Jeremy O. Harris Promotes “Theatre Supremacy”
Jeremy O. Harris Promotes “Theatre Supremacy”
1Digest
Jeremy O'Harris, the playwright behind the critically acclaimed "Slay Play," joins The Daily Show to discuss his directorial debut with the HBO documentary "Slay Play, Not a Movie, a Play." O'Harris explains that he initially resisted turning "Slay Play" into a movie, believing it to be inherently a theatrical experience. However, after a series of events, including the play's early closure on Broadway and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, he found himself making a documentary about the play's final days. O'Harris argues that theater is a superior art form to film, emphasizing its ability to demand active imagination and create a shared experience that fosters conversation and engagement. He highlights the importance of live performance in sparking dialogue and enacting political change, contrasting it with the passive consumption of film and television. O'Harris also shares his experience with staging "Slay Play" in London, where he encountered challenges related to audience demographics and the potential for racial tension. He discusses his decision to hold two performances with exclusively Black audiences, revealing the unique dynamics and laughter that emerged from this specific audience composition. O'Harris concludes by emphasizing the importance of supporting live theater and recognizing its unique power to create meaningful experiences and spark important conversations.
Outlines
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Jeremy O'Harris on Slay Play
This Chapter features an interview with playwright Jeremy O'Harris, who discusses his directorial debut with the HBO documentary "Slay Play, Not a Movie, a Play." O'Harris explains his initial resistance to turning "Slay Play" into a movie, his decision to make a documentary about the play's final days, and his belief in the superiority of theater as an art form. He emphasizes the importance of live performance in fostering conversation and enacting political change.
Blackout Dates and Audience Dynamics
This Chapter delves into the challenges of audience demographics and racial tension in theater. O'Harris discusses his experience with staging "Slay Play" in London, where he encountered criticism for his BBC interview. He explains his decision to hold two performances with exclusively Black audiences, highlighting the unique dynamics and laughter that emerged from this specific audience composition.
Keywords
Slay Play
"Slay Play" is a critically acclaimed play written by Jeremy O'Harris. It received 12 Tony nominations and has been praised for its bold exploration of race, sexuality, and gender. The play has been described as a "masterpiece" and a "must-see" for its powerful storytelling and provocative themes.
Jeremy O'Harris
Jeremy O'Harris is an American playwright, screenwriter, and director. He is best known for his play "Slay Play," which has garnered widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards. O'Harris is a prominent voice in contemporary theater, known for his bold and innovative work that tackles complex social issues.
Theater
Theater is a form of performing art that involves live actors performing in front of an audience. It encompasses a wide range of genres, including drama, comedy, musical theater, and experimental theater. Theater has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient Greece, and continues to be a vital art form that engages audiences and explores human experiences.
Live Performance
Live performance refers to any artistic event that takes place in real time, with a live audience present. This includes theater, music concerts, dance performances, and other forms of entertainment. Live performance is characterized by its immediacy, spontaneity, and the unique connection between performers and audience members.
HBO Documentary
HBO Documentary Films is a division of HBO that produces and distributes documentaries. Known for its high-quality productions, HBO Documentary Films has a reputation for tackling important social issues and showcasing diverse perspectives. The documentaries produced by HBO Documentary Films often receive critical acclaim and awards.
Blackout Dates
Blackout dates in theater refer to specific dates when a performance is not scheduled. These dates are often used for technical rehearsals, special events, or to accommodate the availability of performers. Blackout dates can also be used to create a sense of exclusivity or anticipation for a particular performance.
Racial Tension
Racial tension refers to the strained relationships and conflicts that can arise between different racial groups. It is often rooted in historical injustices, systemic inequalities, and cultural misunderstandings. Racial tension can manifest in various forms, including prejudice, discrimination, and violence.
Audience Demographics
Audience demographics refer to the characteristics of a particular audience, such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, and education level. Understanding audience demographics is crucial for artists and performers, as it helps them tailor their work to resonate with their target audience.
Political Change
Political change refers to shifts in the political landscape, including changes in government policies, laws, and social norms. It can be driven by various factors, such as social movements, political campaigns, and economic crises. Political change can have a profound impact on society, shaping the lives of individuals and communities.
Q&A
Why did Jeremy O'Harris initially resist turning "Slay Play" into a movie?
O'Harris believed that "Slay Play" was inherently a theatrical experience and that translating it to film would diminish its unique power. He felt that the play's impact stemmed from its live performance and the shared experience it created for the audience.
What led O'Harris to ultimately make a documentary about "Slay Play"?
A series of events, including the play's early closure on Broadway and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, led O'Harris to reconsider his stance. He found himself with a documentary crew filming the play's final days, and he saw an opportunity to explore the play's legacy and the importance of live performance.
What are the key differences between theater and film, according to O'Harris?
O'Harris argues that theater demands active imagination from the audience, while film often relies on visual spectacle and passive consumption. He believes that theater creates a shared experience that fosters conversation and engagement, while film can be more isolating and less conducive to dialogue.
How does O'Harris see theater as a tool for political change?
O'Harris believes that the shared experience of live performance can spark dialogue and inspire action. He argues that when people come together to witness a play, they are more likely to engage in conversations about the themes and ideas presented, leading to a deeper understanding and potential for change.
What challenges did O'Harris face when staging "Slay Play" in London?
O'Harris encountered criticism for his BBC interview and faced concerns about audience demographics and the potential for racial tension. He decided to hold two performances with exclusively Black audiences to explore the unique dynamics and laughter that emerged from this specific audience composition.
Show Notes
Jordan Klepper chats with playwright Jeremy O. Harris about his directorial debut with the HBO documentary, “Slave Play. Not a Movie. A Play,” and the importance of preserving the art of live theater.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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