Realism at Where? IMAGO?
In some ways “Vladimir Vladimir” is the most realistic piece Imago has produced. By inviting Pat Patton to direct, Imago has opened
itself up to realism. Funny how realism to me is alien. Isn’t that strange? Carol and I live in what we call a realistic world, but we seldom venture close to realism in our stage work.
Mr. Patton’s vast experience on the traditional boards of Ashland, Portland and throughout the country is a pleasure
to have at Imago. He is a wonderful director. We are privileged. The work is strenuous. Detail after detail of little moments of motivations, nuance, action, relationships. It’s work. And lots of it.
Watching Mr. Patton direct you can see that he uses his aural skills well. He listens and reads. He mines the play for language. He listens to every actor’s syllable and breath. Its all about language. Someone said, I forgot who, that theatre is to be listened to, and film is to be watched (I don’t fully agree.)
Mr.Patton has a keen sense of action and the physical space. He is a vaudevillian. He understands the physical world of theatre. However if I were forced to describe a variation in our approaches it would be that Mr. Patton listens, then watches. Imago watches, then listens.
Mr. Patton’s collaboration with Imago will be both seen and watched. Mr. Patton has provided great ears. Imago has
provided wonderful eyes.
“Vladimir Vladimir” opens Oct 2nd. Co-directed by Pat Patton and Jerry Mouawad. Written by Jerry Mouawad.