A director's concept is how the director envisions the play. Alley Theatre Artistic Director Rob Melrose has a bold idea for the production of The Winter's Tale. Watch the video to learn more about his idea to set the play in Texas.
"What's fun about doing Shakespeare is figuring out how Shakespeare meets its audience."
-Rob Melrose, Artistic Director
A Tale Like
No Other
A directorial concept is only as strong as the support it receives on stage. Rob Melrose's idea to place the play in Texas creates a fun challenge for the designers. Watch the videos below for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what it takes to bring a strong idea to life for an audience.
Sound Designer Cliff Caruthers
Set Designer Michael Locher
Bringing a Concept to Life: A Love Letter to Texas
Gallery: Rough Sketches, Winter's Tale Set Design by Michael Locher
When Concept
Adds Content
ACTIVITY:
Design a Concept
The 2019 UIL Theatrical design competition asked competitors to create a unique concept for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Are you up for the challenge?
Behind the Scenes:
Building Beautiful Clouds
A strong director's concept can introduce new themes to the production, or magnify themes only hinted at on the page. Explore some of the themes introduced by the Alley Theatre's unique production.
Through a Child's Eyes
Alley's version of The Winter's Tale will quite literally be a Winter's Tale told by a young Houstonian boy: Mamillius.
When a play is around for 400 years, there are bound to be a few interpretations. Take a peek at other recent and unique productions of The Winter's Tale.
Other Versions Throughout Time
Royal Shakespeare Company, 2010
Cheek by Jowl, 2016
Royal Opera House (ballet), 2016
Shakespeare's Globe, 2018