuss three of these influences and what alternatives, common to Western theatre, might be available to her.

Answer 2

Julie Taymor's work is indeed heavily influenced by Eastern theatre practices, and three of these influences include:

1. Use of masks and puppetry: In Eastern theatre, masks and puppetry are often used to represent characters or convey emotions. Julie Taymor has incorporated this influence into her work, such as in her production of "The Lion King" on Broadway, where intricate masks and puppetry were used to bring the animal characters to life. An alternative common in Western theatre might be to rely solely on actors and their facial expressions to convey emotions and portray characters.

2. Emphasis on visual storytelling: Eastern theatre often places a strong emphasis on visual storytelling through the use of symbolism, stylized movement, and intricate set design. Taymor's work reflects this influence through her visually stunning and immersive productions, such as "Titus Andronicus" and "The Tempest". In contrast, Western theatre might prioritize verbal storytelling and naturalistic set designs, with less emphasis on visual symbolism.

3. Integration of music and dance: Eastern theatre often integrates music and dance as integral components of storytelling. Julie Taymor has embraced this influence in her work, incorporating music, song, and dance to enhance the narrative and create a multi-sensory experience for the audience. In Western theatre, while music and dance are also used, they may not always be as deeply integrated into the storytelling and could be considered separate elements rather than integral parts of the performance.

Overall, Julie Taymor's incorporation of Eastern theatre influences sets her work apart from more traditional Western theatre practices, creating visually striking and immersive experiences for audiences.

Question 3

The text discusses two directorial approaches: the preplanned approach and the collaborative approach. Compare and contrast these approaches and explain the possible advantages and disadvantages of each.

Answer 3

The preplanned approach to directing involves the director coming into a project with a clear vision and detailed plan for how they want the production to unfold. They may have specific blocking, camera angles, and performance notes already in mind before rehearsals or filming begin. This approach allows for a high level of control and precision in the execution of the director's vision. However, it can also limit the freedom and creativity of the actors and other collaborators, as they may feel pressured to adhere strictly to the director's preconceived ideas.

On the other hand, the collaborative approach to directing involves a more open and fluid process, where the director encourages input and ideas from the cast and crew. This approach can lead to a more organic and dynamic creative process, as everyone feels empowered to contribute their own expertise and perspectives. However, it can also result in a lack of cohesive vision and direction, as multiple voices and opinions may lead to a more scattered and unfocused final product.

The possible advantages of the preplanned approach include the ability to efficiently execute a specific vision, maintain control over the production, and ensure a consistent and cohesive final product. However, the disadvantages may include a lack of flexibility and responsiveness to new ideas or changes in the creative process, as well as potential resistance or frustration from the cast and crew.

Conversely, the collaborative approach may lead to a more organic and inclusive creative process, allowing for the integration of diverse perspectives and ideas. It can also foster a sense of ownership and investment from the team, leading to a more unified and passionate final product. However, the potential disadvantages include a lack of clear direction and vision, as well as the potential for conflicts or disagreements among the collaborators.

Ultimately, both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses, and the most effective directors may find a balance between the two, drawing on the advantages of each approach while mitigating their respective disadvantages.

Question 4

The emergence of the director in the modern sense is credited to

A)Andre Antoine
B)Caroline Neuber
C)Duke Georg II
D)Konstantin Stanislavski

Question 5

One of Europe's earliest female actor-managers was

A) Caroline Neuber
B) Ariane Mnouchkine
C) Martha Clarke
D) Pina Bausch

Question 6

Peter Brook has developed texts that utilize

A) Ecology
B) Myths
C) Commedia scenarios
D) None of these

Question 7

The director best known for his direction of plays by Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams is

A) Schneider
B) Brecht
C) Kazan
D) Wilson

Question 8

Pina Bausch is best known for

A) Staging large spectacles based on Eastern philosophy
B) Creating surreal dance-theatre spectacles
C) Developing the entire performance through improvisation
D) None of the above

Question 9

Assigning actors additional duties, such as sewing costumes, was among the reforms associated with

A) Caroline Neuber
B) Pina Bausch
C) Joanna Akalaitis
D) Julie Taymor

Question 10

The word "rehearse" is derived from a Latin word meaning

A) To guide
B) To hurry
C) To harrow
D) To listen

Question 11

Directing consists of "turning Psychology into Behavior," according to

A) Alan Schneider
B) Peter Brook
C) Georg II, Duke of Saxe-Meiningen
D) Elia Kazan

Question 12

The Mahabhartha shares literary associations with

A) The New Testament
B) Shakespeare
C) Beowulf
D) All of these

Question 13

__________ and ____________ are the first two design elements agreed upon with __________ and __________ being brought in later

A) Sets and costumes, lights and sound
B) Sets and lights, costumes and sound
C) Lights and costumes, set and sound
D) Lights and sound, costumes and sets

Question 14

Improvisation is primarily a rehearsal tool.

Question 15

Martha Clarke's Theatre-Dance Pieces connect hundreds of imagistic fragments.

Question 16

Andre Antoine was the producing-director of the Moscow Art Theatre.

Question 17

Bertolt Brecht was known as a very active and intrusive director.

Question 18

The actual day-to-day running of a theatre production is the job of the Assistant Director.

Question 19

The idea of a single creative authority in charge of all the aspects of a production is associated with the Duke of Saxe-Meiningen

Question 20

Peter Brook used both circus tricks and improvisation during rehearsals for A Midsummer Night's Dream.