Neil Sprouse

Last Fall, Michael was given the honor and privilege to direct Samuel Beckett's Krapp's Last Tape, which was a tremendously huge undertaking but fortunately for him, he had what he thought was perhaps the greatest team he ever worked with, they pulled a lot of weights and challenged themselves, and challenged him too. They were not afraid to provide their own insights and inputs on the production concept and together, they executed what he still, to this day is proud to call one of the best productions that he has ever been involved with. It also must be noted that the team was comprised entirely of his own peers who were passionate about their disciplines within the realm of Theatre Arts and thus brought their very best to the table; they were backed by a program with three full-time faculty and three staff who were very dedicated to ensure the visions that he and his team dreamed up became a tangible reality. This is, to this day, one of his most cherished memories of his college years. He will share the full text of his director's note that was printed in the program for the production.

 Director’s Note

 

"Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more; it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. "  - William Shakespeare

 

      We all have a story to tell, a legacy to leave behind for future generations. When I first read Krapp's Last Tape, it struck me that many of my fellows and I are nearing the peak of our collegiate careers. We have done so many things without thinking about what we will say about ourselves. In this work, Beckett is trying to ensure his story will be told, through Krapp, so he will still live on. Like Krapp, we also make so many choices that we will later evaluate.

 

     Krapp's Last Tape represents a new milestone for Gallaudet's Theatre and Dance Program, one which I am honored to be part of. This production is not only my work but also the work of 8 other students, each in his or her own area of expertise. It was amazing to see how our design team really worked together and how the concepts became one vision. What you are seeing right now is the result of eight months of planning and designing, living up to the vision for Gallaudet’s Theatre and Dance Program as truly student-centered. Today, this vision comes to be as you watch Krapp tell his story.

 

Michael Wayne Sprouse