Antigone Unearthed
nytheatre.com q&a preview by Carolyn Cox
July 25, 2012
What is your job on this show?
actor.
When did you know you wanted to work in the theater, and why?
When I was six I played a (talking) stone named Sandy in a play at my church. I had an unhealthy amount of fun, and appreciated that performing gave me a voice, identity and a place to play in a large community.
Complete this sentence: My show is the only one in FringeNYC that...?
is influenced by boxing, black holes and butoh.
How did you meet your fellow artists/collaborators on this show?
I met our directors at an art show put on by their company, Our Ladies of South 4th Street. I was immediately struck by their warmth and intelligence and the devotion with which they had created a place for artistic gathering based on community rather than competition. The wonderful values of their company have been present in every part of the rehearsal process, and I think that will be evident to the audience.
Which cartoon character would you identify your show with: Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Mickey Mouse, Marge Simpson?
Wonder Woman.
Can theatre bring about societal change? Why or why not?
I hope so. I do believe strongly that theatre provides a specific service and experience that is rare in the modern world. I think there is something sacred and sustaining about sitting in a dark room with strangers, achieving communal catharsis, and realizing that your own behavior might impact whatever is happening, in real time, on stage. I can't explain it exactly but I think live performance is something people need in order to endure, to be reminded of the present, and to feel like they are part of a community, even if it only lasts for the duration of a performance.
