Would you mind giving us an insight into what your show/event/performance is?
In Other Words tells the story of Maya Shoham (played by me, Maya Shoham) and her journey to articulate a feeling she doesn’t have words for. The play explores our dependency on words, how we use them to validate ourselves and understand ourselves. It’s also funny, meta, nerdy, and absurd. The show doesn’t take itself quite as seriously as the synopsis does.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
We’re a small team. It consists of myself, Eden Zamir, our director, Tessa Faye, our producer, and Yair Ben-Dor, our creative associate. I met Eden at work – we both worked at the same restaurant. I used to be her boss… oh, how the tables have turned! She saw my work, and one day she very straightforwardly said, “hey, if you ever want to write a one-woman show, I’d love to direct it”. I was already working on this play, but it was in such early stages that I didn’t even think it was worth sharing. She still insisted on reading the little I had, and she connected to the material immediately. So we started meeting and talking for months. I would write, read Eden new drafts, and then we’d discuss the show, where it was going, and what it wanted to be. After about eight months of this, we put up a workshop at The Chain Theatre in Midtown NYC and got some really great feedback. That’s when Tessa joined – she drove all the way from Ohio to see the workshop (an eight-hour drive…!), and wanted to join the producing team right away. Ever since, we’ve been back in the rehearsal room working on everything that did and didn’t work, and making sure the show is Fringe ready! Yair is our latest addition, and we can’t wait to start collaborating with him as we head out to Edinburgh
How does it feel coming to (back to) the Fringe?
I came last year to see what all the fuss was about, and I was completely blown away. When people call it the biggest arts festival in the world, they’re somehow still downplaying it. I’m so excited to come back, see so many different shows, meet artists from all over the world, meet audience members from everywhere, and do it all in one of the most beautiful cities
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
Eden always says that what’s special about our show – is that it explores what a show even is. We talk about words, and how in real life (and especially in theater) words have the power to create realities. The show is aware of that power and uses words to dissect theater itself!
On that, is there anything in the production or production team’s backgrounds which influences the way the show is performed or told?
I’ve reached a point where I’m not interested in telling stories that don’t acknowledge the audience. I don’t necessarily mean audience participation or breaking the fourth wall, but I do mean acknowledging that an event is happening: I’m performing, the audience is listening, and hopefully neither side is taking its role for granted. Hopefully there’s a connection happening, and we’re not passive. So when I started writing the show, I knew I wanted to involve the audience in a non-traditional way and examine that contract between a performer and an audience member. And because both Eden and I come from restaurant backgrounds, we’re bringing with us a level of hospitality. We want to include an element of hosting in the theater experience.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
I hope the audience leaves with questions, thoughts and maybe even a little bit of doubt – the good kind. If you’re doubting things, that means something moved inside you. It means the show shifted something in you, for yo
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
Honestly, our audience is anyone who’s ever had a feeling they couldn’t articulate – in other words, everyone. As long as you’re open to joining an unexpected journey into a stranger’s head, you’ll have fun. But in a more practical sense, we’re hoping the Edinburgh Fringe is the first stop for this show, and that it will grow into a full run somewhere else. So we’re also hoping producers, investors, and industry people show up, because we really want to give the show a future beyond the Fringe.
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
Relax? Never heard of her. Although cooking and exploring the city sounds nice! But seeing all the shows is definitely a way to recharge – creatively, at least. I’m dying to see Cadel with Connor Delves, and I’m also dying to see some magic shows. I’m really into magic these days.
In Other Words runs at Venue 288,Just The Attic at Just The Tonic at The Mash House
Runs: 6th – 30th August at 16:00pm
Photo credit – Tara Meged
Interested in being featured on our Have a Gander page? With many previews and Q&As lined up, we’re always happy to chat about including your show in future articles. Please do get in touch through the contact page to feature in an upcoming ‘Have A Gander’