Review Fix chats with playwright about his newest production “Stalled,†currently running at this year’s Midtown International Theatre Festival in New York City. Sirota also discusses how his past experiences with the Genesis Repertory shaped him as a playwright and theatre professional, as well as his creative process.
Performance Dates: Tue 2/17, 6pm; Sat 2/21, 8pm; Sun 2/22, 6:15pm
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for “Stalled”?
Chris Sirota: I was taught early on that the stage play is the art of the spoken word. So, I usually let my ears do the typing for me. I hear or imagine a line or two of conversation that I think might grab the attention of a listener, aka the audience, and I just let that inspire me to develop the characters, plot and scenes. In this specific play, I began with the word “shoes.”
Review Fix: What makes it a unique production?
Sirota: I think the stakes are high for the characters, but the stakes are intrinsic to their needs as humans to get through the day, and perhaps make their tomorrows a little better. Nothing extreme appears to happen on the outside, but something extremely important is happening within each character, which I hope will excite the actors and engage the audience.
Review Fix: You’ve done plenty of things in theatre. What attracts you the most to the field?
Sirota: The relationship with the audience, and the immediacy of their reaction. I’m also thrilled when my collaborators add their art, and intrigued when I discover something new in the final production.
Review Fix: Who or what inspires you to create?
Sirota: Every work of art that moves me, reminds me that I might be able to create something that in turn touches someone else. When I see a play or film that I really enjoy, I feel like creating. The challenge, which I find motivating, is not simply to test my skills, but the fact that I’m limited to my experiences and my aesthetic choices. I am particularly impressed by works with intense drama created in very simple settings and environment, for example The Apartment, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, episodes of The Twilight Zone, and It Happened One Night.
Review Fix: How does it feel to be a part of this year’s Midwinter Madness Short Play Festival?
Sirota: Of course, I’m thrilled to be a part of it. I have seen many plays at MITF over the years, and have recently had a play produced as part of their Short Play Lab, so I appreciate their continued support of the art, and new artists.
Review Fix: How has the Genesis arts program helped you?
Sirota: I started with the Genesis arts program over seven years ago, both in acting, filmmaking and play production. Without their perseverance and relentless support of new artists, I don’t think I would be answering this questions, nor producing any plays. In fact, I actually had no idea I enjoyed writing plays so much until, just for fun, I took one of the writing classes they offer. Now, I have several plays in various drafts that I can’t wait to try with audiences.
Review Fix: How do you want this production to affect people?
Sirota: I hope the production invites the audience to look at serious moments in everyday life with a smile.
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