A History of Launching Ships (somewhat after Washington Irving)
nytheatre.com q&a preview by Carolyn Mraz
September 10, 2012
What is your job on this show?
Set/Object Designer.
When did you know you wanted to work in the theater, and why?
Growing up, I always enjoyed music and theater, and ended up painting and building sets for plays in high school. It was then that I discovered the active, collaborative, D-I-Y spirit of the work behind the scenes. From the smallest prop to the broadest backdrop, creating a complete new fantastical reality where there was once only an empty stage--This always feels like magic, and I've never wanted to do anything else since.
What was the last show you saw that really excited you, and why?
Radiohole does some of the ballsiest, most committed performance work I've ever seen. I'm always excited and energized by their shows.
Why did you want to write/direct/produce/act in/work on this show?
As a set designer, how could I not be enticed by the adventure of doing a site-specific new play with Polybe & Seats throughout the museum of the BLDG92 Brooklyn Navy Yard Center? I am thrilled by the inherently anachronistic premise of doing this specific play in this specific place.
Groucho, Chico, Harpo, or Zeppo?
Harpo!
Can theater bring about societal change? Why or why not?
YES. Theater is a forum in which both audience and practitioners think creatively. Here, we stretch our brains a bit to learn and question and ponder and problem-solve. And with active, limber brains, there's nothing we can't accomplish.
