Who do you play in At the Table and what purpose does this character serve?
Stuart, who is the embodiment of white privilege. He loves provoking his
friends with ideas that he knows they will find outrageous simply to
see how they will respond. He’d probably tell you that he is liberal
and openminded but his humor is not appropriate and shows just how
little he understands about his privilege vs. the struggles of just
about anyone who has ever been oppressed. This privilege allows him
to feel entitled to say pretty much anything he feels like saying and his
charm allows lets him to get away with it, at least at first.
What are your challenges as an actor?
This play is very wordy, very fast and involves a tremendous amount of
people talking over one another, so getting word perfect on lines has
taken up a lot of the work. There is also the challenge of listening
to the right conversations at the right times when several are
happening at once. For me personally, the biggest challenge in terms
of playing Stuart has been figuring out how to make him sympathetic.
He represents so many white men in this country who think they are
woke but really don’t have the first clue about what they are talking
about when it comes to oppression, and rather than cast these men
aside as people who will just never get it, it is important to me that
people walk away from this play thinking that there is a chance that
they eventually will if they can find it within themselves to just
pull a chair up to the table and simply listen, rather than try to
command the room.
How are you preparing?
Among many other things, this play is about a group of people who get
together, get intoxicated, talk, play, laugh, and have fun. This cast
has been really amazing about embracing that in our work, not just in
rehearsal, but on our days off. We have gotten together at
restaurants, bars, and in one-another’s homes, simply to get to know
one another and get a sense of the rhythm of our conversations and how
they change after those first few drinks. It has been a lot of fun.
Other than that, we all just listen to Judy (Moreland), our director, and do just
about everything she asks us to because we all adore and trust her so
much.
What do you feel is the theme or message of the play?
While it is not said overtly, I believe the play is telling us that
the more privileged we are, the more of a responsibility we have to
stop talking and start hearing more from those who have not had it so
lucky simply because of how they were born. White liberals especially
need to stop being so proud of themselves for being “openminded” and
“accepting” and really start accepting that there is a tremendous
amount of work to do in this country when it comes to equality.
Talk about your fellow castmates and your director.
It is rare to get to work with a cast that is stacked from top to
bottom with actors who you can turn to in any moment and have a
spontaneous and honest moment with. I have tremendous respect for each
and every person on that stage, and I strive every night to return the
favors they do me with their vulnerability, humility and a sense of
play. Judy Moreland is one of those directors you work with whenever
you have the chance. She is incredibly smart, interesting, curious,
and most importantly, a phenomenal leader. Her instincts are spot on, and she communicates them in such an effective way. You look forward
to notes from her because you know they will always propel you towards
a more 3 dimensional take on the character and a more honest telling
of the story.
At the Table will play at the Lankershim Arts Center 5108 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA, opening this Friday through July 7. There is street parking but arrive early. For tickets call 818 766-8838.
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