在驴得水即将开幕之际，我想记录自己对于这部话剧所蕴含的主题和情感的思考，并分享一些在排练中的感悟和演出前的寄语。
《驴得水》这部话剧通过其荒诞的情节和幽默诙谐的表现形式，深刻地批评了当时社会的教育体制、官僚机制以及贪污腐败。它揭示了一群教师们在封建背景和资源匮乏下的生存状态，从对改变乡村教育现状的无奈和渴望到为达个人目的不择手段，展露出人性与道德之间的复杂关系。它通过一头驴化身老师骗取美国慈善家的资助款的偶然事件，向观众展示了对一些社会缩影问题的讽刺，使人们在笑声中思考更深层的社会发展问题以及各阶层人物之间的缔结关系。
剧中主要围绕张一曼，铁男，孙恒海，裴魁山，孙佳，铁匠，铁匠老婆，特派员和美国人罗斯这几个角色展开，这些人物不仅是刻画出的角色，更是一面镜子，例如铁男和裴魁山从朴实的乡村教师到被权力和金钱诱惑选择背叛团体；张一曼一向追求自由与新女性，却因为极端和不正当的做事风格最终造成悲剧；孙恒海和女儿孙佳有原则追求梦想，但是面对社会规则还是会逃避妥协，但是孙佳象征一股年轻的力量，最终冲破牢笼，寻求人生真理；铁匠和铁匠老婆无疑是社会最底层劳动人民的影子，没有文化，简单冲动，也容易被人利用；特派员和罗斯是社会中高层的领导者，操控着下层人民的命运。这种权力游戏的背后隐藏着人性的纠结和脆弱。因此，在每次排练过程中，我秉持着为演员们详细讲解人物角色并亲自示范，希望每位演员都能够投入到角色中去，深入挖掘角色的情感冲突和行为动机，以及他们所代表的价值观内涵。
在排练的日常中，我在剧本完整性之外注重细节的打磨和细腻情绪的流露。通过角色独白、对话交流和肢体动作的训练，提升演员们的表演技巧和情感表达能力，让他们可以和角色对话，在舞台上真实地呈现出故事背景之中的人物内心世界和情感的层次变化。同时，我也会注意到场景转换和道具使用的衔接，确保舞台表现的连贯性。
最后，衷心感谢驴得水剧组每一位参与者的才华和热情。你们是这个剧团的心脏，为艺术的忠诚表达贡献力量。我在这里不仅是为了指导，更是为了和你们一起学习，一起成长，共同打造这部艺术作品，赋予《驴得水》呼吸，让它在舞台上鲜活起来，让剧中人物的喜怒哀乐触动每一位观众的心弦。祝愿你们在即将登台之时，不仅能够完美地诠释角色，还能通过这次演出发现自己的更多可能。衷心期待与你们一起迎接每一个掌声，每一次情感的高潮，为这场三个月的艺术准备之旅画上圆满的句号。
As the premiere of “Mr. Donkey” draws near, I want to reflect on the play’s themes and emotions, as well as share insights from rehearsals and pre-show discussions. “Mr. Donkey” serves as a sharp critique of the social education system, bureaucratic mechanisms, and corruption of its era, delivered through its absurd plot and humorous presentation. It lays bare the struggle for survival among a group of teachers in a feudal society plagued by resource scarcity, highlighting the complex interplay between human nature and morality. The accidental use of a donkey to impersonate a teacher to secure American philanthropic funds satirizes societal issues, urging audiences to contemplate deeper societal development challenges and the intertwined relationships among different social classes.
The play features characters like Yiman Zhang, Tienan Zhou, Kuishan Pei, Henghai Sun, Jia Sun, the Hammersmiths, the Commissioner, and American Ross, each serving as both players and mirrors. Through their arcs, we witness transformations, betrayals, tragedies, and quests for truth, reflecting the intricacies and vulnerabilities of human nature. During rehearsals, I engage in detailed discussions with the actors about character roles and provide personal demonstrations. My aim is for each actor to fully immerse themselves in their roles, exploring the emotional conflicts, motivations, and values of their characters. Through rigorous training in monologues, dialogue exchanges, and physical actions, we refine performance skills and emotional expression, allowing for authentic portrayal of characters’ inner worlds and emotional transformations on stage. Attention to scene transitions and prop utilization ensures a cohesive and impactful performance.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every member of the “Mr. Donkey” crew for their talent and dedication. Together, we breathe life into this artistic masterpiece, inviting audiences to share in the characters’ joys, sorrows, and laughter. I eagerly anticipate experiencing every applause and emotional climax with you all, culminating in a perfect conclusion to this three-month artistic journey.