6 Questions: Kyle Griffiths

Actor Kyle Griffiths is currently appearing in Takeshi Kawamura and John Jesurun's Distant Observer: Tokyo/New York Correspondence at the Ellen Stewart Theatre here at La MaMa.  Kyle answered our 6 Questions about Distant Observer, who inspires him and working at La MaMa.  You can read his answers below and get your tickets to the final weekend of Distant Observer: HERE.

1. Who do you play in Distant Observer?

A friend, an embassy worker, a bureaucrat.

2. What made you want to be a part of this project?

It's a unique opportunity to work with both John and Kawamura. The script is such an interesting amalgamation of writing styles and it's a wonderful experience to immerse yourself in the world they have created.

3. What is your favorite part of (or favorite line from) the show?

"I thought I was an actor but now I am lost in a sea of words."


4. What is the last good book you read (or film or theater piece or museum exhibit you saw etc)?

I spent a day at the Met recently, it was a bit overwhelming, there are so many great exhibits. However, what stuck with me the most was a fantastic exhibition of Thomas Cole paintings.


5. Who inspires you?

My father, he's a very adventurous person and always willing to take chances.  Also many of my friends who are involved in the arts, we are always sharing ideas and pushing each other forward.


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

It's a great pleasure to be able to perform at La MaMa, there's a lot of history here, and being surrounded by people who are so passionate about the arts makes the experience truly special.

_____

La MaMa presents

Distant Observer: 

Tokyo/New York Correspondence

Written and Conceived by Takeshi Kawamura and John Jesurun

Translation by Aya Ogawa

Distant Observer: Tokyo/New York Correspondence is a collaboration between Japanese playwright/director Takeshi Kawamura and American playwright/director John Jesurun. The project is conceived as a play written and directed in collaborative partnership by both artists. Written in corresponding chapters by each playwright, it combines two established artists of the same generation, both with distinct voices and significant work, in a deep creative conversation across cultures.

CAST: 

Anastasia Olowin | Kotoba Dan | Claire Buckingham | Kyle Griffiths | Samuel Im

March 16, 2018 - April 1, 2018 - Final 4 performances!

The Ellen Stewart Theatre 

66 East 4th Street

(between Bowery and Second Avenue)

New York, NY 10003

Tickets: $25 Adults; $20 Students/Seniors; La MaMa's 10 @ $10 tickets available for all performances, while supplies last

For Tickets & Info: CLICK HERE

Distant Observer: Post-Show Discussion

  Distant Observer | Full Talkback from La MaMa on Vimeo.

On Sunday, March 18th there was a post-performance discussion with the creators of Distant Observer at La MaMa:
Takeshi Kawamura and John Jesurun.

Moderated by Dr. Frank Hentschker, Executive Director of Programs at Martin E.Segal Theatre Center,City University of NY
Guest panelist Japanese Theater Scholar and Journalist Kyoko Iwaki

Watch the full discussion here

_____

La MaMa presents

Distant Observer: 

Tokyo/New York Correspondence

Written and Conceived by Takeshi Kawamura and John Jesurun

Translation by Aya Ogawa

Distant Observer: Tokyo/New York Correspondence is a collaboration between Japanese playwright/director Takeshi Kawamura and American playwright/director John Jesurun. The project is conceived as a play written and directed in collaborative partnership by both artists. Written in corresponding chapters by each playwright, it combines two established artists of the same generation, both with distinct voices and significant work, in a deep creative conversation across cultures.

CAST: 

Anastasia Olowin | Kotoba Dan | Claire Buckingham | Kyle Griffiths | Samuel Im

March 16, 2018 - April 1, 2018

The Ellen Stewart Theatre 

66 East 4th Street

(between Bowery and Second Avenue)

New York, NY 10003

Tickets: $25 Adults; $20 Students/Seniors; La MaMa's 10 @ $10 tickets available for all performances, while supplies last

For Tickets & Info: CLICK HERE

NY Times on ‘Distant Observer’

Review: ‘Distant Observer’ Shifts Shape as Authors Take Turns

A "mesmeric, deadpan fever dream of a play...There’s a playful, volleying spirit to the whole endeavor — intriguing, endearing and odd." - Laura Collins-Hughes, The New York Times

Read the full New York Times review: HERE

____

La MaMa presents

Distant Observer: 

Tokyo/New York Correspondence

Written and Conceived by Takeshi Kawamura and John Jesurun

Translation by Aya Ogawa

Distant Observer: Tokyo/New York Correspondence is a collaboration between Japanese playwright/director Takeshi Kawamura and American playwright/director John Jesurun. The project is conceived as a play written and directed in collaborative partnership by both artists. Written in corresponding chapters by each playwright, it combines two established artists of the same generation, both with distinct voices and significant work, in a deep creative conversation across cultures.

CAST: 

Anastasia Olowin | Kotoba Dan | Claire Buckingham | Kyle Griffiths | Samuel Im

March 16, 2018 - April 1, 2018

The Ellen Stewart Theatre 

66 East 4th Street

(between Bowery and Second Avenue)

New York, NY 10003

Tickets: $25 Adults; $20 Students/Seniors; La MaMa's 10 @ $10 tickets available for all performances, while supplies last

For Tickets & Info: CLICK HERE

First Look: Distant Observer: Tokyo/New York Correspondence

All photos by Theo Cote

_____

La MaMa presents

Distant Observer: 

Tokyo/New York Correspondence

Written and Conceived by Takeshi Kawamura and John Jesurun
Translation by Aya Ogawa

Distant Observer: Tokyo/New York Correspondence is a collaboration between Japanese playwright/director Takeshi Kawamura and American playwright/director John Jesurun. The project is conceived as a play written and directed in collaborative partnership by both artists. Written in corresponding chapters by each playwright, it combines two established artists of the same generation, both with distinct voices and significant work, in a deep creative conversation across cultures.

