Eva writes: Personally, I think with the Guthrie already raising 60 million out of the 125 million for this project, I guess I don't get why they don't just put their lobbying money into this project -- and put their energies into getting the money from where money can be gotten. ---------------------------- Cindy says: The Guthrie Board of Directors is going to be meeting next week (I think); maybe they'll decide to do just that. --------------------------- Then Eva says: I go to the Guthrie occasionally. I have particularly liked productions they have done in the Guthrie lab, which are more innovative and experimental. I also don't really understand what is wrong with the current setup for the Guthrie. It's a lovely location and a great thrust stage. ---------------------------------------------------- Cindy says: Disclaimer: I work at the Guthrie. I am a stagehand; one of the people backstage who moves the props and scenery around during a performance, among other things (example: for the current production, I drop leaves from above the stage during the storm sequence that starts the show). I can tell you what is wrong with the Guthrie as it is now, from my perspective: the backstage is set up to do the kind of shows that were popular 40 years ago: actor-driven productions with less emphasis on design. Today, people want to see pretty pictures and spectacular special effects along with the acting; "eye candy" if you will. The staff at the Guthrie has done amazing work over the years to keep current with technology, but the backstage is just too small. The current set-up of the Guthrie means that the stage carpenters and riggers have to work a lot harder to install a set than they would in a more modern facility.
I agree, Eva, it's a great place to see plays and concerts--I went to the Guthrie a lot before I got a job there. The acoustics are great, and being so close to the action onstage makes seeing a show there unforgettable, but there's only so much you can do with limited space, especially in a visual, movie-going culture, which is what we've become, as opposed to an aural, play-going culture. (And that's a whole 'nuther thread for a whole 'nuther list...) When people say that they don't see what's wrong with the Guthrie, they are usually on the outside looking in. This is my opinion, spoken as someone on the inside. Cindy Lindau Tip 'o the Wedge _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
