1. Jo, what is a dramaturg and what is your role as one?
It seems there are about as
many definitions of dramaturg as there are people who do it. A dramaturg is a
frequent collaborator with the playwright and/or director. They may help
the actors to understand and interpret their characters. While they are typically
much more than a librarian, who just researches aspects of a production, in the
case of SouthFork Confessions that
has been my primary role. I have found historical information for Chrissie, and
have also obtained permission to use copyrighted music and poetry, for example.
2. Tell us about your background and
how it related to this job, and what challenges you faced?
I had never previously worked
in theater before. But I was a school librarian for many years, so I have
knowledge of the research process. Locating historical information, such as the
poetry of Black Bart, was fun and well within the scope of my skills. Finding
copyright information for the music was another story altogether. I don't have
a music background, and the laws regarding music copyright are quite
complicated. Helping to ensure that we stay within the law and respect the
intellectual and artistic property of others has proven to be a serious
responsibility. Chrissie recently told me that in professional theater
dramaturgs can make big bucks - I can see why now!
