What kind of plays do you
write? Comedies? Dramas? Where does this play fall in the spectrum?
I write plays that examine the complex and chaotic world
of love. They fall under the romantic
dramedy genre. I always aim to evoke
strong emotions from my audience by portraying different couples in different
stages of relationships.
What made you write it?
Is it based on real life experiences or is it total fiction?
I wrote You Love That I’m Not Your Wife because I
wanted to explore what modern day love in Los Angeles looks like. Los Angeles is a character in this script, as
this play could not take place in any other city. No one comes to La La Land to fall in love,
as Los Angeles is arguably the most lonely, non-committed city in the world. People
move to Los Angeles to chase “the dream”.
The characters in this play are very much influenced by this, as well as
the city’s abundance of beauty, glamour, wealth, consistent sunshine and amount
of options. Although this is not an
autobiographical piece, some characters were based on real life
experiences. The ten characters in this
play are all very different, but they are bound together by one thing- their
need for love and the fear they experience when they are not receiving it. This causes them to act in ways they never
expected. These are insatiable, crazy,
complex, but lovable characters all yearning to be understood and wanted.
Who is your greatest
inspiration as a writer? Why?
Woody Allen is my greatest inspiration as a writer
because he never stops working and is
committed to uncovering all the many ways to tell a story. His talent,
discipline and passion towards his work are all things I strive for. He is a risk taker. Allen has a unique mind and his work is always
original. His imagination is one of a genius and his courage to write such
complex and interesting
characters inspires me. Like me, he is also a
neurotic native New Yorker, who
is obsessed with life, death and why we are all here.
What do you hope
audiences will take away from the play?
No matter who we are, where we are from, and what our age is…our need
for connection with others shapes the structure of our emotional lives and
causes us to act in ways we never imagined.
Love at its best is a bouquet of great feelings, such as: joy, romance,
passion, trust, interest, curiosity, and openness. This is the love we all strive for and
want. The characters in this play
disconnect from their partner when someone or something threatens them from getting
this kind of love. Love triggers our
fears and vulnerabilities. To love another
means accepting them exactly as they are.
Without this acceptance, we will never be able to have a committed
relationship sealed by trust. I want our
audience to take away these ingredients from my love recipe.
What is it like wearing
several hats in the production of a play? Are you serving as
director/producer/writer in this case? Do you like a third eye or not?
I am serving as the director, producer and writer of this production,
and it is exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time. I actually do not think I could do it any
other way. I love wearing all these hats,
as I am a control freak who needs to micromanage every part of this
production. I have not slept a full
night since we started rehearsals, yet I am more awake then ever. I do receive
help from my co-producer Stacy Raposa, as well as my technical director Kajal
Ardestani and publicist Michael Sterling.
Paul Storiale, theater manager of The Avery Schreiber Playhouse, often
serves as my third eye when I choose to listen to what he sees. I find that the best directors are open to
the collaborative nature of our work.
Anything
else you care to add?
I am
dedicating this production to my beautiful dog Match, who died of sudden death
from an unknown cause on July 18th 2014. I wrote this play with her on my lap, and she
is at the center of all the heart, passion and love I have put into this. Her sister Skype has been my assistant
director who radiates Match’s loving energy at every rehearsal. I also have been blessed to be working with a very talented
and supportive group of actors who helped me bring my words to life.
The Avery Schreiber Playhouse is located at 4934 Lankershim Boulevard in NoHo. Opening Night is Friday, September 12th at 8:00 pm, followed by performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 7:00pm through October 5.
www.fringetheatreco.com
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