Review Fix chats with playwright Ian Campbell about his newest production “They Drink,†currently running at this year’s Midtown International Theatre Festival in New York City. Campbell also discusses his creative process and what he hopes people get out of the production.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for this production?
Ian Campbell: A girl, who caused me to drink, which caused me to write this play about drinking, and a girl who makes a guy want to drink. It’s an endless cycle of girls and drinking, but not the one I particularly wanted.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Campbell: Building a visually appealing and interesting kind of husk for a play, and then fill it with as much relevancy and meaning as possible. Usually this ends up with a scattered mess, so a lot of the process is like cleaning up a mail room torn apart by deeply troubled wolves.
Review Fix: What makes you different from other playwrights?
Campbell: My name, my identity. I write so that others can act, and so I can be sane. Also I don’t constantly beat myself up about my work.
Review Fix: Is this what you always wanted to do?
Campbell: Not at all. I wish it had been, I’d probably be a lot better.
Review Fix: What makes this production special?
Campbell: I’d say because it’s the theatrical equivalent to watching a high intensity sporting event and then having the star player collapse while the rest of the team takes a knee. At that point you’re not watching the game anymore.
Review Fix: How is your cast unique?
Campbell: They can hang out like friends on and off stage but in no way is the line blurred between the two. They’re good at what they do. Also the exoskeletons of these characters are built in a way where there’s a lot left up to the actor. That being said they have brought genuine life to these characters, I really couldn’t ask for a better cast.
Review Fix: What did you learn about yourself through this process?
Campbell: That I think too much, that I’m too in my head, that my life relies heavily on structure. Also it made me realize that I love my friends.
Review Fix: How does it feel to be a part of this festival?
Campbell: It’s satisfying. Finally being able to see something I’ve created, legitimacy and everything. It’s great, I’m ecstatic.
Review Fix: What are your goals for the production?
Campbell: No mistakes, and lots of applause. And maybe just a night of no applause and lots of mistakes to deflate my ego.
Review Fix: Who do you think will enjoy it the most?
Campbell: College students are going to primarily take the most from this show, but I do believe that any one who has friends and that drinks can very easily enjoy this show.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Campbell: A way, way weirder play.
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