2.1: Interview with my Parents! (MUM)

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  Kate Smith
  • MUM'S ANSWERS
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    How long have you been going to RSC?

    I first went as part of my O Level English course (O Levels were what we took before they intoduced GCSE's) I think I went twice, from my grammer school in Wales - one of which was Macbeth. So either 1975 or 76.
    
    Why did you start going?
    Covered above.
    
    What has made you keep going?

    We'd studied the text in depth before coming to see the play. Seeing it performed by the RSC brought the text alive and far more understandable. I was hooked!
    
    Why do you buy the programmes for the plays you see?
    Souvenir, artwork, sometimes the history or story, info on cast and also all the RSC staff listed.

    
    Do you think the programmes are important?
    Yes. Because they are a way of providing information but also setting the scene. Giving you a feeling for the production, does that make sense? Quite often there are rehearsal photos and things like that, so you get an idea of their approach and influences.
    
    Why did you keep all the ones you bought?
    Souvenir, also reminder as to what we've seen. I suppose we're a bit blaze about it really - we go so often. I try not to take it for granted, especially when I see vistors who are clearly in awe about where they are.
    
    

    Would you describe it as a collection. And if so, was it intentional as a collection?
    I suppose it is, but I don't think it was intended as such.

    
    Will you keep buying them in the future?
    Of course.
    
    What's the most important part of the programme in your opinions?
    That's tricky. If it's a new play then the story line. If not then it's hard to say. TBH I often read it after seeing the play - retrospectively it can be more informative - a bit like seeing a film for the second time and seeing all the important little bits that you missed the first time.
    
    What's your favourite parts of the programmes?
    I think that changes from programme to programme - it depends on what connects with the performance.

    
    Do you think the cover images reflect anything (on an obvious level) about the current times or social influences? Refer to my blog if it helps! Or are they purely decorative?Probably, but I think that depends on what is being depicted in the play. I always feel that the cover should give a hint as to the influences of the direction of the play itself.

    
    Do you think the cover art often reflects the feeling of the play well?
    Sometimes, but not always. The photos, I don't actually like the photos, particularly because they are often just the actors in their costumes. You get much more of a sense of the production if it is from an artist's perspective, if you like, much more inspiration from it. The photos are the lazy option in my opinion, it doesn't provide the sense of the production. It's more imaginative having an illustration, rather than just photos. There was a lovely "Merry Wives of Windsor" programme illustration set in the 1950's. The WHOLE programme was influenced by this 50's inspired style, and you instantly knew what the production would be like.
    
    Do you prefer the newer, more photograp

    hic covers, or the older, more illustrative ones?
    The illustrative style for me. Answered above.

    
    

    Do you like how the programme covers have progressed into this corporate form and remained unified in that way?

    No. Because it's too corporate and Shakespeare isn't corporate. It may be corporate in the background, in this day and age I suppose it has to be, but I don't it needs to be outwardly portrayed. For example, the recent "King John" production, that wasn't corporate. If it is too corporate, young people don't relate it and rebel against it, you want something you can relate to rather than being an establishment (exclusive and clicky).
    
    Do you have a favourite cover that you remember?
    The Twelfh Night one, that I have the poster of. No idea where that one is though. We had that before we moved, so may be it was lost
    
    

    Do the programmes represent the company profile of the RSC well?
    I'd actually say rich in history but still able to relate the text to the modern day.

    Human nature never changes, and observations of it are as relevent today as they were then. I guess they need to be 'corporate', but hope it doesn't cause them to lose touch with what makes Shakespeare so appealing. I would actually say less so now, than earlier. Perhaps because they are so slick...

    
    Do you see the programmes taking on different platforms of media in the future? (Eg, web based, video, emailed etc)
    It sounds like a good idea.

    
    

    What kind of image to you get of the company from them?
    I would hope that it's not corporate!

    
    

    What do you think of these possible changes? Good? Bad?
    Good - the RSC must stay fresh and current and able to connect with young people.
    
    

    Are you aware of the progression of the RSC's marketing through digital means? If so, what are your feelings on it?
    Sort of, from what you've shown me, but it's not something I've looked for myself. But then, i'm already a fan! But yes, I think it's terribly important. I can remember being completely dismissive of Shakespeare - it's for old people. it wasn't until I sawe it performed that I realised that he's as relevent today as he was when the plays were first written. New ways must be found to bring this to all new generations attention, without being patronising or being too much about old people trying to be cool and in touch, if you see what I mean...