Theatre--Directors vs. Playwrights

Subject: Re: Theatre--Directors vs. Playwrights

Comments:
: How marvelous it is that you answer questions! : Some modern theatrical directors are "deconstructionists"-- : which means they freely change the playwright's script, : perhaps changing the order of scenes or changing the : locales/settings described in authors' stage directions. : The directors argue that is their "right" as creative artists. : Also prevalent in theatre are "gender reversals," when : directors change the gender the playwright assigned. The : directors argue these shifts are important for social : reasons. : Finally, in certain educational institutions, directors : make radical cuts in full-length plays, reducing them : from 2 1/2 hours playing time to perhaps 20 minutes. : Although these are done as part of class work, they are : given public performances. : : Assume in these instances the playwright's work is : properly copyrighted. : Are such directors violating copyright law? : At what point does "artistic interpretation" stop : and "violation" begin? : Can you cite precedents to support your answer? Can you : direct me to authoritative sources on these points? : I'm deeply appreciative for all help you can offer!

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