nytheatre.com q&a preview by Illana Stein | September 25, 2012
What is your job on this show?
Director.
What type of theater do you like most to work on?
I like to work on shows that you are still thinking about the next day. I want theater to be a collective conversation that begins in a process with actors and designers and eventually expands when you add the audience. If you are not talking about the themes of the play the next play, than I am not sure the play had a big enough message to affect its audience. I appreciate shows that entertain and help us escape but I personally love the ones that inspire change, discussion, and self-reflection.
Why do you do theater (as opposed to film, or TV, or something not in the entertainment field)?
For me, shows are visceral. I like to be moved and affected by them. There is something exciting about being in the room with a live audience and knowing the show won’t be the same because of that. After the show last week, I spoke with several audience members. One has a google alert to see this show-every time it is done in NYC from staged readings to full staged productions. I spoke with others who knew nothing about the show and were seeing it for the first time. Both had completely different experiences with the play-but both walked away moved by the message of it. I only hope we do this powerful story justice because that means we did our job.
In your own words, what do you think this show is about? What will audiences take away with them after seeing it?
I think it is play about searching for our true identity. Once we are comfortable with who we are- we are open to connection with others. Callie finds that in her life- true, pure connection, a time where two individuals not only find themselves but also each other. The world and and the chaos and the noise stops around them. This the exact moment we are all searching for. For them no matter what happens next, the universe can not take that away. This moment offers so much hope in such a complex play. I think we all need a little more hope right now.
Which “S” word best describes your show: SMOOTH, SEXY, SMART, SURPRISING?
I would like to say “Substance.” After all, this play was first written in 1998 and there is a reason it is still being produced 12 years later. This play has a lot to say and has beautiful way of saying it without hammering in just one message. I think we got the sexy, smart, and surprising part covered- but I would also like to add soulful. Another “S” word is Sanguine Theatre Company. I am very excited to be working with such a passionate group of artists. It is thrilling to work on a show about New Yorkers in our own backyard. It makes a personal story that much more relevant. If I had to describe this company, I would stay young but STRONG and vibrant. They are introducing this play to a whole new generation and that takes bravery to fill such big shoes.
Theater is a necessary ingredient in democratic societies. Do you agree or disagree, and why?
Absolutely!! There could not be better timing for this play. Twenty years from now, I hope to look back on this story and say a play that questions our rights as individuals and people and makes us question and label ourselves is not relevant. Unfortunately, this year more than ever, I feel my rights as a woman being questioned, so I think most audience members will be able to relate to this play. We have made so many steps forward but it is not enough and perhaps, plays like this can not only remind us where we have come from but also how far we still need to go!