Review Fix chats with Playwright Gloria Bess, who discusses her upcoming production at the Midtown International Theatre Festival.
About “What’s In Alaskaâ€:
WHAT’S IN ALASKA? by Gloria Bess directed by Gloria Bess. Jack and Mary, a couple at a crossroads in their relationship, are invited to a dinner party. Tensions turn into hallucinations and this night ends with no return. Based on a Raymond Carver short story. (Drama) Performance Schedule: Tues 3/15, 8:30pm; Sat 3/19, 6:30pm; Sun 3/20, 4:30pm
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for this project?
Bess: I was looking for the right Carver’s story, I read What’s in Alaska? And thought to myself, that this could never go on stage absolutely impossible.
And so I had to prove myself wrong.
Review Fix: What makes this different or special?
Bess: The shadow work is definitely what makes this a unique production. During rehearsals, I tested all kinds of lights, from candles to par cans, and made an entire paper set in order to create the perfect shadow frames. And instead of using music merely as background, I had original music written to play a lead role. I did this in order to accurately express Jack’s inner world while not losing any of Carver’s detailed descriptions.
Review Fix: What did you learn about yourself through this process?
Bess: In this process I learned that I am not the patient person that I thought I was.
Review Fix: How does it feel to be a part of something like this?
Bess: It is really amazing to be able to see my vision become a reality, thanks to all the people that give their talents to make it happen.
Review Fix: What are your ultimate goals for this production and for the future?
Bess: My ultimate goal is to create a work that becomes a mirror to the audience and safely allows   them to re-examine their deepest insecurities.
Review Fix: What do you think your audiences will enjoy the most?
Bess: I think the audience will enjoy Carver’s good story.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Bess: What’s next? Death or a new profession.
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