In the theatrical history, almost the whole theatrical elements in theatre or performance have been recycled. Because, the ghosts of previous productions insistently exist in almost all stage productions, and audience could feel familiar as a kind of déjà vu by their individual experience and cultural memories. The identity of ghosts is related to political conditions, racial histories and gender conventions (Carlson, 2001). In addition, such ghostly conditions are true for any play, performer, or production in relation to the traditions of theatre.
So, I am going to discuss about some theatrical events which I believe to be ‘ghosted’ through Carlson’s the various guises of ghostly conditions in given article.
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Firstly, West side story the musical which is applied “the retelling of story” (Carlson cited in Postlewait, 2009). This show intentionally reinterprets the Romeo and Juliet of Shakespeare from a modern viewpoint. Audience can feel such familiar ghosts through relation between two families of mutual enemies, and tragic both man and woman. But, ending of West side story is different with original play that Juliet suicides follow Romeo in the play but in the case of the musical, Maria desperately appeal with died Tony about the senseless fight between two immigrant families.
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Secondly, Le Miserables the musical. This musical is applied “the retelling of historical events and the revival of musical” (Carlson cited in Postlewait, 2009). The show takes the French Revolution in 18th century as one of the backgrounds of the musical, and encompasses political, social situation at that time. Besides, Le Miserables has been showing since 1985 all around the world through continuative revival. Especially, the actor who was in charge of Gavroche in the past will become Marius and the actress who was in charge of Cosette in the past will become Fantine in this coming 50th celebration show in Japan.
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Thirdly, Into the woods the musical. This musical is applied “the function of parody and the retelling of folk tales” (Carlson cited in Postlewait, 2009). Interestingly, audience can feel such the ghosts through familiar characters who are in the existing famous story. For instance, Rapunzel, Cinderella, Jack of Jack and the Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood appear in the musical, and they lead new and interesting story.
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Finally, the Seagull which is written by Chekhov. Especially, Treplyov and Arkadina can remind Hamlet and Gertrude in terms of relation and the cause of conflict. in addition Chekhov quoted from real lines of Hamlet in Act2 Treplyov’s line and dialogue between Treplyov and Arkadina in Act3. Thus, the Seagull can be applied “direct and indirect quotation of passages from previous plays” as one of the ghosts (Carlson cited in Postlewait, 2009).
REFERENCE
Carlson, M. (2001). The haunted stage. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.
Postlewait, T. (2009). The Cambridge introduction to theatre historiography. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.