International Exchange: US to UK and UK to US

Saturday night took me to the theatre. That's a good place for an aspiring producer to be on a Saturday night. I went to see Hand to God by Robert Askins. Hand to God is a new and some might say, edgy play that just finished a successful run on Broadway. Personally, I really enjoyed the show but it has received mixed reviews here in London. For a producer, we must consider this reaction, especially when New York embraced the production.

Not all transfers from across the ocean work. So, what is it that makes some things work in New York that don't work in London and vice versa? If we could predict this, we could save ourselves a lot of heartache and lost capital. I wonder if it is a simply a difference in culture? After all Hand to God is set in the American South and centers on the spiritual turmoil of its main characters as they seek for answers within the walls of the church.  Of course I liked the show, it was set in my home region with characters I recognized. For me, the references to Chick-fil-A and TCBY were a love song to my homeland. But is that really it? As an audience we constantly watch plays, films and TV shows imported from each other. Every time I turn on the TV here in London, The Big Bang Theory is on. And when I lived here from 2008-2010, Friends was on constant re-run. At home, Monty Python's Spamalot was a huge hit on Broadway and regionally. Downton Abby has become a movement for American TV audiences.  So, how can it just be culture?

This may be a debate that can never be answered. Sure, some things are lost in translation. I may have been the only one in the audience last night who knew what a TCBY was, but the story and the journeys of the characters are universal. There was nothing about the production elements or actors' delivery that was misplaced. In fact, I was very impressed with the actors in the show. I tend to be a very harsh critic of non-American actors attempting American accents and doubly so if they are going Southern, but they all did a fine job with the accents and with their characters.

This will take more thought and observation as to why some productions transfer successfully and others find it more of challenge. It is certainly a curiosity. However, I will say the audience at the performance I attended did seem to enjoy the show. I wasn't the only one laughing and applauding. Some even gave it standing ovation. Perhaps it's just that not every show is meant for all people. Some stories are meant for the audience who understands that particular message and is open to receive it.

This coming week I have a major project launching. I'll let you know how it goes next week. In the meantime, look at your local theatres and consider why they select the shows they produce. See if they are taking any risks in their programming. Then go see the risk!

Take care!
-m