Directing Earnest is filled with one joy after another
and my favorite is I get to see talented actors mine wit
from Oscar Wilde’s sparkling dialogue every single day.
Each rehearsal’s filled with new double entrendres and
ingenious cadences that bring them closer to Wilde’s
hysterically funny core. It reminds me of visiting a place
like the Sistine Chapel and realizing not only are you
witnessing great art, you’re standing where the artist
actually stood. Watching our actors bend time in front
of my eyes (and doing it while I’m laughing my head
off), I’m having the singular pleasure of experiencing
moments just as Wilde experienced them over a century
ago. We’re (in theatre terms) far from opening night
and already I’m way too entertained. I should be
serious, stoic, and commanding respect. After all I am
the director, but it’s hard to do when you’re snickering
like a tickled schoolboy. It’s been ages since I’ve felt so
happy at rehearsals and so disappointed when they end.
It’s making me oddly selfish. I wonder if I can get the
company to agree to delay opening so I can extend my
fun. Nah. That wouldn’t be fair.
… or would it?
-Lon Bumgarner, Director of GUP's current production of The Importance of Being Earnest
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