Yeah, sure they have the debate, mainly for the older material. It helps when you can bring a dramaturg on board, too! But I have seen many a stopped rehearsal as intent is debated/argued... especially between actor and director. ESPECIALLY then.
And, of course, critics LOVE jumping on the authorial intent train. Some of the big ones in my city ask for a copy of the script prior to seeing the show, so they can judge interpretation from there. And a lot of critics have their own agenda in the theater world, so of course they'll be nitpicking whatever they can...
But really? It all boils down to an individual's particular taste and what they want to get out of a production. Some like to leave the audience confused, others want everyone to walk out the theater of the same mind. Personally, I like the confusing ones... I worked on a Titus last year that had a ton of walk-outs mixed in with standing ovations on the same nights. It was pretty awesome.
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And, of course, critics LOVE jumping on the authorial intent train. Some of the big ones in my city ask for a copy of the script prior to seeing the show, so they can judge interpretation from there. And a lot of critics have their own agenda in the theater world, so of course they'll be nitpicking whatever they can...
But really? It all boils down to an individual's particular taste and what they want to get out of a production. Some like to leave the audience confused, others want everyone to walk out the theater of the same mind. Personally, I like the confusing ones... I worked on a Titus last year that had a ton of walk-outs mixed in with standing ovations on the same nights. It was pretty awesome.