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John Jensen on Playing Cal in Mothers and Sons

1/25/2016

 
John Jensen
What is Mothers and Sons about?
I think it’s a play about a lot of things: family, personal grief, and change. Are we able to change? How do we change from generation to generation? How do we mourn?
 
What role do you play and how does s/he fit into the story?
I play Cal. He is a gay man, a family man, a husband to Will, and father to Bud. He was in a relationship with Andre who died of AIDS 20 years ago and is now being visited by Andre’s mother Katharine Gerard, who he has not spoken to since Andre’s memorial.
 
What are your character’s strengths and weaknesses?
Strengths: He’s a nice man.  
Weaknesses: Too Nice…
 
What do you find challenging about playing your character?
The challenge is always to be present and to let the play live every time you step on stage. My challenge with this character is that Cal is walking a fine line in this play. He wants reconciliation but he also wants to avenge Andre’s death.
 
What do you think is challenging/exciting/interesting about Mothers and Sons?
This play sounds heavy and at times it is, but there are also some incredibly funny human moments. I think the challenge is finding that balance and allowing these characters their flaws.
 
What is your favorite line in the play?
Bud: ‘Families just grow.”
 
What do you like about Mothers and Sons?
I am so grateful to be a part of this important play. Terrence McNally shows us how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. 



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