Catastrophe

Background >

Structure

The work – mirroring the creative process of theatrical representation – necessarily moves through three stages. Initially, the writer’s concern is the focus on ideas and the language to express these ideas. So the Director arrives to contemplate the aesthetic adjustments he might want to make to his stage creation. Accordingly, a written record is made of his every word.

Actual production work requires a translation of the words into physical action. At this stage, Director orders his production assistant to physically implement the changes that he has determined to make to the appearance of the player on stage. Finally, technical assistance is called upon to create some special theatrical lighting effects.

The creative process is complete, and any subsequent audience appreciation is easily imagined. It’s finished or nearly finished. A brief epilogue enacts the momentary contemplative instant of human existence.