Review Fix Exclusive: Emma Reeves Talks ‘Cool Hand Luke’

Review Fix chats with “Cool Hand Luke” playwright who discusses the stage adaptation of the book and legendary motion picture. Breaking down her inspiration for the play as well as her future, Reeves gives us an inside look her process and what makes this performance a special one.

COOL HAND LUKE begins performances on Tuesday, May 5 for a limited engagement through Sunday, May 31. The performance schedule is Tuesday – Thursday at 7:15 PM; Friday at 8:15 PM; Saturday at 2:15 PM & 8:15 PM; and Sunday at 3:15 PM. Performances are at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues). Tickets are $30 ($21 for 59E59 Members). To purchase tickets, call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200 or go to www.59e59.org.

Review Fix: When did you decide to do this (adapt Cool Hand Luke)?

Emma Reeves: I started working on the adaptation in 2001. The book was suggested to me by a producer; I spent ten years researching and writing the adaptation, and developed a close relationship with Donn Pearce, the author of the book (and co-author of the screenplay).

Review Fix: How has this film affected you?

Reeves: I was always aware of the film as an iconic piece of cinema, but my desire to adapt the story was based on the book, which is a very different piece of work. As anyone who knows me well will confirm, I’ve always had a difficult relationship with authority figures and for that reason I was always drawn to Luke’s story. But from the moment I read the book, I felt that it asks questions on a deeper level. Why do we do the things we do? Are we primarily motivated by greed and fear of punishment, or do we have it within ourselves to develop our own standards of right and wrong – and if we do, what does it cost us to live up to them?

Review Fix: What do you think makes it something that works on the stage?

Reeves: The conflict between the characters is so raw and primal. Seeing actors in front of you, suffering (the production is quite arduous for the performers!) gives it the visceral immediacy which is so vital in live theater.

Review Fix: Why should someone who saw the film see the play?

Reeves: Because the two experiences are so different. The stories are different; Luke himself is very different. We learn a lot more about him, his world, and his backstory. The film celebrates a hero; the play undermines the very concept of heroism.

Review Fix: What else is special about this production?

Reeves: Joe’s unique brand of storytelling and directing. He’s honed his style over a great many productions and he’s established a loyal following. His treatment of the story will be a revelation for those who only know the film.

Review Fix: In order to make this work, you need a great cast. What makes your team work?

Reeves: Joe selected the actors; he told me he seldom auditions because he prefers to build up a relationship with people and collaborate with them on a long-term basis. Lawrence, who plays Luke, has previously played McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Nick, who plays Boss Godfrey, and Matthew, who plays Dragline, have also worked with Joe before. However, Julia, who plays Mary (a character that doesn’t appear in the film or book), is working with Joe for the first time, and when I met her I was blown away by her instinctive but very deep understanding of the role that her character plays in the production, both literally and inside Luke’s mind. I’m very impressed by the dedication that the actors bring to the production.

Review Fix: How do you want this production to affect people?

Reeves: I don’t want to tell people how to feel. That would go against the spirit of the piece. I’d like them to come with an open mind and be ready to question everything.

Review Fix: How do you want it to be remembered?

Reeves: For reminding people about Donn’s book, which adds richer and deeper levels to an iconic movie. It’s a neglected masterpiece which deserves more attention.

Review Fix: What’s next?

Reeves: For me, back in Britain, I’m working on the second series of a sci-fi TV series called Eve, which I co-created. My adaptation of Hetty Feather was recently nominated for an Olivier award and is about to tour the UK again. I would love to bring it to New York one day. I don’t know what’s next for Joe and Godlight – I do know he’s planning to bring a few classic stories to the stage, and I can tell you the plans are pretty exciting, but you’d have to ask Joe about them!