by brad hart
1) Could you share a bit about your exciting Diversionary Theatre directorial debut with the San Diego premiere of We Are Continuous?
This feels like an incredible dream that I get to keep reliving over and over again. I especially feel an immense amount of gratitude and honor to be a queer storyteller at a historic LGBTQIA+ institution. In a time when the world is attempting to erase us, it feels so resilient to be telling a story about Black, Queer love. I have always dreamed of being a director, but to bring all the best parts of myself to the process, you can’t take that joy away.
I’m also an avid new work director and a San Diego Native and I’ve been working in town for now almost ten years. I remember being in high school and wanting to direct at these places that gave me such insight and inspiration. I feel such a sense of pride and an outpouring amount love from the community here. I’m very excited to be bringing my voice to the theatre scene here.
2) What type of audience experience are you hoping to create with the play?
My shows are events. I believe that if you’re sitting back at my show, I have failed. The audience is another character in this world. The actors will be looking directly at the audience. This play is in conversation with the audience. I want people to come and feel compelled to talk back, to laugh loudly, to leave and want to call your mom, your sister, your friend…whoever. I guess, in a way, you could say that this is an intimate, immersive experience. We are bringing you into the living room; we are offering you a seat at the table. I’m serious about that pre-show…I love it. It will bring you right into the world of the play. Literally, give yourself time to come 15 minutes early.
3) We’d love to hear about the cast of We Are Continuous. What can you tell us?
I’m really proud of this cast. I cast all three myself. All of us are having our Diversionary Debuts. It’s actually really cute. Small shows are fun because you really do build such a closeness. Everyone becomes integral in making the show soar…and I truly spend so much time in rehearsal holding back tears from how good these actors are. It also makes me incredibly proud because it is a display of incredible local talent. There are constant faces that are known around San Diego and we love them, but I was really dedicated to bringing new-ish faces to the scene. And not that it matters, but they also are three incredibly gorgeous people both in and out.
Marti is playing Ora, the Mother. I kid you not; you will hang onto every word she says. Her presence demands your attention and she will have you in stitches and breaking your heart simultaneously. I feel an extreme honor to be working with such a rare and respected talent in this town.
And then you have the boys. Elliot plays Simon, the Son and Eli, the Husband. I didn’t realize until we got into rehearsal how similar their names are together, and like a mother, I am constantly calling each the opposite name. Elliot is in the MFA Acting Program. He is actual magic, gentle yet stirring, he makes every word delicious and brings such a naturalism to the role. Eli plays Abe, the Husband. Full disclosure: he joined us a week late (oh, the theatre) and has blossomed. He is the glue, though. Fiercely raw and just so adorable. He has an incredible monologue that will leave you speechless. I am so proud of them all.
Casting is really important to me. Yes, it’s about talent, but for me, it is so much about chemistry. What are we teaching each other, how are we in conversation, etc? It takes a great amount of listening and understanding. My rooms are one of courage, love and joy. And this cast is all those three things and more!
4) What inspired you to pursue a career in Theatre Arts?
I really love people; they fascinate me so much. I don’t know where it came from. What I do know is that I think of the theatre as being a leader in empathy. A great director I know, Brandon Ivie, always says, “We’ll tell stories in the dark so that we can love each other in the light.” And I really feel like that encapsulates it.
On top of that, I just have always loved being imaginative. In high school, I really took a leap and let myself embrace my creativity., I did everything, but my love always came back to how incredible it felt to create. Theatre is often mocked and seen as this hokey thing, which can be silly, but it is such a lesson in compassion and beauty. We get to make the mundane magic. I am just a silly goose, so it really is a great way to let all that.
5) Tell us about an activity you enjoy in your leisure time.
I am addicted to going to the movies. Truly there is nothing that makes me happier than a small popcorn, icee and a Nicole Kidman AMC AD. I am extremely heartbroken about Landmark Cinemas – like I would use one of my three wishes from a genie to bring it back. The movies are my first love in life as long as I can remember. I will watch a movie five or six times if it means I get to share it and just see how it falls on different people. I find the movies so romantic.
And if not that, I am most definitely in the front row at a concert.
We Are Continuous plays February 13 – March 9 at Diversionary Theatre in San Diego. Tickets at 619.220.0097 or diversionary.org