The Grand Balcony; The reflection of a corrupt world. Directing The Balcony by Jean Genet

In directing Jean Genets The Balcony, I consider Genets voice, especially how it manifests in his novels The Thiefs Journal and Our Lady of The Flowers. I look at the ways his desire to connect to the audience by breaking traditional barriers between artist and patron manifests in The Balcony. In my consideration of directing the play, I examine the importance of good, thoughtful leadership, referring most significantly to Simon Sineks Leaders Eat Last, and eventually to The Harvard Business Reviews Dealing with Difficult People. I consider how the current President of the United States of America and his campaign manager share qualities with the characters in Genets play; they care more about possessing a title than considering the actions and responsibilities that come along with that same power position. Most significantly, I examine my own process as a director and leader, and the important learning that comes with struggle.