I think I need to learn to accept that directing Shakespeare is hard and that I'm not ready for it.
At Play Selection, we chose The Merchant Of Venice for Hartwell's 2007 Shakespeare show, and I expressed interest in submitting a proposal to direct. I haven't finished reading the script yet, but I really like the story from all that I've read about it.
Now I could probably get a reasonable production going, but I worry that it would be rather flat and lacking in creativity and imagination. Katherine asked me what period I'd set it in and I answered that I haven't thought much about it yet, having not yet finished the script. She already has an idea in mind: set it in the 1930s just before the rise of facism. If she has ideas, but believes her Shakespeare directing days are years away, what am I doing considering it?
See, I'd have done the merchant of venice as a sci fi. :)
Seriously though, read the script and become familiar the characters and the story and then work on your proposal. Take is as a challenge, one that will help you hone your skills. Or as an alternative, how about co-directing with someone you can comfortably work alongside?
Perhaps a stranger play would be more suitable to sci-fi - maybe Titus Andronicus.
Or as an alternative, how about co-directing with someone you can comfortably work alongside?
Well, there is someone interested in co-directing or assisting. As long as I could get over the self conscious feeling of "this more experienced person is judging my inexperience", that would be okay. There is also someone else who is interested in directing who would make a worthwhile show. In the meantime, I shall continue to read and await delivery of the 2004 film version.