Review Fix chats with Playwright John Barrow, who discusses his new production, “Althea, She Went to Hell,” which is set for a run at this year’s Midtown International Theatre Festival.Â
ALTHEA, SHE WENT TO HELL by John Barrow, directed by Cecelia Riddett; starring Deborah Mahaney, Craig Myers, Stephen Bradbury*, Maryam Benganga, Kelly Taylor*, JoAnn Cunningham*, Tom Miller*, and Mark Speyer. The Rev. “Boy†Boykin, Jr. is in trouble. His megachurch and his television ministry are losing money. His wife Althea is fed up and wants out. Death arrives one day to claim Boy and then all hell breaks loose! (Comedy) *AEA
Performance Schedule:Â Mon 7/25, 6:00pm;Â Thurs 7/28, 6:00pm;Â Sat 7/30, 2:45pm
Running Time: 85 minutes.
Venue: Main Stage, 312 W. 36th Street.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for this project?Â
John Barrow: A few years ago I was researching Chrysippus and other plays by Euripides. At the same time, the pastor of a large Baptist church in Atlanta, where I was then living, was sued for divorce by his wife. Being a preacher’s wife has always seemed a thankless task. It dawned on me that Euripides’s Alcestis–the ultimate self-sacrificing wife–could be turned into a contemporary comedy. Â
Review Fix:What’s your creative process like?Â
Barrow: I think about the material for a long time before I write a word. When I sit down to write my goal is to start at the beginning and continue through to the end. And of course many revisions.
Review Fix:Â What makes this different or special?Â
Barrow:Â It’s different because it’s a modern comedy based on an ancient Greek drama.
Review Fix:Â What did you learn about yourself through this process? Â
Barrow:Â Humor is important. Â
Review Fix:How does it feel to be a part of something like this? Â
Barrow: The process has been both a pleasure and an education. The MITF staff are professional and well-organized. As a production draws near the playwright has to step back and trust the directors, actors and tech crew to make it work.
Review Fix:Â What are your ultimate goals for this production and for the future?Â
Barrow: I haven’t thought that far ahead. Â
Review Fix:Â What do you think your audiences will enjoy the most?
Barrow:Â I hope they will enjoy the combination of humor with some very serious subjects.Â
Review Fix:Â What’s next?Â
Barrow:Â A new play about Lillian Smith and Carson McCullers.
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