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An Interview with the Director of "Stones in His Pockets"
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Public House Theatre Company recently had the opportunity to discuss "Stones in His Pockets," opening September 10, with its director, Michael Mendelson. He first appeared with Public House Theatre Company as Ben Hecht in 2008’s "Moonlight and Magnolias," and we are excited to welcome him back, this time as the director of our season opener.... Michael is a member of Actor's Equity Association, faculty at The Portland Actors Conservatory and a member of the Artists Repertory Theatre Acting Ensemble.
PP: You are an actor, director and teacher. Which do you prefer?
MM: I prefer whatever I'm doing at the moment. Considering a role or a play, let's say, I now think about how can I best serve the project. It may be a great role but perhaps the best way for me to service the story is to be the director. I had that experiecnce when I was ask to participate in a production of "AS IS" by William M. Hoffman for a company called Key Productions. A classic play about the AIDS Crisis. This is the time I grew up, the early and mid 80's. I know and knew these men and women and I realized I had played enough of these type of roles, there was more to discover and give of myself as a director for this project. It was also eye opening that many of my young cast had no encounter with anybody who had been infected nor had passed away from causes due to HIV. It was the right choice. In choosing a role? It is always about the story I'm left with when the rehearsal period is over. Because that IS what an actor is left with for 5 or so weeks. The story. Telling that story over and over again. I have to be passionate about that. I feel very grateful for the oportunities that have allowed me, right now, to be able to be a little choosey.
PP: What or who inspires you as a director?
MM: Everything inspires me. Music, textures, movement, people I see on the street. There is inspiration in everything; however, one has to slow down enough to let it be inspiring. Those of you who know me well, know our garden inspires me. Getting dirty, weeding, sowing seeds and harvesting. Working the Earth. It allows me time to be at peace. It's where a lot of my dreaming happens. One of the most inspiring things for me as a director is after all the preshow thought, the preproduction meetings and dreaming of the story in my head, finally being in the audition, watching the story in fits and starts begin to pop alive. Watching actors begin to trust and work off of one another. Every show I see inspires me in some way. Some days just opening my eyes in the morning and not feeling any new aches and pains is inspiring.
PP: What drew you to this project?
MM: I grew up in a family who either had dreams so big they were not practical or had no dreams. Nothing based in reality. In either case there was an attitude of, "Why bother?" "You'll just be disappointed." I was the one in the family that really never understood the word "no." It was just not part of my vocabulary, at least when I wanted to do something. I knew there was a way and I just needed to figure it out. I knew the word "no" well enough when I didn't want to do something. This was years ago and I'd like to think I know a little more now. In Jake and Charlie, I see the desire to be more that what they are. "Stones In His Pockets" reveals itself as a surprisingly poignant evening of theatre. It asks each of us to reflect on our own hopes and dreams. It challenges us to believe in ourselves. It tells us that our own indelible spirit will triumph. "Stones In His Pockets" entices us to live our lives on our own terms despite what the world throws at us.
PP: The actors playing Jake (Chris Murray) and Charlie (Dustin Milberg) face the challenge of playing multiple roles. How will you handle that?
MM: Well, actually they will handle that. With great aplumb, I hope. At least that's the goal. We will be working with a Dialect Coach, Stephanie Gaslin, a friend of mine and a wonderful actress in her own right. She'll give these guys a strap, if they don't step up! The characters themselves will come out of our rehearsal process. These are all real people so the challenge is to make them real and not caricatures.
PP: How does your work as an actor influence your direction?
MM: Well, I'd like to think it makes directing a unique experience. I think the first and most important piece is I sit and think about how I would want to receive direction, what works for me, how would I want to be prepared for success. I also understand the actor's process. I prefer a longer rehearsal process. I know this is going to be a sort of crazy process until the actor's feel securely off book. There are so many quick shifts in this piece. It's going to be fun and frustating all at the same time to watch the actor forget who they are at the moment. I hope it happens at least once or twice.
PP: CoHo Theater is an intimate space. How does the physical space affect your concept?
MM: It only highlights the relationship these guys create.
PP: What do you hope the audience will gain from "Stones in His Pockets?"
MM: I'm not sure what I hope the audience gains from the show. What I would like to happen is for just one audience member to leave the theatre and feel that those dreams he or she has can be attained. That those dreams he or she placed on a shelf can be brought down and dusted off and be reinvented. That it is important to continue to dream after you have achieved what it is you thought you wanted. I believe it is the very things we dream of accomplishing in the oh-so-short time we have here that keep us moving forward with passion in life. This is what I would hope for our audience. There is lots more, of course. But I think I've said enough. Come and check it out. Dustin and Chris are going to be great! |
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