Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Education: BA in East Asian Languages from Rutgers University
Favorite Credits: Author of Generic Magic Realism, which received a 2013 NY Innovative Theater Award nomination for Outstanding Solo Performance, thanks to performer Nat Cassidy
Why theater?: I like to deal with issues people would rather ignore. Except it’s hard to ignore the actors who are right in front of you.
Tell us about The Addicts: The Jewish Supporters of Christ realize they have no black people, and start knocking on different doors. A Minister and a Jew of Color figure out that they knew, and loved, each other in the past. Meanwhile, Canada becomes a belligerent superpower while the U.S.A. chills out and learns how to love. Why do we make radical life changes, and does anything change?
What inspired you to write The Addicts?: I had a bunch of conversations with JewsForJesus type people who got madder and madder the more I calmly refuted their selling points. But it was the sheer audacity and condescension of these people that I found most intriguing. I wondered if black people encounter the same kind of condescension on a regular basis. What if someone is black and Jewish? Well, that’s a play.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Most things British and satirical.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I would like to learn something from Mac Wellman.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Recently I was quite impressed with The Listeners and The Temple, both at The Brick.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I would play the invisible alien with so much to learn about Earth. The movie would be called “A Million Planets In One”
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: The premiere of “Ubu Roi” sounds tempting.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Sci-fi toys
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: In archaeology
What’s up next?: June brings my new show Queers for Fears to the inaugural F-ckfest at The Brick. This Fall, Generic Magic Realism returns to United Solo Festival.
For more, visit www.temeritytheatre.org and www.theaterforthenewcity.net
