Review Fix chats with playwright Boris Timanovsky about his newest production “Heavy Lifting,†currently running at this year’s Midtown International Theatre Festival in New York City. Timanovsky also discusses his creative process and what he hopes people get out of the production.
Review Fix: What was the expiration for this production?
Boris Timanovsky: In my travels throughout Eastern Europe I ran into quite a few men, from all walks of life, who went there with the goal of finding a spouse. That’s right — they’d go there determined to find someone to fall in love with, the language and cultural barriers notwithstanding. Their experiences — sad, happy, even bizarre — inspired be to imagine what that journey might be like in one instance.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Timanovsky: I try to come up with an interesting story — and if I like it, I’ll try to make it a background story. And then try to come up with an even more interesting main storyline. I also pace a lot.
Review Fix: What makes you different from other playwrights?
Timanovsky: Fewer kings and queens die in my plays than on the average in the industry. Also, instead of the country estate, I like to set the action in a time-share property.
Review Fix: Is this what you always wanted to do?
Timanovsky: No, I always wanted to be a sea captain — but my parents convinced me that there are no Jewish sea captains.
Review Fix: How is your cast unique?
Timanovsky: The cast and the director are some of the most talented people that I worked with.
Review Fix: How does it feel to be a part of this festival?
Timanovsky: Looking forward to seeing as many other productions as possible.
Review Fix: What are your goals for the production?
Timanovsky: To put a smile on as many faces in the audience as possible.
Review Fix: Who do you think will enjoy it the most?
Timanovsky: Men who are about to send a check to one of those “international” match-making agencies? Ok, if seriously — I hope that anyone who likes a good story and has a sense of humor will find the play entertaining.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Timanovsky: HEAVY LIFTING is a part of a trilogy — INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS — that consists of stories of finding — and losing — love while far away from home. I’m hoping to have the whole thing produced later in the year.
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