Review Fix chats with Ingrid Oslund, who discusses the production at this year’s Fresh Fruit Festival in New York City, detailing the creative process and letting us know what to expect.
About Red and the Wolf:

Part of a night of Three one-act plays about bridging gulfs–gulfs between people, and within them.
July 18 at 6:30 pm, July 21 at 7 pm  The 2018 Fresh Fruit Festival MainStage
Our 16th Season at The Wild Project, 195 East 3rd Street
A kinky encounter between strangers makes both women question who is predator and who is prey.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for this project?
Ingrid Oslund: I have always been fascinated with the story of Little Red Riding Hood. I had a children’s book growing up that ended with the Wolf on a leash held by Red, so I had always interpreted the story as empowered girlhood versus any other reading that I had heard later in my life. I was also inspired by my more masculine presenting female friends who are trying to have an acting career with such limited roles available to them. Finally, it is so rare to see lesbian sexual relationships portrayed well onstage. It is not a subject that is touched all that often in blunt, realistic ways and I simply do not think this lack of representation is acceptable. It was a combination these three ideas that spawned first the short play and the concept for an upcoming full length piece.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Oslund: For me, as both a playwright and a director, it all usually starts with a movement or an image that I want to create within a story that inspires me. I write a lot of work based on historical context or adaptation and movement is usually my way in. Once that action is determined I craft a script, work out the kinks with a trusted group of actors I have in Boston, make changes and alterations based on them. For example, Sara Kerr, who plays the Wolf, has been part of this development process since the beginning and changes were made based on who she was and what she could bring to the table. A huge passion of mine is making theater for who is in the room that can then live on to give opportunities to other people in the communities I care about.
Review Fix: What makes this different or special?
Oslund: This show is different because it is a complex and nuanced piece that combines kink, communication and sex between two women. It uses stereotypes in order to subvert them and combines suspenseful dialogue with dark humor.
Review Fix: What did you learn about yourself through this process?
Oslund: This show has helped me understand that my work and viewpoint as a queer woman is valuable. While I have always felt comfortable writing about elements of myself and my sexuality, this script was vulnerable for me. Throughout this process, I have found that others are searching for the same representation I am. I am not always fighting against a system. Sometimes, I have allies.
Review Fix: What are your ultimate goals for this production and for the future?
Oslund: This is an excerpt of a full length production that is deep into development entitled Red and the Wolf; A Lesbian Werewolf Revenge Tale. I hope that this show can find an audience and a producer, as I am so excited about the content. I am lucky enough to direct, choreograph and write full time, so I want to continue doing that, expanding my reach to new theater goers and new cities.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Oslund: I have a new commission based on the life of Vera Nabokov that I will continue to develop along with Red and the Wolf. I will be directing Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead in Arlington, MA November-December and explore opportunities available through the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation Observership Class of 2018/2019.
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