Name: Equiano MosieriHometown: Born in London, Lives in New York. Arsenal fan for life.
Education: MFA from Brandeis University
Select Credits: The Parables Conference at B.A.M, The Shakespeare Forum's The Merchant of Venice at Church at Judson, LoudSol's Summer Blue at Theater For a New City...
Why theater?: Well life is theater, so I figured I would put my energy into being good at it for a living. That and from time to time I get to say lines that would have the average person locked up in a mental institution.
Who do you play in In Fields Where They Lay?: I am Private Philip Osbourne. A Jamaican soccer player and student of life who has joined the Allied Forces war efforts as a forced volunteer from one of the British Empire's many colonies of the early 20th century.
Tell us about In Fields Where They Lay: This is Ricardo Pérez González's forever timely take on one group of English soldiers' two month journey from wide-eyed thrill seekers to overly matured victims of World War I. The audience gets to engage with hindsight on their side, which means they come in understanding the ludicrous idea that in 1914 leaders of both sides were selling this war as a type of working vacation that would 'be over by Christmas'. That in itself could be a great absurdist play. Here though, we watch five boys leave loved ones back home to answer Lord Kitchener's now infamous "Your Country Needs You" call. How they return... well, you'll have to watch the show now, won't you?
What is it like being a part of In Fields Where They Lay?: Well firstly, it helps that it is very well written, so cheers Ricardo. Getting into character is the easy part, because each character has a very specific and natural way with language. I'm having a great time working with all the members of the cast. I'm inspired by their level of story telling, so it's easy to look forward to rehearsal after playing in the mean streets of New York. These actors are quick-witted, hard working and they have done their homework, plus they are doing the British accents, humor and slang justice. Working with director Brad Raimondo is a lot of fun, because not only is he a pez-dispenser of Great War knowledge, but he has this wicked sense of humor that always adds energy to whatever scenes we're working on, and that is a rare gift. Also, having an inside look into what the production team is cooking up is exciting; the sound designer, set designer and costume designer have something special for everyone. This ship is amibitious, but we wouldn't be having this many smiles if it wasn't for our stage manager Emily Roth who basically guides and arranges our creative-craziness. She. Is. The. Bomb. So yeah, being a part of this is an honor.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Pretty much all types of theater speaks to me if the story telling is tight. Experimental, movement based, absurd, straight, musicals, classic, anything whose architecture is sound. What inspires me are stories that transcend my imaginary boundaries. Those stories that remind me I haven't seen it all, and that magic can still exist for adults. Many people inspire me, especially my family and my wife.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Dying to play? Well that escalated quickly!
What’s your favorite showtune?: "The Impossible Dream" and "Z.O.M.B.I.E"
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: David Oyelowo.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Bobby McFarren in "Don't Happy, Be Worry: No Rehearsals For Life"
What show have you recommended to your friends?: In Fields Where They Lay December 5th to December 27th
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: Stromae's "Papaoutai"
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: There should be no guilt if it brings pleasure.
What’s up next?: Right now I'm working on mounting a multidisciplinary piece called HummingBird. It is a play set on the edge of a ficticious distopia that's been achieved with good intentions. We hope to have it up and running in the Spring of 2015.
