Review Fix chats with playwright Eddie Shields who discusses his new production, “Julie,†which set for a run at this year’s Midtown International Theater Festival.
About Eddie Shields:
Eddie Shields is a NYC/Boston-based Actor/Director currently living in Brooklyn, NY.  THEATER; Playwrights Horizons, The Drilling Theater Company, Huntington Theater Co., SpeakEasy Stage Company, Rebel Theater, Company One Theater, Actors’ Shakespeare Project, Berkshire Theater Festival, Metatwee River Theater, Midtown International Theater Festival and many more theaters across the US.  FILM/TV; Moonrise Kingdom; Unsure/Positive; The Entertainment.  Eddie holds an MFA from Brandeis University and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association*.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for this project?
Eddie Shields: The original play Miss Julie has haunted me for years and years. The character Julie, and the story itself is an endless source of inspiration.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Shields: I’m always aware that, at the end of the day it’s called a play for a reason! No matter the   subject, it’s always vital for me to have fun and explore. Say “yes†to everything—sometimes   things work, sometimes things don’t. Wine helps.
Review Fix: What makes this different or special?
Shields: It’s always a special thing to see a well known classical play done with modern awareness, language, and soul. Julie, although originally written in 1888, is even more relevant now.  And the whole play takes place in a kitchen!
Review Fix: What did you learn about yourself through this process?
Shields: The process never ends so I’m still learning. I think I’ll have a better answer when it’s over.
Review Fix: How does it feel to be a part of something like this?
Shields: I’ve been a fan of the MITF for some time—the audiences are smart and vibrant and there’s   always a show for everyone. This is the perfect place to premier Julie.
Review Fix: What are your ultimate goals for this production and for the future?
Shields: Julie is the first piece in a bigger project I’ve been working on. Classic female characters in the theater set my brain on fire- Nora, Hedda, Yerma, Courage..etc…I like re-telling their stories how I, and I think others, may see them today.
Review Fix: What do you think your audiences will enjoy the most?
Shields: The Rage. The Absurdity. The blood of the play is boiling. Nothing is given to the audience on a platter. Everyone will have to determine for themselves what happened/what didn’t happen. Who’s lying? Who’s telling the truth? They’ll enjoy having that power.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Shields: Hedda Gabbler sounds très intéressant…
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