6 Questions: Anna Abhau Elliott

Photo by Kate Fry

Up next in our 6 Questions with the cast of SEAGULLMACHINE is Anna Abhau Elliott. Anna took a break from rehearsals to talk about making theater, Chekhov vs. Müller and working at La MaMa. SEAGULLMACHINE begins performances on Saturday, April 14th in The Ellen Stewart Theatre. Don't miss this exciting mashup of two iconic riffs on the Hamlet story – Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull and Heiner Muller’s Hamletmachine.

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1. Who do you play in SEAGULLMACHINE?

The wonderful Masha.

2. The play asks “What’s the good of making theater anyway?”  How would you answer that?

Depends on the day, of course. But today it's because it's extremely difficult and fun to make a play and to watch one. Having fun in a group of people creates a social space where we all make it work together. It's good practice for other parts of life, where being creative, honest and kind isn't always welcome.

3. Do you have a preference: Anton Chekhov or Heiner Müller?

Anton and I go way back. I was so captivated by Russian history, literature and theater that I studied abroad at the Moscow Art Theatre, where it all went down. Heiner is new to me, and also so devilishly opaque that it can be disorienting to read his text. But actually, the more I learn, the more it cracks me up, and the more fun it becomes.

4. Do you have a “dream role” or a favorite role you've played?

Osric.

5. What is the last good book/play/film/art exhibit you’ve seen/read?

Fred Armisen's "Standup for Drummers" special. It was deeply honest, surprising, and didn't force any laughs.

6. What does working at La MaMa mean to you?

It's been on the bucket list since college, baby! I'm very proud to join a long wonderful list of experimenters. Thanks for having me.

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La MaMa in association with 
The Assembly presents 

SEAGULLMACHINE 

Created by The Assembly 
Conceived by Nick Benacerraf 
Co-directed by Jess Chayes & Nick Benacerraf 
Text by Anton Chekhov, Heiner Müller, and The Assembly 

 April 14 - 29, 2018 

The Ellen Stewart Theatre at La MaMa 
66 East 4th Street 
(between Bowery and Second Avenue) 
New York, NY 10003 

Tickets: $30 Adults; $25 Students/Seniors; first ten tickets to every performance available for $10 each, advance sales only, as part of La MaMa 10 @ $10 ticketing initiative.

For Tickets and Info: CLICK HERE