Review Fix chats with Andrew Block who discusses ‘THIS STRETCH OF MONTPELIER’ and what’s like to be a part of the 10th anniversary season of Planet Connections Theatre Festivity at the Theaters at the Clemente.
About the Production:
Evolution doesn’t have to take millions of years. It can happen right in front of our eyes. Spend a hot summer day along a stretch of Southeastern Louisiana road, where tradition now clashes with change. Old neighbors intertwine with those newcomers, bringing about gentrification… and integration. Before the new world can breathe on its own, racism, homophobia, and colliding generations must fight for survival. Ghosts from the past dance with the uncertain music of the future creating an imperfect but vibrant culture seeking to understand how to live together in a changing society. This is what happens when yesterday meets tomorrow.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for this project?
Andrew Block: When Kelley and I both discovered we were from South Louisiana, we knew we had an instant connection, and a need to collaborate. There is an instant shorthand, a specific sense of place and home shared by the unique cultures of the area – Kelley and I knew it right away – an unspoken bond and sense of history that’s also reflected in the characters of Montpelier. These people are instantly bonded despite their outward-seeming differences.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Block: My process is often to guide actors with questions. I’m a collaborative creator, and with this play that is crucial. These characters all represent a melting pot of voices and points of view, and reflect how we live in a community, even with the deepest divides – race, inter-generational, poverty lines. So allowing the voice of the actor/character into the process is key. This made casting of this piece so crucial, and finding the inter-locking mix of voices that much more important.
Review Fix: What makes this different or special?
Block: It’s easy to fall into an point at political divides in today’s climate, especially when we talk about race and generational differences. What makes this piece different, is politics don’t even come close to touching these characters. They are dealing with spiritual issues, identity, soul-searching in a community that politics has forgotten. There is a real authenticity to these people, free of any agenda.
Additionally, when we hear the word “diversity”, we immediately think of black and white issues. This play wrestles with much more – yes, race, but also inter-generational conflict, spiritual voice, homophobia, class. Asking for more diverse voices at the table means inclusivity for everyone.
Review Fix: What did you learn about yourself through this process?
Block: I grew up less than 90 minute drive from this town, and it feels like a completely different world. Traveling to the actual town of Montpelier was eye-opening and critical to understanding the complexity of the seemingly-simple world of these characters. It’s easy to judge them, without getting to know them. And this play takes you on a journey that doesn’t allow any room for judgement.
Review Fix: What are your ultimate goals for this production and for the future?
Block: This play has legs. Kelley’s is a voice that needs to be heard. As Theatre is becoming more and more inclusive, hers & The Fire This Time are a necessary leader, and this play is representative of what can be accomplished when we listen to others.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Block: More work demanding diversity of voice.
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