On Stage or from a Book…Which View is Best?

Artists are visual people, and whether we craft novels, scripts, sculptures, or paintings the concept is all about “the story”.

Through our books, plays, or art we create with our hands, we initially envision the message we wish to convey. We devise a course of action, set out on the journey, and arrive at our destination.

Our way may not be someone else’s way. It may not even be the best way, or the perfect route. Art, many times, is purely subjective. That’s the beauty of the craft. If everything were the same, there would be no variety, no need to think on our own, and no need to stretch ourselves.

As I write, I often correlate my work to scenes in a play. I strive for individuality as I create interesting and unusual characters with traits and flaws uniquely their own. I plot in my mind and on paper where I see my characters going. I trace and retrace their footsteps as they travel unfamiliar territory. I look at the story as a whole and envision the beginning, the middle, and the end, realizing that it will take more than great writing to make the view worthwhile. No, not just worthwhile–make that spectacular.

For artists, I believe the key to pulling that off is something almost indefinable. To create beauty is to be proactive effortlessly. It’s that seamless ability to transition from the deeply intrinsic to a catch-your-breath worldview connection. There is no roadmap, no easy-to-assemble directions, and no governing principle that can effectively predict success. For those who try, it can be an exercise in humility. Endorsers and naysayers alike are often left scratching their heads at what garners public acceptance and acclaim and what doesn’t.

One art form that is near and dear to my heart is the theatre. Much like a novel, scripts are constructed in such a way as to tell a story. There are plots, subplots, and varying scene depictions with characters that amuse, befuddle, excite, and annoy.

In a novel (a book) we watch the story unfold through words and visualization. On the stage (through the script) we literally view the tale through the actors/actresses’ voices and by the tone of their inflection. A novel and a script are different, yet similar. They both seek to move the audience by various means.

Over the weekend, we had the pleasure of seeing the fabulous production of The Count of Monte Cristo presented by College of the Ozarks theatre department. This is a drama based on Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel and adapted by Charles Morey.

I was familiar with the story: a man unjustly imprisoned, his eventual escape, and his gradual re-entry into life disguised as someone else.

As I watched the story unfold live on stage, I ignored the limited set and the minor lighting difficulties. Instead, I was sucked in by the tragic tale of betrayal and quest for justice. The actors and actresses (College of the Ozarks students, many of them theatre majors) drew me in with their superb character portrayals and standout performances. It became less about the disconcerting whirr of the stage lights and budget compromised backdrop and more about the actual story and the acting ability.

Having a son who has acted in theatre, I found myself watching the play through his eyes. I realized that with a play it really does come down to tone, inflection, timing, facial expressions, nuances, and an innate ability to communicate.

Our son has always preferred to read through the script first to get a feel for the character. He’d rather not watch a film or read the book prior to the play because he feels that masks an actor’s personal interpretation for the part itself. He believes when outside influences are minimized, this is when an actor can truly tap into his own talent and creativity.

Writing a novel is like crafting a script. Though novelists have the advantage of internal dialog and a bit more description, ultimately the bottom line in both is the story.

What determines a story’s success isn’t necessarily which view we perceive as best, it’s the skill with which each is delivered.

I’m thankful that God is the Master Artist and we’re His canvas.

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Do you have a favorite play? As you write, do you view your characters as you might if they were on stage?