Why theater?: I’m continuing to ask this question every day, lately. It’s a good one. I find that theater feels natural to me. I think it is for everyone on some level. It makes me curious and I like to learn about different things and the theater affords me my best creative outlet to explore.
Tell us about Short Life of Trouble: It’s an adaptation of the story of Hamlet, using southern gothic prose by Faulkner and inspired original text, with bluegrass and hymnal music. It will be performed in a beautiful space at the Access Theater. There will be bourbon and lemonade! I hope it will be a memorable experience for those who come.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Most everyone I work with inspires me, I‘d say. Our director Eric tells us to decide that each person is a rock star. (A useful outlook on life!) Lately, I’m finding experimenting with theater is inspiring me most. I’ve worked with many unique artists here in the city and each one has their own outlook on what theater can be and how it should be used. There’s just a lot out there, at all levels, to be achieved.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Well, I’ve never been in a show with my girlfriend.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: This is a tough business, but I don’t even get to play myself??
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Anything that’s going on with Cloud City is going to be solid. I never hesitate to send folks that way. This question makes me feel like I should see more theater.
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: I’ve been listening to Paper Bird and Bob Marley for about the last two years. I was recently introduced to Lake Street Dive (a local group, I believe) and they’re very good stuff. Janis Joplin?
What’s up next?: I’ve just begun a new kind of Actor/Theater practice in Long Island City that I think is very fascinating. Also I have been workshopping a piece dealing with Romeo and Juliet mixed with/via chatbots that had a fun showcase at Dixon Place last winter. And hopefully we’ll be doing Sunset Rooftops again, for a 3rd year, this summer! Right EPH?