Hotel Suite
nytheatre.com q&a preview by Akia
October 3, 2012
What is your job on this show?
Producer/Director.
Are there boundaries as to what kind of theatre you will take part in?
Collaboration and Great story telling is what draws me into projects. I want to make theatre that challenges me as an artist and that I feel proud of at the end of the day. I am drawn to all sorts of work, so I don't want to put walls up or not consider something because of a preconceived notion. I like to approach each project with an open mind. I don't want to pre-determine what I won't do.
The beauty of Off Off Broadway is that you can create your own destiny in a lot of ways. I feel very fortunate to be in a city that accepts all art forms with open arms.
Why do you do theater (as opposed to film, or TV, or something not in the entertainment field)?
I am a lover of collaboration. I've done bits of Film and TV work here and there and it just felt too disjointed, everyone working in silos, and lots of tedious starts and stops. I really relish the rehearsal room, the creating of the story and having a natural organic flow to making a show. I haven't found that same feeling or reward in other mediums. Not that I dont love and respect them all, its just for me having that time to really explore a story and create strong relationships with my collaborators is vital to me as an artist. Plus there is nothing like a live audience.
What was the most memorable/funny/unusual thing that has happened during the development and rehearsal process for this show?
There have been a lot of memorable moments developing this show.
We have some pretty fantastic violence (thanks to our brilliant Fight Director Turner Smith), so discussing the logistics of death and stabbings on stage, throw in some blood, and an ensemble of actors that are super close and you've got yourself some hillarious conversations and scenerios.
We also did a cast retreat last weekend, 5 of us went to the Berkshires and rehearsed in a country house for 3 days, let me tell how eye opening a morning rehearsal after a drunken marathon of Apples to Apples can be. Wait, i've said too much, no further comments..
Which “S” word best describes your show: SMOOTH, SEXY, SMART, SURPRISING?
Surprising. I believe people expect a manic bloody mess when they think of Bug, but I think audience members will be surprised at the intimate and thoughtful moments that are in there too.
I really wanted to say Sexy but a certain cast member (you know who you are) will call me twisted again. But really have you seen our postcard? It is sexy..
Who are your heroes?
I feel like my heroes are ever evolving, right now they are my Stage Managers Louisa Pough and Jenna Rafferty who have been my lifelines, and my incredibly brave cast members Sarah, Mike, Amanda, John and Carl. There are some really raw moments in this play, it's a brutal script and a hell of a marathon to get through everynight. They amaze me with their perspective and bravery. They are all working so hard, its been a true blessing having them as collaborators. Outside of my BUG bubble, I'm in awe daily of the art and theatre being made in this city. I think anyone working in Off off Broadway is a hero and defender of the arts.
