S54 04 Ghosts Notes
Ghosts Director's Notes: From Peter King
I was drawn to direct Ghosts, partly because it’s a classic written by one of the great playwrights, but also because of its relevance today. Time has passed but religious and social hypocrisy, and misogyny haven’t. Its relevance seems all the greater today given the current “Me Too” movement. There have been a number of adaptations of Ghosts. I chose Richard Eyre’s adaptation because I believe it to be the most true to the original and at the same time it makes the play more accessible to a wider audience.
No production succeeds without the support of many people behind the scenes. Ghosts takes place in Norway. David Hutchinson’s design and engineering expertise was critical in helping create Norway’s rainy environment. His commitment and persistence overcame all the obstacles this concept presented. In addition, Earl Schenk and his team—Bryan Selesky, Guy Fontaine, Richard Bansbach, Rob Rederburg, and Sharlene Rederburg—flawlessly executed David's design.
Margo Eberly also deserves particular praise. Although initially identified as Stage Manager, her contribution went well beyond this. She contributed significantly to Set design, painting and costume design; she was in essence the play’s Production Manager, relieving me of many headaches. Margo worked closely with the Theatre’s overall Production Manager Sheron Brackenbury, to whom we owe thanks for all her efforts, in particular furniture for the set and painting.
The actors take their bows, but please also recognize these people and give them their much deserved “Bravos!” too.