I find it interesting how we as artists become all too focused on "honing our craft." We forget how exciting the sound of clouds can be. There are many visionaries in each of our respective fields, but what seems to inspire the innovation that seems to pour from their minds? An all black Macbeth, a highly stylized ballroom version of Romeo and Juliet - these artistic visions succeed whereas some other...less informed choices fail. Why do these heightened productions work, but something like the Japanese Kabuki version of Angels in America leaves the viewer with a stale after-taste?
The text matters, being truthful to that while maintaining a level of excitement, respecting a playwright's vision - not wearing blinders that scholars so often wear when dealing with form and syntax, or placing a veil of style on-top of a piece but instead working within the piece to explore these innovative ideas. These works become exciting for everyone involved - the viewer and those performing. That pure excitement and sense of wonder, the "Ah" moments give these pieces power and a sense of magic. Leaving pretense behind, and going just far enough to blow the socks off the traditions held by the play - this is what a great director does. Informed, artistic choices yield powerful, lasting performances.
Baz Luhrmann's vision:
Orson Welles' vision:
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