Review Fix chats with Janelle Zapata and Jazmyn M. Arroyo are co-founders & co-Artistic Directors of Step1 Theatre Project, who discuss their new production, “Who Am I,†which is set for a run at this year’s Planet Connections Theatre Festivity. Breaking down the inspiration for the project and its goals and intended audience, Zapata and Arroyo let us know exactly why it’s a special piece of theatre.
About the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity:
Planet Connections Festivity is New York City’s premiere socially-conscious arts festival. The entire festival is structured to help artists shine a light on the various social and environmental issues facing our society and support those organizations working to address those situations. Planet Connections was also the country’s first eco-friendly arts festivity with our artists working to create eco-conscious art by revising their marketing, design and rehearsal techniques. The 2016 Planet Connections Theatre Festivity will run from June 13-July 10 at The Paradise Factory (located at 64 East 4th Street between the Bowery and 2nd Avenue). For more information on PlanetConnections and the various events it will be presenting visit www.planetconnections.org.
Performance Schedule:
Performing at The Paradise Factory, 64 East 4th Street, NYC: FRIDAY JUNE 17th @ 6:30pm, SUNDAY JUNE 19th @ 6pm,THURSDAY JUNE 23rd @ 9:15pm, SATURDAY JUNE 25th @ 4:15pm, WEDNESDAY JUNE 29th @ 7:45pm, and FRIDAY JULY 8th @ 5:35pm. Tickets: $18; visit www.planetconnections.org.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for this project? 


Jazmyn M. Arroyo: We felt WHO AM I would be the perfect debut production for Step1 Theatre Project because there are two fitting themes in the play that speak to us in our first year: identity and creation. We want to give the world a taste of the work we’re capable of creating while establishing our identity as a company. WHO AM I is a fun and challenging show that tends to leave a lasting impression on its actors and audience, and we wanted to produce a version of it unlike any that has been done in its production history. 


Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?


Janelle Zapata: Collaborative. I really feel like one of the great strengths of theatre is that it is a collaborative art. Anyone in the process is able to change the show dramatically by just having something interesting to say. When you give everyone the opportunity to have some creative input, the best idea wins and it really becomes something that everyone has put their heart and soul into.

Review Fix: What makes this different or special? 

Zapata: I think what is special about this play are its characters. There is something about each of them that allows the audience to really connect. What is happening onstage is impossible, yet the characters are so grounded and relatable that it is easy to find yourself identifying with these souls.


Review Fix: What did you learn about yourself through this process?


Zapata: I learned that I love working with intelligent actors. I am so lucky to have the cast that I have. Each one of them brought something amazing to the process and they have been able to, with their work, broaden my understanding of the characters and of people in general. 

Review Fix: How does it feel to be a part of something like this?

Zapata: I feel so lucky. I have such an amazing team around me and I know that all of the work that we have been putting into this piece will pay off. I am so proud of the work we are doing and I am so excited to present the finished product to the world!


Review Fix: What are your ultimate goals for this production and for the future?
Arroyo: Ultimately, we want to inspire our actors and audience alike with this show. It’s got distinct moments of comedy, drama, realism, and fantasy to make a statement about our artistic aesthetic: willing to go in any direction, as long as the piece is compelling. In the future, we are hoping to assist our fellow artists with acquiring necessary resources and building our audiences in a way that is mutually beneficial. We want to promote the feeling of community.
Review Fix: What do you think your audiences will enjoy the most?
Arroyo: I think the audience is going to love the characters, and the mysterious nature of the world they’re in. The are all so distinct and unique, and even the characters who initially seem “unreal” or “made up” have just as much humanity as the characters who are “real”. Since the play takes place in blurred and undefined places in space and time, part of the fun of this show is watching as all the puzzle pieces come together.
Review Fix: What’s next?


Arroyo: After WHO AM I opens, Step1 Theatre Project in partnership with The Tank will be hosting a one-night-only LGBTQ play fest at Standard Toykraft in Brooklyn, with proceeds going to The Audre Lorde Project on Sunday, June 26th at 8pm. As for the remainder of the year, we’re looking to stage one more production (TBA) and hope to earn enough funds to begin actively giving back to the artistic community next season. Stay tuned.
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