Christopher Borg
When planning the Hard Sparks launch earlier this year, I knew I wanted Christopher Borg in a reading of my play Furbelow. The only question was which of the fifteen roles he’d play. As anyone who saw his work in Emerging Artists Theatre’s critically acclaimed Penny Penniworth can tell you, Borg has an astonishing comic range. I also know from working with him in various readings at EAT and TOSOS that he’s a fantastic dramatic actor as well. He also happens to be a director, dialect coach, cellist, back-up singer for the now-defunct indie band Utah Mafia and an ensemble member of the New York Neo-Futurists since 2006. Christopher could surely play just about any role thrown at him, and brilliantly.
His latest is as writer, performer, and cultural anthropologist in Locker #4173b opening May 3rd at The Monkey West. Borg and co-creator Joey Rizzolo purchased two storage lockers at auction, cataloged every item contained therein, and created what promises to be one of the most unique, exciting, and timely productions of 2011.
- J.Stephen Brantley
1. Why must Locker #4173b be seen to be believed?
Well, I must admit, those aren't MY words, but the words of a great publicity team - everyone to whom I describe the story believes me 100%! However, I do think that descripion speaks to the rather fantastic journey of the piece. We take the audience along with us on the story of our excavation of a modern archaeological dig - that is the storage lockers that we purchased last July...and the voyage through our examination of the artifacts we found inside and the discoveries we make about our subjects and finally (hopefully) how it all relates to each of us as humans who share this world, it is just so freaking unsusual a subject that it is difficult to describe.
2. What theatrical experience(s), your work or others’, has really rocked your world?
Well, I am really moved and inspired by the amazing work that I have seen in the Off-Broadway and Indie Theatre world. I love the experimental and the ground-breaking, especially by artists like James Scruggs (Disposable Men) and my uber-favorite, rock-star Taylor Mac (The Young Ladies Of...). Other examples of AMAZING theatrical experiences include last year's New York Neo-Futurist's nude, feminist piece The Soup Show, as well as Milk Milk Lemonade and Pillowman at APAC. I also really went NUTS over BananaBag and Bodice's Beowulf - A Thousand Years of Baggage and I get excited and giggly over anything that is done by 'The Reynaldo The'. My 'uptown' inspiration has come from [title of show] and August: Osage County. I also really loved the B'way production of Ragtime it was gorgeous and beautifully done, I don't know why it closed so early.
3. If you could play any sort of role – anything at all - what would it be?
Well, with the Neo-Futurists I don't get to play roles, I am always myself, so I DO get hungry to sink my teeth into some characters...I am, at heart, a transformative character actor. I would love to take on I Am My Own Wife and for many, many years I have wanted to play Valere in David Hirson's LaBete.
4. A big-budget Broadway play based on the story of your life is in production. Sadly, the producers of Borg! do not see you as enough of a draw to play the titular role. Which Hollywood A-lister gets the job?
Oh jeez...are you serious? I have NO idea. There isn't anyone that I am like in the Hollywood realm, which might explain why I am not in the movies...and I like how you imagine a big Broadway Play that has to be cast by a HOLLYWOOD A-lister...a sad truth!...But...well...I would ask Paul Rudd to play me. If he is willing to put on a few pounds, lol.
5. What’s your favorite charitable cause or philanthropic organization? Why should everyone reading this rally round their flag?
My favorite charitable cause right now is fighting for LGBT human rights in the developing world. For two years the Neos have raised money through their very successful Pride Show editions of Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind to help fund advocacy and legislation for LGBT people living in Uganda. Things are EXTREMELY dangerous for people there and lives are lost and ruined on a daily basis. Americans have so much money and so many resources and a little goes a long way in Africa. They need our help. You can help them by donating to the Fund for Global Human Rights. I am also an outspoken advocate for Indie Theatre artists in New York and I volunteer many hours each year to The New York Innovative Theatre Foundation (the 'IT Awards'). I believe whole-heartedly in their mission to honor and celebrate and advocate for the artists working Off-Off-Broadway. You can donate to them at www.nyitawards.com!
6. Make a deal with the universe: Locker #4173b’s entire run sells out – how do you express your gratitude?
I will make a stronger, more concerted effort to support my friends' shows! I feel so lucky to have so much support from my community and I feel bad that because of my busy performance schedule through the year, I am only able to see a FRACTION of the amazing work that is being done out there by people whom I respect deeply. You included, JSB!
7. Mum always says you should have a Plan B. So if you weren’t making theatre, what would you be doing?
"Mum"? What, are you British now? LOL. Well...honestly....I'm not sure what I would be doing if I wasn't involved in making theatre. This has been my focus since I was young and it is my passion. But I imagine that if it wasn't theatre it would be music (I'd be a blues singer or an orchestra conductor). Or else I would be working with kids..or maybe I would just like to open a little shop and cabaret on a beautiful beach with Desmond and meet wonderful people and make necklaces out of shells. Ahhhhh....
Locker #4173b written & performed by Christopher Borg & Joey Rizzolo opens May 3rd at The Monkey West - 37 West 26th Street. Previews start April 28. Get info and tix at www.nynf.org .
