Dramaturgy, Maine

The professionalism and dedication shown by STC members never ceases to amaze me, especially with this show. At production meetings, ideas are carefully thought out for costumes, set, and props. New tasks are then delegated to the production team heads for them to convey back to their specific teams (Set, Costumes, Props, and Dramaturgy). Work days have been essential for completing these tasks. Work days are the chance for the four production teams to group up individually and work together on the given tasks within the group. I am a part of the Dramaturg production team.

Being the lead dramaturg, there are a lot of different responsibilities involved: delegating tasks, conducting research, and bringing information back to production meetings. The literal definition of dramaturgy is “The theory and practice of dramatic composition.” but for our purposes, the point of the dramaturgs are to keep this show honest, and true. We are aiming to stay away from the clichés and stereotypes of small town folk, and we are presenting information to the cast members with hopes to spark interests, and inspire the actors. We want to inspire them to think more about their characters and how they interact with their surroundings, which is small town Almost, Maine, and with the other Almost, inhabitants. This is where our research comes in.

Ryan, Zander, and I have started preliminary investigations on given topics related to Almost, Maine. Some examples are, congenital analgesia, aurora borealis, clichés, and effects of alcoholism on emotions. We’ve also started researching information on the state of Maine. Looking through maps, and books on Aroostook County, we’ve pinpointed or at least come very close to locating Almost, Maine. Township 13, range 7 on a map is the exact location. The fact that Almost is a fictional town, may be what interests me so much about the show.

Within each vignette is the main story but, it also tells another one, hidden underneath as if in in layers. You peel back the shell of one story to find the next layer. This ties back to the dedication of STC members. It’s our job to make the audience see the subsequent layers of each scene, but this won’t come easy. The hard work put forth in rehearsals to live the lines given to them is what will really pay off. The more honestly the cast can portray their characters without the stereotypes and clicés will be what gives the show its magic.

With this show, the magic of the play is what drives it. Magical realism, “If you can explain it, it’s not magical realism.” By avoiding these stereotypes and clichés, hopefully, that will then make the show even more special. “Imagination is the highest form of research.” -Albert Einstein. It is our job to create the world of Almost, Maine… the small, petite, hidden away town of ordinary people, living quite extraordinary lives.

Jayna Wanamaker

Marvalyn / Lead Dramaturg