Ok...seeing as there has been a back and forth banter I figured I'd finally step in to settle it seeing as I'm the video creator and would like to counteract a few statements that were made. There is one HUGE clarification I must make...and honestly, it seems kind of silly that I'd be making this clarification to a bunch of theatre fans…
1.) I'm sure many of you would not argue the fact that live theatre has an incredible impact on you and that certain CHARACTERS can completely capture and move you, and sometimes we even identify with them. There is something within the CHARACTER'S struggles and life that parallels our own. (Notice how I've been emphasizing the word "character"). If I was reading Elphaba's story, it would be totally different that actually EXPERIENCING her story through live theatre. I experienced Elphaba's story first-hand at a live performance with Idina as Elphaba. I happened to also see Elphaba played by a different actress after that, but for me personally, the parallel I originally had with the character was not as strong and I didn't see the depth I had originally picked up on when Idina played her.
SO, it led me to believe that Idina, as an actress, added something unique to the character that resonated within me. But, I must emphasize, it was ELPHABA who I identified with, it was ELPHABA'S SOUL I was allowed to enter/see and it was ELPHABA'S STORY that paralleled my own.
Idina was only the medium to show me all of those things, and on stage, she did that with nonverbal communication (symbolized by a smile) as well as verbal communication (her voice). I thought theatre people would pick up on that symbolism that I included in the video....I guess I was wrong... I'm not entering Idina's soul, people. I'm entering ELPHABA'S SOUL – the entire AUDIENCE is! It's the nonverbal and verbal communication of an actor that gives the character life and the audience the chance to get a glimpse into that life and persona.
So...the tribute was my way of saying thank you to Idina (not personally or verbally, but artistically) for bringing Elphaba to life for me. Elphaba is fictional; Idina was her portal. Sorry if you thought it was something dark, stalkerish and deeper, but that's all it boils down to. The video was honoring Idina's journey into Elphaba's world. And as a result of taking that journey, Idina led US into Elphaba's world as well.
Elphaba continues to inspire me to this day, specifically BECAUSE I identify with her, and I'm convinced Idina had a lot to do with that. Seeing a different actress the second time I saw the show proved that Idina really did have a lot to do with how I perceived the character. Every actor/actress might interpret things differently, but it was Idina's interpretation and delivery of that interpretation that resonated within me. And it's the PERFORMANCE that will be remembered always. She added a lot to the character. Of course, Idina can't play Elphaba forever and must pass down the torch. However, her performances never end for they're forever implanted in each audience member's memory -- that was the point of the video. NOT some stalkerish sick scenario like some of you have suggested. Sorry to disappoint you... It's all about the character and how that character is communicated to the audience... And if it's communicated successfully, then you really give a legendary performance!
2.) As we all know, when we're dealing with something stressful in our lives or want to procrastinate on our responsibilities, sometimes our energy is diverted into other areas. Like now, I had a stressful week and want to divert my energy writing this. Is it worth my time...who knows...but that's where my energy is drawn right now and it's getting my mind off of the stress. Same thing happened with the video because that's how it originated. It was just a procrastination project that honestly didn't take much time -- but for the time I spent on it, I did not have to deal with whatever was on my mind - it was a creative outlet -- that's all!
Considering that Wicked continues to inspire me because of the character's struggles and journey, considering that Idina added enough depth that I could parallel my own life with Elphaba's, considering that I was dealing with my own struggles, insecurities at the time and needed something to get my mind off of things, and considering it was right after Idina's last performance, it just kind of fit that it would be the subject of procrastination to get my mind off of things. Sorry if you all think it was something else, but that's honestly what it was. I'm sorry many of you took it the wrong way and think it's sickening. Maybe I should have clarified a few things or worried about people taking it the wrong way...
It was NOT intended for Idina to see in the first place; however if she WERE ever to READ THE LEAD IN PROSE and watch the video, I seriously doubt that she would be freaked out. In her dressing room she kept collages made by fans with pictures of her as Elphaba...she doesn't seem like the type to be freaked out when fans create things...
And seriously, as a performing artist, isn't one of your goals to affect and reach an audience member so you make the CHARACTER REAL for them? Are actors freaked out during award shows, like the Oscars, when they show a video montage of their accomplishments and winning performances? Highly doubtful. It's yet another way of honoring them for an outstanding performance.
But alas, how could I expect this board to understand any of the reasons I've explored, including the power of theatre, actors and incredibly inspiring and meaningful fictional characters? I mean, after all, this is a Broadway message board for heaven's sakes. What was I thinking?!?
Updated On: 1/22/05 at 07:17 PM