Christopher Borg has a 2009 New York Innovative Theatre Award for his autobiographical (Not) Just a Day Like Any Other (New York Neo-Futurists), two OOBR awards for Doric Wilson’s A Perfect Relationship and What the F***? (TOSOS II) and two Spotlight On awards. He was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for Bernadette & the Butcher of Broadway at TOSOS. Other NY credits include Modern Living (LaMama), The Death of Griffin Hunter (Inverse Theatre), The Sabbath Queen (Storahtelling), Bury the Dead (Stage Door Acting Ensemble); Nothing (Ontological) and The Crackwalker (Soho Rep).
His latest is as writer, performer, and cultural anthropologist in Locker #4173b opening May 3rd at The Monkey West. Borg and co-creator Joey Rizzolo purchased two storage lockers at auction, cataloged every item contained therein, and created what promises to be one of the most unique, exciting, and timely productions of 2011.
- J.Stephen Brantley
1. Why must Locker #4173b be seen to be believed?
Well, I must admit, those aren't MY words, but the words of a great publicity team - everyone to whom I describe the story believes me 100%! However, I do think that descripion speaks to the rather fantastic journey of the piece. We take the audience along with us on the story of our excavation of a modern archaeological dig - that is the storage lockers that we purchased last July...and the voyage through our examination of the artifacts we found inside and the discoveries we make about our subjects and finally (hopefully) how it all relates to each of us as humans who share this world, it is just so freaking unsusual a subject that it is difficult to describe.
2. What theatrical experience(s), your work or others’, has really rocked your world?
Well, I am really moved and inspired by the amazing work that I have seen in the Off-Broadway and Indie Theatre world. I love the experimental and the ground-breaking, especially by artists like James Scruggs (Disposable Men) and my uber-favorite, rock-star Taylor Mac (The Young Ladies Of...). Other examples of AMAZING theatrical experiences include last year's New York Neo-Futurist's nude, feminist piece The Soup Show, as well as Milk Milk Lemonade and Pillowman at APAC. I also really went NUTS over BananaBag and Bodice's Beowulf - A Thousand Years of Baggage and I get excited and giggly over anything that is done by 'The Reynaldo The'. My 'uptown' inspiration has come from [title of show] and August: Osage County. I also really loved the B'way production of Ragtime it was gorgeous and beautifully done, I don't know why it closed so early.
3. If you could play any sort of role – anything at all - what would it be?
Well, with the Neo-Futurists I don't get to play roles, I am always myself, so I DO get hungry to sink my teeth into some characters...I am, at heart, a transformative character actor. I would love to take on I Am My Own Wife and for many, many years I have wanted to play Valere in David Hirson's LaBete.
4. A big-budget Broadway play based on the story of your life is in production. Sadly, the producers of Borg! do not see you as enough of a draw to play the titular role. Which Hollywood A-lister gets the job?
Oh jeez...are you serious? I have NO idea. There isn't anyone that I am like in the Hollywood realm, which might explain why I am not in the movies...and I like how you imagine a big Broadway Play that has to be cast by a HOLLYWOOD A-lister...a sad truth!...But...well...I would ask Paul Rudd to play me. If he is willing to put on a few pounds, lol.
5. What’s your favorite charitable cause or philanthropic organization? Why should everyone reading this rally round their flag?
My favorite charitable cause right now is fighting for LGBT human rights in the developing world. For two years the Neos have raised money through their very successful Pride Show editions of Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind to help fund advocacy and legislation for LGBT people living in Uganda. Things are EXTREMELY dangerous for people there and lives are lost and ruined on a daily basis. Americans have so much money and so many resources and a little goes a long way in Africa. They need our help. You can help them by donating to the Fund for Global Human Rights. I am also an outspoken advocate for Indie Theatre artists in New York and I volunteer many hours each year to The New York Innovative Theatre Foundation (the 'IT Awards'). I believe whole-heartedly in their mission to honor and celebrate and advocate for the artists working Off-Off-Broadway. You can donate to them at www.nyitawards.com!
6. Make a deal with the universe: Locker #4173b’s entire run sells out – how do you express your gratitude?
I will make a stronger, more concerted effort to support my friends' shows! I feel so lucky to have so much support from my community and I feel bad that because of my busy performance schedule through the year, I am only able to see a FRACTION of the amazing work that is being done out there by people whom I respect deeply. You included, JSB!
7. Mum always says you should have a Plan B. So if you weren’t making theatre, what would you be doing?
"Mum"? What, are you British now? LOL. Well...honestly....I'm not sure what I would be doing if I wasn't involved in making theatre. This has been my focus since I was young and it is my passion. But I imagine that if it wasn't theatre it would be music (I'd be a blues singer or an orchestra conductor). Or else I would be working with kids..or maybe I would just like to open a little shop and cabaret on a beautiful beach with Desmond and meet wonderful people and make necklaces out of shells. Ahhhhh....
Locker #4173b written & performed by Christopher Borg & Joey Rizzolo opens May 3rd at The Monkey West - 37 West 26th Street. Previews start April 28. Get info and tix at www.nynf.org .
Christopher Borg has a 2009 New York Innovative Theatre Award for his autobiographical (Not) Just a Day Like Any Other (New York Neo-Futurists), two OOBR awards for Doric Wilson’s A Perfect Relationship and What the F***? (TOSOS II) and two Spotlight On awards. He was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for Bernadette & the Butcher of Broadway at TOSOS. Other NY credits include Modern Living (LaMama), The Death of Griffin Hunter (Inverse Theatre), The Sabbath Queen (Storahtelling), Bury the Dead (Stage Door Acting Ensemble); Nothing (Ontological) and The Crackwalker (Soho Rep).
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