"Created" Versus "Originated"
by Michael B. Druxman on 01/05/11
January 6, 2011
I have the greatest respect for actors.
They breathe life into words on the printed page.
However, they do not "create" the characters that they play.
They may "originate" them, but the characters are "created" by the writer.
Ethel Merman, for example, did not "create" the role of "Mama Rose" in GYPSY. She was the first actress to play the part, so she "originated" it.
Arthur Laurents, who wrote the book for the musical, "created" the role. He, of course, based his work on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee.
I wish reviewers and people who write about theatre and movies would remember that distinction.
For those of you who are fans of legendary writer-director Samuel Fuller, I've just uploaded reviews of his films, SHOCK CORRIDOR and THE NAKED KISS, onto the Best Bets on DVD site, accessible via the link in the Introduction
You have a creative day.
Michael
section on this page. So, please take a look.
