From: "Spence Porter" <SpencePorter-AT-post.harvard.edu>
Subject: Re: PUPT: RE: Puppetry awards
Date: Tue, 3 Feb 2004 00:25:09 -0500


Hi, Liz!

My own feeling is that the term "legitimate theater" should simply be
abandoned.  It comes out of a viewpoint that says some types of theater are
worthy of respect and others are not.  I personally would argue that no
"type" of theater is inherently good or bad--that it all depends on what one
does with the theatrical mode.  I'd rather see good juggling than bad
Shakespeare--and I'd rather see good Shakespeare than bad juggling!

Going back to Will's original post, obviously Will's intentions are
great--that it might be nice to have an award that recognized puppetry as
part of a Broadway show distinct from puppetry that *is* the show!  (There
would still be classification problems--which camp would "The Lion King"
fall into?)  But the use of the term "legitimate theater" perpetuates a long
outdated way of thinking about theater.  So rather than redefine it with a
new up-to-date and politically correct definition ("Legitimate theater
consists of Shakespeare and puppetry, but strip-tease, Neil Simon,  and all
other forms of theater are illegitimate") I think we should just drop that
way of thinking.

As for your question about awards for puppeteers performing in small
venues--of course!  It's always a good thing to recognize good work!

Best,

Spence
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Liz Evans" <liz-AT-etherboy.com>
To: <puptcrit-AT-lists.village.Virginia.EDU>
Sent: Monday, February 02, 2004 8:01 PM
Subject: Re: PUPT: RE: Puppetry awards


> Spence,
>
> Actually Spence, I knew the actual use of the words, but as you
> mentioned,
> it's classical meaning is outdated, hence the question.  How would it be
> redefined today. As many Puppeteers perform in small venue theatres. Are
> these real and legitimate enough to be eligible for an award if the
> performance merits it.  Or does a performer have to be invited to
> perform
> at very specific theatres.
>
> Liz
> K. Elizabeth Evans, Artistic Director
> Renaissance Artist Puppet Company
>
> Puppeteers of America
> Mid Atlantic Regional Director 2001/03
>
> http://www.RenArtPuppetCo.com
> We provide Puppet Theatre performances and Art Residency programs.
> We can build your Puppets, Props, and Mascots.
>
>
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>




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