The Actors Gang Theater in Culver City has been closed for live performances for two years due to the pandemic. But it’s back with a new show, 'Can't Pay? Don't Pay!'
Yes, we did an adaptation of Studs Terkel's Hard Times, his oral history of the depression, that was called. And we did other productions as well. But it was missing that thing that happens when you assemble [in person].
Here's what's great about theater. There's some profound experiences you can have seeing a film or watching a streaming piece of entertainment. But it's those live experiences that you remember for your life. And the reason is because you're in a room with strangers and this chemistry is never going to be the same again for performer or for audience. And what happens in this moment is this actual energy transfer, that unites people in a way.
If you can unite through a common emotion, as has been theatre's purpose throughout history, a common emotion of compassion, or anger or, most importantly, laughter, that you can share with a complete stranger you might not agree with, this is a healing thing, this is an important thing.Have you talked with your colleagues at other theaters, other artistic directors, and heard what the response they've been getting to audiences returning has been?It's generally been positive.
It's always been my opinion that theater should be for everybody, there shouldn't be requirements at the door, in order to get into a theater. That somehow for me betrays the spirit of what an open forum is. And so we waited and we were patient and we're able to get there because we have a great group of people working for us and now we have our great audience members coming back.