Over the past two years, I’ve gotten to speak to a lot of artists…or, really, actors. I’ve never really taken the opportunity to talk to people behind the scenes…which is certainly an oversight, because these people are extremely important. Perhaps a new year’s resolution would be to talk to more of those people…starting on (just about) New Year’s Eve. After seeing The Comeuppance, I really wanted to talk to the director of the show, Morgan Green (or rather, I saw her in the lobby and I knew I had to)!
Directors have a really hard job that I think a lot of people don’t necessarily think about. To be in charge of a cast and crew is a massive skill that some people have and some people don’t. As someone who has tried their hand at directing, I definitely know what it takes, and that it takes a very special touch. I think Morgan demonstrated this above and beyond with The Comeuppance. She obviously had a vision and knew how to make that vision a reality.
So for the first time, I really got to talk with someone who didn’t spend any time onstage. I got a great perspective from Jordan Bellow about this play, and I got a completely different, but equally as awesome, perspective from Morgan Green. In just a few questions, it’s clear how she felt about her show, the experience, the actors, and everything in between. She truly has an understanding of all this and the craft, and what she had to say was invaluable.
You got to experience all the characters and played none of them. Which one do you relate to the most?
Each character resonates for me in a different way. I relate to Caitlyn wanting to connect with a version of herself from the past, to Emilio who wants to distinguish myth and memory, Ursula who is facing challenges and protecting her heart, Paco who is wondering if he missed his chance, and Christina who feels like she tried to do everything right. My connection to each of them ebbs and flows throughout the play.
Watching The Comeuppance, I felt like there are three events that bring people together…weddings, reunions, and funerals. How do you think the characters embodied themselves in those events?
This is an astute observation. We create these rituals as an excuse to bring people together and to connect with each other. Ultimately, the reason for the gathering is less important than the fact of gathering. It seems like Caitlyn and Michael’s wedding, the last time they were all together, was a pivotal moment for Emilio. Something that happened to him there made him want to leave and not return for 15 years.
This show is extremely intense. How were you able to put it aside after rehearsals and the process and not let it get into your regular life too much?
I try to take time in the morning to write in a journal while I have my coffee. It doesn’t happen every day but, when it does, it’s a helpful opportunity for me to check in with myself and work on what is me and what is the work I’m doing. I also like to go for runs before or after rehearsal – this is great thinking time and helps me with stress relief.
Do you have a particular proud, shining moment from the process of The Comeuppance?
I really love this cast so much. Just recently we had our closing toast, and I felt so proud to see the way this group bonded over the course of the run. They love each other and they trust each other. This intimacy is palpable onstage and makes the show all that much better.
If you could put one word to working with this cast, what would it be?
Vibe.
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Like I said, some people have it and some people don’t. Morgan Green’s production had me in awe…I don’t think I even have to say that she totally has it. I love her love for the actors, for the process, and for herself. Her pride is so apparent, as it certainly should be, and I’m so glad I got to experience this show that she worked so hard to shape. It’s hard work to do something like this, and Morgan absolutely nailed it.
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