"Keep your eyes and mind open."

- Moumita Bhattacharya

Keywords

theater, directing, choreography, Seattle theater, Moumita Bhattacharya, audience interpretation, artistic influences, House of Joy, casting, storytelling

Summary

In this episode of Curtains Up, Rohan interviews Moumita Bhattacharya, a prominent theater director and choreographer in Seattle. They discuss her journey from Indian classical dance to theater, her experiences in the Seattle theater scene, and the artistic influences that shape her work. Moumita shares insights on audience interpretation, the challenges of choreography, and the intricacies of casting characters. She concludes with valuable advice for aspiring directors, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and continuous learning.

Takeaways

• Moumita's journey into theater began with Indian classical dance.
• Abhinaya, the act of emoting, is integral to storytelling in dance.
• The Seattle theater community is receptive to diverse stories.
• Artistic influences come from various sources, including cinema and dance.
• Audience reactions can differ greatly from the director's expectations.
• Choreographing movement in a play without explicit direction is challenging.
• Casting requires understanding the essence of each character.
• Performers should embody their characters rather than just play them.
• Aspiring directors should watch many shows to learn and absorb.
• Telling relevant stories is crucial for connecting with audiences.

In this episode of Curtains Up, host Rohan Sengupta engages with Dr. Carol Fisher Sorgenfrei, a renowned expert in Japanese and intercultural performance. They explore Dr. Sorgenfrei's journey into Japanese theatre, the fusion of Noh and Greek theatre, and the distinct differences in performance styles between Japanese and Western theatre. The conversation also delves into the significance of design elements in Japanese theatre, memorable performances, and advice for young theatre students interested in global performance traditions.

takeaways

• Dr. Sorgenfrei was inspired by a professor to study Japanese theatre.
• Her first experience in Japan solidified her passion for avant-garde theatre.
• She wrote a play combining Medea with Noh style, which won a contest.
• There are intriguing similarities between Greek tragedy and Japanese Noh.
• Noh has a continuous performance history unlike Greek theatre.
• Design elements like masks in Noh carry deeper meanings.
• Experiencing a powerful performance can transcend consciousness.
• Navigating between cultures enriches creative work.
• Young theatre students should explore global performance traditions.
• The elegance of Noh and the energy of Kabuki are captivating.

Japanese theatre, Noh, Kabuki, intercultural performance, theater studies, Dr. Carol Fisher Sorgenfrei, global performance traditions, avant-garde theater, Greek tragedy, cultural dialogue

summary

In this episode of Curtains Up, host Rohan interviews rising star Jerik Fernandez, who shares his unique journey into the world of theater, his experiences in the MFA acting program at the University of Washington, and his aspirations for the future. Jerik discusses the importance of storytelling in acting, the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career in the performing arts, and offers valuable advice for aspiring actors. The conversation highlights the vibrant Seattle theater community and the transformative power of theater.

Takeaways

• Jerik's journey into theater began unexpectedly at a mall play.
• He found his passion for acting during high school despite limited exposure to the arts.
• The MFA program at UW is an all-consuming experience focused on honing craft.
• Jerik emphasizes the importance of storytelling in acting.
• He believes that making people feel good is a primary goal of acting.
• The pandemic highlighted the need for connection through theater.
• Jerik's friends from college also pursued acting, creating a supportive community.
• He values the experience gained from understudying professional actors.
• Jerik encourages aspiring actors to follow their passion despite practical concerns.
• The magic of theater is felt when performing for an audience.

Sound Bites

• "I just remember that play a lot."

• "I had never done a play before."

  "I just want to make people feel good."