Masters of the Stage

SDCF's James Furlong sat down with two preeminent stage directors who also design, Richard Foreman and Wilford Leach, for a 90 minute discussion about navigating the often contentious relationship of collaboration. Sharing similar origins, both Foreman and Leach discuss how their affinity for designing sets came from a "do it yourself" mentality which developed from an early necessity of their productions. As they grew as artists the two began practicing different philosophies of design and collaboration; Leach crafting a set from the center outward to ensure it fits into any touring venue, while Foreman moves from a frame inward to give the actors a concrete foundation wherein the story can inhabit. Despite many differing philosophies of collaboration and design both agree that, for them, set design and stage direction are inextricably linked in their process of creating theatre. What follows is a conversation between two theatre artists who refuse to compartmentalize their work. They rather view themselves as artists endeavoring to make an entire object, as a result of which directing and designing follow as natural bi-products.