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| photo courtesy of Andrea Reese |
Hometown: Rochester NY
Education: Catholic University, Florida State University
Favorite Credits: Pentecost (of course), Serious Money, Mad Forest, Arcadia, Vinegar Tom – admittedly a Caryl Churchill-centric list, so add in Perfect Pie and various Shakespeares!
Why theater?: I doubt I can articulate it. It has been, since I was four, the only, the all-consuming, interest. And of course theatre gives you everything else.
Tell us about Pentecost?: A smart, funny and important work about art and politics and the places where they intersect. It takes place in Eastern Europe 2 decades ago, but is frighteningly timely regarding ethnic strife and national borders. And of course art.
What inspired you to direct Pentecost?: David Edgar is a playwright who I have long admired – we produced another work of his 30 (!) years ago. And Pentecost has always been on the company’s wish list. Multiple circumstances converged to finally make it possible. It was done initially at Middlebury with a largely student cast, then for ACTF a couple of months later, and now in this new incarnation.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Theatre that changes, which provokes, which stirs things up. And theatre that is grounded both in ‘actual’ languages and in the visual possibilities of the stage. Life inspires me.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: No idea
What show have you recommended to your friends?: I haven’t had time yet, sadly – though I did love Just Jim Dale
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Title – "Why IS she doing that?"
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: British mystery stories
What’s the most played song on your iPod?: Haven’t got an iPod
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: immaterial
What’s up next?: VAMPIRE by Snoo Wilson.
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