Noises Off — Message from the Director
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In Brian Rix's Life in the Farce Lane, a wonderful history of the genre, he describes farce as "tragedy with its trousers down." Modern playwright Alan Ayckbourn says, "Because the aim of farce is merely (merely!!!) to create laughter, it is the most misunderstood and most often underrated form of theater there is. Often overlooked by scholars and the so-called theater establishment."
We who have done farce, know that doing farce well, while great fun, is probably the most challenging of all genres. While it all looks so easy when you are in the audience, as it should, many an experienced actor has become unglued while doing farce. There are no beautiful, poetic monologues to hide behind. The language is mundane. The characters are not standing center stage, spot-lit, intellectualizing about their predicament. They are rushing around dealing with it. A master of farce, playwright Ray Cooney, was asked by Mr. Rix to provide him with "The Rules of Farce." Mr. Cooney indicates in his rules, that in casting he "doesn't look for clowns, but looks for the actor who can play tragedy, because farce results from tragic situations." Also, "they must have the stamina, the precision and dexterity that farce requires. And above all, they must have a generosity of spirit. Farce is teamwork." I am so fortunate to have such a team of actors and production staff. I thank them all for bringing their enormous talent, generosity, commitment, love and hard work to our Noises Off!! And I thank you, our audience, for your continued support!! ENJOY THE SHOW!!! Carole Hayes, Director |
