In 2009 I had the opportunity to present a staged reading of my play The Jamb at the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity. What drew me to PCTF was its dedication to the idea of theatre as a tool for social change, especially in the area of ecological issues. It's green in meaningful ways, and each of its productions champions a charity. Mine was Raising Malawi.
When I started Hard Sparks, I was inspired by PCTF to do something similar. Every Hard Sparks show partners with a non-profit organization working to improve people's lives. For Eightythree Down, it's the Keith Haring Foundation.
Glory Kadigan is the Executive Director and Artistic Curator of the Festivity, and a tireless supporter of NYC's independent theatre scene. She's one of those dynamic artist-slash-administrators who does it all - in addition to running the fest she's also directing one of its readings. With the 2011 PCTF about to kick off this June, we're lucky she had time to answer 7Questions!
J.Stephen Brantley
When I started Hard Sparks, I was inspired by PCTF to do something similar. Every Hard Sparks show partners with a non-profit organization working to improve people's lives. For Eightythree Down, it's the Keith Haring Foundation.
Glory Kadigan is the Executive Director and Artistic Curator of the Festivity, and a tireless supporter of NYC's independent theatre scene. She's one of those dynamic artist-slash-administrators who does it all - in addition to running the fest she's also directing one of its readings. With the 2011 PCTF about to kick off this June, we're lucky she had time to answer 7Questions!
J.Stephen Brantley
Glory Kadigan with Joe Barros and Duncan Phlaster
1. Why must this year's Planet Connections Theatre Festivity be seen to be believed? The shows are great, the people are great and we have a ton of fun while supporting causes in our community.
2. What theatrical experience - your work or others’ - really rocked your world? Every year I'm rocked by the returning Planet Connections artists. Playwrights/Directors: Mark Jason Williams, Duncan Phlaster, Carol Carpenter, Oscar Mendoza, Jeremy Bloom, Leah Bonvisutto, Felipe Ossa, Sergei Burbank, Bubi Roi, Brian Rady, David Stallings, Lenny Schwartz, Jonathan Wallace, - to name a few. But I'm excited to see all of the work created by our new artists as well!
3. Looking at all you’ve got going on, it seems like even your hats are wearing hats. What’s the secret to successful multitasking? Organization and taking responsibility. I plan in advance. Also, I'm not afraid to step up to the plate, problem solve or do what has to get done to make it all happen. So I DO work hard - but also, its important to take time for yourself as well. Its a balance.
4. A big-budget Broadway musical based on the story of your life is in production. Sadly, the producers of Glory Us! do not see you as enough of a draw to play the titular role. Which Hollywood A-lister gets the job? Well, I'm not really sure who should be hired to portray someone better than that someone themselves but maybe Meryl Streep? That would be amazo!
5. What’s your favorite charitable cause or philanthropic organization? Why should everyone reading this rally round their flag? Independent Theater Artists are my FAVORITE charitable cause and philanthropic organization. I LOVE them and will always support their efforts. What's great about Independent Theater - is I that all of the artists really have something to say and want to be there. It's not about money for them - but about artistic exploration. Also, I love having coffee with the artists, hanging out with them and talking with them about their work. On the independent theater scene - the artists are accessible and easy to meet and speak with. Many times I'm blown away by the creativity of the work being done in the Indie Theater community. It is a vibrant valuable beautiful part of New York - all of these different people from all types of cultures, financial backgrounds, locations, religions, perspectives - all of them coming together to make art together - beautiful.
6. Make a deal with the universe: This years Festivity sees record breaking attendance and earns a huge profit – how do you express your gratitude? By giving my hard working amazing staff a bonus! Also universe - I would like the profit to include a community comprised of talented generous artists who want to come together every year, to use their art to make a contribution to the NY community at large. Bring it to me! If this happens - and financial profit - I will put aside money for our permanent eco-friendly green theater where we can all do our shows together year round to raise awareness in New York about local charitable organizations.
7. Okay it’s the last week of June 2011 and, having coordinated the largest PCTF yet, you’ve earned a day off. What do you do with it? Travel to someplace I've never been before, eat/drink something I've never tried before and make an effort to engage someone I've never met before in a lengthy conversation about their life.
The 2011 Planet Connections Theatre Festivity opens June 1st in multiple Manhattan venues. Glory Kadigan directs a staged reading of Martirio on June 14th before a full production at the Gene Frankel Theater October 31 - November 20.
2. What theatrical experience - your work or others’ - really rocked your world? Every year I'm rocked by the returning Planet Connections artists. Playwrights/Directors: Mark Jason Williams, Duncan Phlaster, Carol Carpenter, Oscar Mendoza, Jeremy Bloom, Leah Bonvisutto, Felipe Ossa, Sergei Burbank, Bubi Roi, Brian Rady, David Stallings, Lenny Schwartz, Jonathan Wallace, - to name a few. But I'm excited to see all of the work created by our new artists as well!
3. Looking at all you’ve got going on, it seems like even your hats are wearing hats. What’s the secret to successful multitasking? Organization and taking responsibility. I plan in advance. Also, I'm not afraid to step up to the plate, problem solve or do what has to get done to make it all happen. So I DO work hard - but also, its important to take time for yourself as well. Its a balance.
4. A big-budget Broadway musical based on the story of your life is in production. Sadly, the producers of Glory Us! do not see you as enough of a draw to play the titular role. Which Hollywood A-lister gets the job? Well, I'm not really sure who should be hired to portray someone better than that someone themselves but maybe Meryl Streep? That would be amazo!
5. What’s your favorite charitable cause or philanthropic organization? Why should everyone reading this rally round their flag? Independent Theater Artists are my FAVORITE charitable cause and philanthropic organization. I LOVE them and will always support their efforts. What's great about Independent Theater - is I that all of the artists really have something to say and want to be there. It's not about money for them - but about artistic exploration. Also, I love having coffee with the artists, hanging out with them and talking with them about their work. On the independent theater scene - the artists are accessible and easy to meet and speak with. Many times I'm blown away by the creativity of the work being done in the Indie Theater community. It is a vibrant valuable beautiful part of New York - all of these different people from all types of cultures, financial backgrounds, locations, religions, perspectives - all of them coming together to make art together - beautiful.
6. Make a deal with the universe: This years Festivity sees record breaking attendance and earns a huge profit – how do you express your gratitude? By giving my hard working amazing staff a bonus! Also universe - I would like the profit to include a community comprised of talented generous artists who want to come together every year, to use their art to make a contribution to the NY community at large. Bring it to me! If this happens - and financial profit - I will put aside money for our permanent eco-friendly green theater where we can all do our shows together year round to raise awareness in New York about local charitable organizations.
7. Okay it’s the last week of June 2011 and, having coordinated the largest PCTF yet, you’ve earned a day off. What do you do with it? Travel to someplace I've never been before, eat/drink something I've never tried before and make an effort to engage someone I've never met before in a lengthy conversation about their life.
The 2011 Planet Connections Theatre Festivity opens June 1st in multiple Manhattan venues. Glory Kadigan directs a staged reading of Martirio on June 14th before a full production at the Gene Frankel Theater October 31 - November 20.
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