What's OTHER DESERT CITIES about?
Having just come off the holidays, I am sure that folks sat around and listened to family stories, and family myths. But the stories are vastly different based on who possesses the narrative. The Wyeth Family in ODC have a recognizable gathering, but the story is far harsher than most families and the play is about the right to possess the narrative. But because this is written by Jon Robin Baitz, and not Eugene O'Neill, you can bet that it is a battle of wits, not blood.
Do you have trouble keeping secrets?
Don't ever tell me you are pregnant and want me to keep it a secret - especially if you are a close friend. Also, I am the worst at keeping secret "new job" opportunities.
What is the most challenging aspect about directing this play?
It is rare that you have a play with so many characters that you have to shuffle around the stage. It is a large cast and requires me to brush up on my physics and spatial awareness.
What's your favorite line in the play?
"What happened to [my brother] will have to be seen. Everything. Everything in life is about to be seen, or not seen, and eventually, everything IS seen."
Can you relate to the family dynamics in this play?
Relationships that are complicated are fraught with miscommunication. Being a human being in 2014... I do not think there is an aspect of this play that doesn't remind me of my past and my relationships to my blood family and the family I have chosen.
Having just come off the holidays, I am sure that folks sat around and listened to family stories, and family myths. But the stories are vastly different based on who possesses the narrative. The Wyeth Family in ODC have a recognizable gathering, but the story is far harsher than most families and the play is about the right to possess the narrative. But because this is written by Jon Robin Baitz, and not Eugene O'Neill, you can bet that it is a battle of wits, not blood.
Do you have trouble keeping secrets?
Don't ever tell me you are pregnant and want me to keep it a secret - especially if you are a close friend. Also, I am the worst at keeping secret "new job" opportunities.
What is the most challenging aspect about directing this play?
It is rare that you have a play with so many characters that you have to shuffle around the stage. It is a large cast and requires me to brush up on my physics and spatial awareness.
What's your favorite line in the play?
"What happened to [my brother] will have to be seen. Everything. Everything in life is about to be seen, or not seen, and eventually, everything IS seen."
Can you relate to the family dynamics in this play?
Relationships that are complicated are fraught with miscommunication. Being a human being in 2014... I do not think there is an aspect of this play that doesn't remind me of my past and my relationships to my blood family and the family I have chosen.
