Julius Caesar
nytheatre.com q&a preview by Scarlet Maressa Rivera
September 24, 2012
What is your job on this show?
Ensemble Company Member.
When did you know you wanted to work in the theater, and why?
In high school I had a high enough GPA that allowed me to take college classes. I had always been interested in acting, but had never tried it, so I figured I would go to a Stony Brook University acting class in case I never would have the chance to take one ever again. After writing and performing my first monologue, I felt at home. I decided to go for it. I experienced catharsis and became convinced that theater was transformative and healing.
Why do you do theater (as opposed to film, or TV, or something not in the entertainment field)?
In my opinion, live performance can provide some of the most exciting experiences in a persons life. Seeing a human before you sweat, sing, cry, laugh, take risks, be perfect, mess up, (the list is endless) can bring you down to earth and closer to your soul. Film and TV is recorded, and though it is masterfully done by many, theater has captured my spirit.
How did you meet your fellow artists/collaborators on this show?
I have been a member of Irondale for 8 years now. I met Irondale when they came to do a professional workshop at my undergraduate school, Manhattanville College. After I graduated, I started as an intern and then have been with the company ever since. Irondale is an ensemble and many of us have been performing with each other for years. Every year there is some new blood, but our work stems from a foundation that has been built by its founders starting nearly 30 years ago.
Which “S” word best describes your show: SMOOTH, SEXY, SMART, SURPRISING?
Surprising! They'll be surprised at how much of the language they will take away with them and at the intimacy they will share with the actors.
Can theater bring about societal change? Why or why not?
I do believe that theater can bring about societal change. Not only has it changed me, but as a teacher I have seen theater at work. At Irondale, all the company members are also Teaching Artists, and we use theater skills in the classroom to help kids to become better students and citizens. I've seen chaotic classrooms tranforms into buzzing labs of excitement for learning... and that is societal change in the making.
