It is unfathomable but these two types of directors are still out there:
the grand puppeteer (the god figure)
the indifferent — chief blocker.
The first type
“puppeteer”
He secretly (sometimes not so secretly) wishes actors had no brain and no will…Ah!If he (seldom she) could just puppeteer actors, their emotions and their intonations. — “say it this way” — “do it this way”
And if you don’t, a flying chair is coming your way because your eyes blinked at precisely the wrong moment. Two months of rehearsals, two months of wrecked nerves (usually the actors), grand theories on speech and drama (usually utter bullshit.)
This type has a grand non-vision that must be implemented either way by an unsuspecting actor, an actor that should at least consider the consultation of an Oracle if he or she wants to find out what the fuck this director wants!
In his hands you become a pawn after all he is “God”, and THIS GOD works in mysterious ways, no?
Your body is a puppet and your mouth just a mouthpiece, mimicking the directors interpretation of the given text (what text?), oh my, how exciting! Usually this type’s number one objective is “visual art” that comes with a grand bullshit theory on drama.
Of course their visual art most of the time have nothing to do with the play or with what the writer intended ( writer ? Ha! a lesser god to be sacrificed under their grand vision.) And the poor actor? A Decorative piece that matches their impeccable vision. Fortunately “it” (actor) speaks and moves.
The second type
“chief blocker”
He looks at you with dead eyes like you are a Louis XV furniture, never mind your name, your ten years of training or your twenty years in the business, he is the “FAAASTER” “LOUDEEER” type.
He has a basic grasp of the play, but will not investigate deeper.
Relationships, What is that?
Motivation?
Objectives?
Oh no no no, no time for things like that, especially when one can concentrate on theatre “toys.”
The chief blocker loves moving scenery, projections, lights, canned music and your frantic energy! The progression is clear, on the first day he sets up the first act — the second day the second act … keep going, you don’t need my help! At least in this case actors usually in agreement whisper: “hey this one leaves you alone.”
You are of course all alone! I mean desperately alone! Shhh! listen to the crickets…so relaxing!
None of those two types acknowledges or understands any acting process.
Of course, the true description of an ideal director is not that of a “blocker” or that of a “puppeteer” but that of a visionary
-well read (at least the play)
-always ready
-an inspirer
with a good judgment for the character, a true conductor, a father, a mother, a child, a shrink, an encyclopedia on two feet, an actor, a gentle coaxer or stern coercer (depending on the actor’s needs)and many more…
The good ones are so few!
(Text Inspired by H.W, rage by directors)
Copyright 2022 Kimon Fioretos, All Rights Reserved.
