Review Fix chats with playwright about her newest production “Corpse,†currently running at this year’s Midtown International Theatre Festival in New York City. Dinova also discusses how her creative process and “voice,†all which play a key role in making “Copse†something unique and different.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for this production?
Emily Dinova: My inspiration came to me after developing a short scene. I reread the words and thought to myself, this sounds like a conversation that might take place between Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Going to school in London, and traveling to Hampton Court Palace had already piqued my interest about the notorious Tudors, so I did some more research on the wives. That somehow developed into Copse.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Dinova: It varies with the project. Although my first draft is always written by hand. There’s something about the transfer of an idea from my head to the page that doesn’t compute with typing.
Review Fix: What makes you different from other playwrights?
Dinova: My voice. It’s very stream of consciousness. I like to mix language, the classical with the abrasive, the offensive with the poetic.
Review Fix: Is this what you always wanted to do?
Dinova: Yes. It’s a lot cheaper than therapy.
Review Fix: What makes this production special?
Dinova: The cast. The crew. The unique and focused collaboration that we have found in one another. There is nothing but positive vibes and trust.
Review Fix: How is your cast unique?
Dinova: They are a cultural bunch, all nine of them! They range from New York to Texas to Iran to Michigan to Utah to France to Connecticut to Denmark to Seattle. And their passion is contagious.
Review Fix: What did you learn about yourself through this process?
Dinova: I had forgotten how much I truly enjoy being part of the theatre community.
Review Fix: How does it feel to be a part of this festival?
Dinova: Exciting, Stressful in the best way. Productivity is good for the soul.
Review Fix: What are your goals for the production?
Dinova: To learn more than I already have about the script and find all those delicious subconscious moments and connections. I want those who come to see the production, loosing sleep and gaining insight.
Review Fix: Who do you think will enjoy it the most?
Dinova: Those who abhor commercial theatre, those who are intrigued by the darker side of life or go to the theatre to think. Any Tudor fanatics. Viewers who engage and invest in what is happening before their eyes.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Dinova: Hopefully NYC Fringe for another play I’ve written that was recently licensed. For Copse, I would love to see it find a home in New York City. Also, would love to see it go up in London, UK.
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