As much as I love theater of all types, plenty of times I leave the show wondering what it all meant, if I got all I could out of it. The more experimental the show, the more I am left wondering what, exactly, I was supposed to understand. I often read the reviews after I see a play to see if my interpretation matches those of the critics.
… And now, there’s THE PROGRAM, which allows people like me to hear from a panel of critics, and even the playwrights, as an introduction to the show.
THE PROGRAM is Helen Shaw, David Cote, and Jeffrey Jones, “two reviewers and a playwright-cultural critic — who want the widest possible audience to feel welcome at the widest range of dramatically ambitious work,” according to the pamphlet I received at the panel discussion before God’s Ear last night. The three travel to different theaters to introduce various shows and speak about what makes them special.
Jenny Schwartz, the playwright of God’s Ear, joined the panel discussion at the Vineyard Theatre, so the talk not only shed light on the important aspects of the play, but also provided insight into the creative process of playwrights.
The Program was a great intro to a great play, and I would definitely seek it out for plays I see in the future.