So The Lost Flamingo Company is producing Martin McDonagh's The Pillowman. Already, members of the Athens' theater community have been whispering about the future production of this popular -- and dark, very dark -- play. Questions as to whether LFC can pull off the production have already been debated in corners of coffee shops and through pointed glances at mention of the play.If one is not familiar with The Pillowman, I strongly suggest you read the play. Short and easy to read on the page, this bright orange play will haunt you. (Also, if you read it, I don't have to write a synopsis!)
Read a synopsis
Suffice to say, this play is very dark. It features creepy stories that involve child mutilation, one of which involves a child being crucified on-stage.
The range of viewpoints on the production of this play varies drastically. Some people are so very excited to see and/or get involved with the show. Others have proclaimed grandly that they refuse to see the production, afraid that it will not be produced properly.
What think you? Will LFC do this play justice? Should this show be performed at all in such an environment? Why or why can't this play be a success?
2 comments:
Personally, I think LFC has it within their capabilities to put on a good show. Pillowman does not require a big fancy set or big fancy on-stage explosions (Betty's Summer Vacation anyone?). LFC will do a decent job on it like they do on most shows they produce.
Now, will the show be of professional quality? No, of course not. It's a student theater group! There will be a lot of love, dedication, and blood (always blood) put into the show and it will show. And the LFC following will be there to soak it up.
How can any college production belittle a play? These students love theater and they're sharing it with others.
I don't think it's a matter of expense. Pillowman is an extremely mature play, and I'm not sure a college (much less any club) has the capability to pull off the emotions necessary to truly capture the essence of this play.
I'm interested to see how it will turn out, but at the same time, I definitely have my doubts about the quality of the production.
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