Review Fix chats with playwright Bridget Dennin who discusses her new production, “Shields of Blue,†set for a run at this year’s Midtown International Theater Festival.
About the Production:
SHIELDS OF BLUEÂ by Bridget Dennin, directed by Bryan Adam; starring Ella Mora, Douglas Cameron Duncan, James P. Stanton, Rob Glascott, Michael Metta, and Ian Potter. The ones closest to us are the hardest to shield. (Drama)
Performance Schedule:Â Wed 11/09, 8:00pm; Thurs 11/10, 6:00pm; Fri 11/11, 8:30pm;Sat 11/12, 12:45pm
Running Time: 90 minutes
Venue: Jewel Box Theater, 312 W. 36th Street
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for this project?
Bridget Dennin: The inspiration for the project came from real life events. We all see these Black Lives Matter types of stories on the news. Many of which are very tragic, and I wanted to look at it more from the police perspective. I feel there’s a very fine line between defense and excessive force and I wanted to explore that a little more.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Dennin: I spent a good couple months developing the idea before I finally put pen to paper. I found that I needed to live with the characters a little more, so I did take time to interview police officers. I wanted to make sure I got things right.
Review Fix: What makes this different or special?
Dennin: Without giving too much away, I think it’s different because you’re in it for the whole night. The audience is a fly on the wall, and get to watch the entire story unfold. A lot can happen in one evening.
Review Fix: What did you learn about yourself through this process?
Dennin: I learned that I need to be a better proofreader and not rush myself.
Review Fix: How does it feel to be a part of something like this?
Dennin: It’s exciting the show hasn’t seen a New York stage yet, so it will be interesting to see how this audience reacts to it.
Review Fix: What are your ultimate goals for this production and for the future?
Dennin: I think the big goal after this is going to be “Where can it go next?†I would love for it to move on and reach more people.
Review Fix: What do you think your audiences will enjoy the most?
Dennin: I think they’ll enjoy the dynamic. I truly believe that every audience member will find at least one character to relate to.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Dennin: I’ve got a few projects cooking at the moment. One is a new play I’m writing and another being a musical I’m working on with my best friend, John Tafone.
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