Hear from cast member Michael Giese as he prepares for the opening of Triptych by John Yearley!
On the gifts and challenges of working on this piece, and the ways it reverberates in life…
What was your reaction the first time you read Triptych?
MG: That it was likely challenging for whoever would ultimately be in the production. Many actors are asked by well-intentioned family and friends the question, “How do you learn all those lines?” In that regard, this play is an absolute bear. It was more unique structurally and thematically than anything I’d ever been a part of. Now, the first READING we ever did was a completely different experience. It came to life in ways I had not expected.
What has been the most enjoyable part of the rehearsal process? The biggest challenge?
MG: It’s always a joy to work with Trish. She’s one of those people who wears their entire soul on their sleeve. That, and her incredible skill, makes my job much easier. Add to that being directed by longtime friend Eric Paeper, whose own artistry is prodigious, and it makes for a tremendous creative experience.
I suppose an interesting challenge has been letting go of what we had done during the first readings of Triptych back in the spring. Given that patterns are the death of spontaneity, it’s continually fun to further flesh out John’s story in new and, hopefully, compelling ways.
In what ways do you feel the greatest connection or similarity to your character? The greatest difference between you?
MG: My character Joe says of the world at large that “they’re all either grieving or about to be.” And I find that to be an inescapable truth. As I have gotten older and passed certain milestones, whether it be school or marriage or children, my own mortality and that of family and friends comes more into focus. I’m careful not to suffer twice by submitting myself to dark imaginings, but to stay present and grateful, even knowing what lies over the horizon.
What are you most proud of about this production?
MG: I’m incredibly grateful to John Yearley once again for trusting me to give voice to his words. He is sneaky good at taking an audience on an unexpected ride and giving them an experience they’re likely to carry with them long after the theater lights go dark.
What else would you like audiences to know about Triptych?
MG: We open November 8th and run through November 24th and they should come!
Come see Triptych, running November 8-24 at The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center!
One life-changing event. Two souls finding their way. Three bridges to cross.
A couple in the wake of a personal tragedy fight their way through grief in extraordinary, even wacky ways. Their unusual journey leads to the sweetest sort of personal discovery that great love has to offer. John Yearley gives us a glimpse at that redemption through a most unusual lens.
Performances will take place in the Studio Theater at The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center at 520 8th Avenue, 9th Floor.
November 8-24
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm
Sundays at 3:30pm and 7:30pm
Groups (8 or more): $25 (Contact ccirker@barrowgroup.org)
*The Saturday night November 16 performance will be a benefit performance. Tickets will be $100 and include a post-performance reception.*