Summary

In this episode of Curtains Up, Rohan interviews Constantine, a scriptwriter for high school and college theater studying Cinema and Media studies in University of Washington. They discuss the creative process of scriptwriting, the unique challenges faced in educational theater, and the often-overlooked role of scriptwriters. Constantine shares his experiences with deadlines, collaboration, and the importance of scriptwriting in bringing stories to life on stage. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring scriptwriters, emphasizing the need to write consistently and seek feedback.

Takeaways

Constantine started scriptwriting in high school and found his passion for it.

Writing for educational theater involves collaboration with peers.

Scriptwriters are often overlooked in favor of actors and technicians.

Deadlines are a significant challenge for scriptwriters.

Constantine emphasizes the importance of feedback in the writing process.

He is currently working on a script for a New Works Festival.

Scriptwriting and screenwriting require different approaches but share common challenges.

Constantine encourages aspiring writers to write regularly, even for fun.

The creative process is a journey that involves constant learning and improvement.

Understanding the role of scriptwriters is crucial for appreciating theater.

Sound bites

"Deadlines do matter, keep them in mind."

"It's a learning process, keep writing."

"You have to make it exist first."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Scriptwriting and Its Importance

05:57 Challenges in Scriptwriting

11:56 Advice for Aspiring Scriptwriters

Keywords

scriptwriting, theater, creative process, educational theater, deadlines, collaboration, high school theater, college theater, undervalued writers, playwriting

"Keep your eyes and mind open."

- Moumita Bhattacharya

Keywords

theater, directing, choreography, Seattle theater, Moumita Bhattacharya, audience interpretation, artistic influences, House of Joy, casting, storytelling

Summary

In this episode of Curtains Up, Rohan interviews Moumita Bhattacharya, a prominent theater director and choreographer in Seattle. They discuss her journey from Indian classical dance to theater, her experiences in the Seattle theater scene, and the artistic influences that shape her work. Moumita shares insights on audience interpretation, the challenges of choreography, and the intricacies of casting characters. She concludes with valuable advice for aspiring directors, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and continuous learning.

Takeaways

• Moumita's journey into theater began with Indian classical dance.
• Abhinaya, the act of emoting, is integral to storytelling in dance.
• The Seattle theater community is receptive to diverse stories.
• Artistic influences come from various sources, including cinema and dance.
• Audience reactions can differ greatly from the director's expectations.
• Choreographing movement in a play without explicit direction is challenging.
• Casting requires understanding the essence of each character.
• Performers should embody their characters rather than just play them.
• Aspiring directors should watch many shows to learn and absorb.
• Telling relevant stories is crucial for connecting with audiences.

In this episode of Curtains Up, host Rohan Sengupta engages with Dr. Carol Fisher Sorgenfrei, a renowned expert in Japanese and intercultural performance. They explore Dr. Sorgenfrei's journey into Japanese theatre, the fusion of Noh and Greek theatre, and the distinct differences in performance styles between Japanese and Western theatre. The conversation also delves into the significance of design elements in Japanese theatre, memorable performances, and advice for young theatre students interested in global performance traditions.

takeaways

• Dr. Sorgenfrei was inspired by a professor to study Japanese theatre.
• Her first experience in Japan solidified her passion for avant-garde theatre.
• She wrote a play combining Medea with Noh style, which won a contest.
• There are intriguing similarities between Greek tragedy and Japanese Noh.
• Noh has a continuous performance history unlike Greek theatre.
• Design elements like masks in Noh carry deeper meanings.
• Experiencing a powerful performance can transcend consciousness.
• Navigating between cultures enriches creative work.
• Young theatre students should explore global performance traditions.
• The elegance of Noh and the energy of Kabuki are captivating.

Japanese theatre, Noh, Kabuki, intercultural performance, theater studies, Dr. Carol Fisher Sorgenfrei, global performance traditions, avant-garde theater, Greek tragedy, cultural dialogue