Edward Albee considers questioning the reasons behind reading
plays in addition to, or in place of, seeing a live performance
absurd because he feels so much of the author's intention is lost in
translation from the page to the stage. Only through reading a play
can someone truly appreciate and visualize what the author intended
because a performance is limited by "the minds at work"
behind its production.
While Albee makes several good points concerning the limits of
live performances, I disagree with the idea that a performance cannot
improve an already great play. Of course visualizing a play as one
reads the author's words is great, but is it not as satisfying to see
a play performed so tremendously that it gives you a better
understanding of what the author was trying to say? Sure everyone
gets a little annoyed when a director abuses his or her creative
license, but isn't it nice when we see a fresh take on an old
favorite?
Plays are meant for entertainment. Too many times do people get
caught up in the technical mumbo jumbo of what is proper and what is
the true way to appreciate art that they fail to sit back and
actually enjoy the glorious wonder in front of them. Plays, whether
written or performed, are meant to allow those who enjoy them a brief
escape from the mundane reality that is everyday life.
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