Passage III

What Is a Dramaturge?

A performance at a theater is the resulting outcome of the work of many specialists, most of whom never appear in front of the audience. These may include the playwright, director, vocal and movement coaches, technical crew, and costume, set, and lighting designers. Some productions has involvement of the input of a dramaturge. (34)

Also known as the literary manager for a theater company, a dramaturge helps theater staff select the plays for each season, translates scripts if necessary, and stories are adapted into plays, as part of my job, I write program essays, promotional brochures, and press releases. (37) In addition, I prepare for each production by researching the period and location in which the play is originally set. If the director decides to move the play’s setting to a different time and place, then I research those as well.

A dramaturge serves as another pair of eyes and ears during the rehearsal process. I give notes of my impressions to the director. I also share my views with the playwright, if her or him is present. Our interactions influence how the performance evolves over the weeks, and sometimes months leading up to opening night.

Is there action that needs clarification because it’s too subtle to be perceived by the audience? Do a character’s lines fit her or his personality and circumstances? Is the play’s narrative understandable? These are some of the questions that come up in discussions between the director, dramaturge, actors, and other production staff in our efforts to create a strong performance. Sometimes as a result of these talks, scenes are rearranged, added, or cut. Author rewrites are common but not unheard of when a play is being staged for the first time.

Working in cooperation with so many specialists is fun, challenging, and full of surprises. In contrast, one of the appealing parts of my work is facilitating audience discussions after the show. This is when I take the stage to tap into the reactions of the audience members, the show’s final participants.