It had been over 20 years since I had been involved in theatre. But a friend was starting a new theatre company and needed a director. And my wife gave me a nudge to get involved.
That was how, after years of focusing on a business career, I dipped my toe into the theatre world. It was surprisingly invigorating to find a creative outlet. I was hooked.
A few years later, I saw two productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream. As you would expect, each director had their own interpretation. And I noticed that the same lines could have different meanings based on the play's setting and the stage direction.
A crazy thought came to me -- if the same Shakespeare lines can have "various" meanings, maybe "various" Shakespeare lines could be stitched together to create an entirely "new" meaning - to tell a new story.
I became obsessed with the idea of studying Shakespeare's canon to see how the Bard's words could be used to tell modern stories. I had finally found my creative passion.
Shakespeare stands alone in his ability to describe the human condition. And I am convinced that within Shakespeare's canon are the lines and verses that, if combined together, can perfectly tell any modern story. At least, that is what I'm trying to do.
David
PS: below is the obligatory bio stuff.
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David is a member of the Dramatists Guild and has been involved in the theatre outside of Boston as both a producer and director. He is an advisor to the Intermission Theatre in London.
David is the recipient of the 2014 EMACT DASH (Distinguished Achievement and Special Honors) Award for Excellence in Conceptual Creativity and Execution for the Premier production of his play Much Ado About Love: A Romantic Comedy in Shakespeare's Verse.
His short films have been screened at film festivals in London, Spain, Portugal, and the United States. His film Just Friends was awarded Official Selection in the Cinephone, International Mobil, Indiwise, and the IOWF Film Festivals.
David is also a corporate strategist with over 25 years experience in international business strategy with a focus on Japan.
David lives in Tokyo with his wife.
