Raconteur Theatre Company

This week, while watching a rehearsal for Ghosts it struck me what a difference a translation can make. I first read Ghosts in college and was embarrassed to admit I didn’t understand it at all. The dialogue (and therefore the plot) was confusing to me. I found a strong dislike for the characters.

Lanford Wilson’s translation of Ghosts is true to the original intent, but it is more conversational. All of those outdated references and themes I found so confusing are made relevant. Although, I was already very familiar with the story I found I was being drawn into the character’s lives in a new way.

It seems for Ghosts, Lanford Wilson’s translation has provided much-needed insights which invite empathy. The same characters I found so distasteful before became pitiable and human. These are people we all understand. So often we see remakes (of any type) as second-rate, rarely can you say that a new version of an older classic is a worthwhile. This is a powerful script, which pays great tribute to Ibsen.

-Molly

Just a quick shout to those of you who are reading this who weren’t currently aware - but we’re getting ready to cast our next show.

We’re putting up Henrik Ibsen’s Ghosts, translation done by Lanford Wilson, directed by none other than our own Tricia Jones.

(She directed the Roulette half of After the Afterglow, ya know.)

Now, if you’re reading this blog, I know you want to be a part of this production. So, you’re probably saying “Tell me the details.”

Gladly!

Auditions are Sunday, August 3 from 3-5 and Monday, August 4 from 7-9 at the Main Library’s auditorium. (96 S. Grant Avenue)
The show dates are from October 2-18, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. the first two weeks of the run.

You want to know more? Of course you do! And fortunately, you can find out more at our website.

Now, we want to see all of you there with bells on. (Bells optional).
-Aaron