BroadwayRadio Special Episode Summary: Kip Williams Explains ‘Dorian Gray’s Cine-Theatre’

Release Date: June 1, 2025

In this special episode of BroadwayRadio, host Matt Tammanini engages in an in-depth conversation with Kip Williams, the Tony-nominated director behind the visually groundbreaking Broadway production of "The Picture of Dorian Gray." This episode delves into the innovative theatrical techniques employed in the show, the thematic reinterpretations of Oscar Wilde's classic novel, and the remarkable performance by Sarah Snook, who portrays all 26 characters in the production.

Introduction to the Production

Matt Tammanini sets the stage by introducing Kip Williams and highlighting the unique aspects of "The Picture of Dorian Gray." The production, currently playing at the Music Box Theater and scheduled to conclude on June 29th, is celebrated for its Cine-Theatre approach—a blend of live theater and cinematic techniques.

Matt Tammanini [00:00]: "This show is one of a handful of productions that Kip developed at the Sydney Theatre Company where he is the artistic director that he describes as Cine Theatre that blurs the line between theater and film work."

Defining Cine-Theatre

Williams passionately explains the concept of Cine-Theatre, a term he coined to describe a hybrid form that integrates live video, prerecorded elements, and traditional stage performance. This innovative approach allows for a dynamic storytelling experience that merges the immediacy of live theater with the versatility of film.

Kip Williams [02:26]: "Cine Theatre is a term that I came up with a couple of years ago in response to this particular production... the pure moments of Cine Theatre are really when there is a simultaneous synthesis of live video, prerecorded and live performance."

Williams emphasizes that Cine-Theatre opens up the narrative to explore the multifaceted nature of human identity, aligning with Wilde's themes of self-perception and societal expectations.

Artistic Decisions and Overcoming Hesitancy

Matt inquires about Williams' initial reluctance to incorporate prerecorded elements into the show, a departure from his previous all-live video work. Williams candidly shares the fears and challenges he faced, ultimately highlighting his commitment to realizing his artistic vision.

Kip Williams [04:25]: "It really was the fear of the unknown and the kind of task of taking a big creative leap of faith that prevented me from doing it straight away. But I eventually just became undeniable that I had to tell the story and tell it in this way."

The decision to blend live and prerecorded elements was driven by the desire to depict the internal and external pressures faced by the protagonist, Dorian Gray, in a contemporary context influenced by social media and curated self-presentation.

Gender Performance and Thematic Depth

A significant creative choice in the production is casting a single female performer, Sarah Snook, to portray all characters, including Dorian Gray. Williams discusses the intention behind this decision, linking it to the performance of gender and the broader themes of identity construction.

Kip Williams [06:55]: "It foregrounds the way in which we perform gender. It makes that act that all people of all genders are engaged in daily... an expression of not only the performance of identity, but the sort of artifice of it, the construction of it."

This casting choice not only queers the performance but also provides a critical lens on the toxic behaviors exhibited by characters like Lord Henry, allowing audiences to engage with the material from a fresh, contemporary perspective.

Technological Innovations and Audience Engagement

Williams elaborates on the sophisticated use of cameras and screens within the production, highlighting how these elements transform the audience's experience from passive viewers to active participants.

Kip Williams [12:21]: "I wanted the audience to be forced to enter into this story about portraiture and how we perform ourselves for an audience through the lens of the portrait."

The integration of live video with live performance creates a dialogue between the performer and the audience, emphasizing the theme of being constantly observed and judged, much like the societal pressures of today's digital age.

A notable moment discussed is the use of Snapchat-like filters, where minor imperfections in the video presentation underscore the tension between curated appearances and underlying truths.

Kip Williams [16:44]: "That moment formally, is a pure expression of Wilde's story... the filter moment is one of the moments, directorially, that I'm most proud of within the piece."

Sarah Snook's Herculean Performance

The conversation shifts to Sarah Snook's remarkable performance, where she embodies all characters without ever leaving the stage. Williams praises her work ethic, versatility, and emotional depth, acknowledging the immense effort required to sustain such a demanding role.

Kip Williams [21:00]: "Sarah has this relentless work ethic. She just wants to keep going and dig deeper... she can climb an extremely high mountain, but you sort of think you've reached the summit, and she goes, no, there's still that bit over there that we can still go to."

Williams reflects on the collaborative nature of the production, noting that despite being a one-person show, the entire crew is integral to its success, culminating in a poignant ensemble curtain call.

Favorite Moments and Artistic Highlights

Williams shares his favorite moments from the production, highlighting two pivotal scenes:

1. The Wood Scene: Where the cameras disappear momentarily, allowing Dorian to confront himself without the constant surveillance.

   Kip Williams [26:40]: "Sarah acts that moment so exquisitely and so movingly, and you just feel the audience in. You can hear a pin drop during that moment."

2. The Final Scene: The reintroduction of the cameras symbolizes Dorian's inescapable guilt and the collapse of his moral facade.

   Kip Williams [26:40]: "The final scene... those cameras swirl about Sarah like a kind of haranguing, marauding force of vultures... I find that scene very moving as well."

Additionally, the curtain call where the entire crew joins Sarah on stage serves as a metaphor for the ensemble effort behind the solo performance.

Kip Williams [26:40]: "Sarah invites the entire crew on stage to bow with her every night... It has really been like directing an incredible ensemble with all the kind of detail and rigor and choreography and rhythm of a huge cast."

Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Adaptations

As the run of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" draws to a close, Williams hints at future projects, including an adaptation of "Dracula" with Cynthia Erivo slated for early 2026. He expresses excitement about exploring similar thematic and formal elements in cinema, continuing his exploration of Cine-Theatre.

Kip Williams [30:28]: "I'll be excited to see what unfolds... it's starting to pick apart what it is about cinema that can specifically speak to this story."

Williams envisions "Dracula" as part of a thematic trilogy alongside "Dorian Gray" and "Jekyll and Hyde," each exploring different facets of performance and identity through innovative theatrical forms.

Closing Remarks

Matt Tammanini wraps up the conversation by commending Williams on the production's success and expressing anticipation for the upcoming projects. Williams reciprocates the gratitude, highlighting the collaborative spirit that has been central to "The Picture of Dorian Gray."

Matt Tammanini [32:19]: "It's so fascinating that you still aren't sure exactly what's going to happen with that... something that is completely reimagined for whatever medium we're going to get it in."

Kip Williams [32:47]: "Thank you so much. Thanks for having me."

Ticket Information: For those interested in experiencing "The Picture of Dorian Gray," ticket purchasing details are available in the show notes.

This episode of BroadwayRadio offers a compelling exploration of contemporary theatrical innovation, gender performance, and the artistic vision of Kip Williams. Through his conversation with Matt Tammanini, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate craftsmanship behind one of Broadway's most talked-about productions.