Canon in D Minor
nytheatre.com q&a preview by Jessica Liadsky
July 19, 2012
What is your job on this show?
playwright.
When did you know you wanted to work in the theater, and why?
When I was nine years old, my mother took me to see a production of Athol Fugard's 'Valley Song.' I had never been so moved by language in my life. This little black box theatre, so carefully held the heart of both the play and its extraordinary players that when it ended, it was all I could do not to will the lights to stay dark and the doors to remain closed...if only to linger a little while longer in the magic of it all.
If you're not a New Yorker: what are you most looking forward to doing and seeing (apart from the festival) while you're here?
My trips to New York have always been quick and filled to the last second. There are so many shows that I am aching to see but mostly, in the midst of it all, I'm looking forward to standing still for a minute.
What was the most memorable/funny/unusual thing that has happened during the development and rehearsal process for this show?
It has been the greatest gift to revisit this script with Rachel. Our phone chats and e-mails have been a driving force of creativity. She asks the most interesting, challenging, thoughtful questions that have really changed the way that I write.
Which “S” word best describes your show: SMOOTH, SEXY, SMART, SURPRISING?
sensitive.
Can theatre bring about societal change? Why or why not?
I don't recall most of the answers that have brought about changes - but I always remember the questions. I think that theatre challenges its audiences and artists to learn how to ask and to relish in the search of the unknown.