CAST: 
Anastasia Olowin | Kotoba Dan | Claire Buckingham | Kyle Griffiths | Samuel Im

March 16, 2018 - April 1, 2018

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

Tickets: $25 Adults; $20 Students/Seniors; La MaMa's 10 @ $10 tickets available for all performances, while supplies last

For Tickets & Info: CLICK HERE

6 Questions: Anastasia Olowin

We continue our 6 Questions series with the cast of John Jesurun & Takeshi Kawamura's Distant Observer:Tokyo/New York Correspondence. Actress Anastasia Olowin took time our from rehearsals to answer our 6 Questions.  You can read them below and get your tickets to Distant Observer which plays The Ellen Stewart Theatre at La MaMa from March 16 - April 1, 2018.

1. Who do you play in Distant Observer? 
 Let's just say I work at the embassy and appreciate a good sandwich.

 2. What made you want to be a part of this project? 
 I've admired John’s work for a long time as a theater maker here in New York. When I learned that he and Kawamura were collaborating it sounded like such a fascinating project from two great minds that I just couldn’t pass up.

 3. What is your favorite part of (or favorite line from) the show? 
 "Stop yelling, we are in Starbucks.”

 4. What is the last good book you read (or film or theater piece or museum exhibit you saw etc)? 
 I was lucky enough to snag an advance copy of Leah Franqui's excellent debut novel "America for Beginners". It's a heartfelt, moving, and amusing story of human connection - the kind of book you get swept up in and can't put down.

 5. Who inspires you? 
 My creative partner and co-producer Victoria Frings. She’s one of the hardest working and most supportive people I know, and is committed to investigating bold, poignant - and often hilarious - storytelling. Our company, To-By-For Productions, is dedicated to telling female-centric stories and exploring how form enhances understanding.

 6. What does working at La MaMa mean to you? 
 I studied at NYU’s Experimental Theatre Wing, so LaMaMa has been an important part of my theatrical upbringing. It’s a real pleasure to have the opportunity to perform here.

_____

La MaMa presents

Distant Observer: 

Tokyo/New York Correspondence

Written and Conceived by Takeshi Kawamura and John Jesurun
Translation by Aya Ogawa

Distant Observer: Tokyo/New York Correspondence is a collaboration between Japanese playwright/director Takeshi Kawamura and American playwright/director John Jesurun. The project is conceived as a play written and directed in collaborative partnership by both artists. Written in corresponding chapters by each playwright, it combines two established artists of the same generation, both with distinct voices and significant work, in a deep creative conversation across cultures.

CAST: 
Anastasia Olowin | Kotoba Dan | Claire Buckingham | Kyle Griffiths | Samuel Im

March 16, 2018 - April 1, 2018

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

Tickets: $25 Adults; $20 Students/Seniors; La MaMa's 10 @ $10 tickets available for all performances, while supplies last

For Tickets & Info: CLICK HERE

6 Questions: Claire Buckingham

We continue our 6 Questions series with the cast of John Jesurun & Takeshi Kawamura's Distant Observer:Tokyo/New York Correspondence. Actress Claire Buckingham took time our from rehearsals to answer our 6 Questions.  You can read them below and get your tickets to Distant Observer which plays The Ellen Stewart Theatre at La MaMa from March 16 - April 1, 2018.


1. Who do you play in Distant Observer?
That's actually a more complicated question than you would think. I guess the simplest answer is I am the Sister of the Murdered Girlfriend.

2. What made you want to be a part of this project?
I will always jump at a chance to work with John. The musicality of his text is such an enticing challenge as an actor. You just step in and it runs away with you. It's a thrill. When I heard he and Kawamura were collaborating, I could not pass up this opportunity. I had the privilege of being in a reading of one of Kawamura's works a few years ago, and I remember being absolutely enamored with the world he created. I couldn't miss the chance to see what they had created together.

3. What is your favorite part of (or favorite line from) the show?
"You mean I'm just saying things and I don't know why?"

4. What is the last good book you read (or film or theater piece or museum exhibit you saw)?
The last show I saw was actually Mac Wellman's A Chronicle of the Madness of Small Worlds at Next Door at NYTW, starring our talented cast member Anastasia Olowin. Man, what a trip. You felt yourself losing the line between the language and the music. 

5. Who inspires you?
My husband. It's gross, but it's really true. He reminds me why we do this whole creative thing. He reminds me to be brave. And he reminds me that it's all supposed to be fun.

6. What does working at La MaMa mean to you?
It's amazing to feel so supported in a piece like this. La MaMa feels like being welcomed into an incredibly nurturing community. It's such a special place.

_____

La MaMa presents

Distant Observer: 

Tokyo/New York Correspondence

Written and Conceived by Takeshi Kawamura and John Jesurun
Translation by Aya Ogawa

Distant Observer: Tokyo/New York Correspondence is a collaboration between Japanese playwright/director Takeshi Kawamura and American playwright/director John Jesurun. The project is conceived as a play written and directed in collaborative partnership by both artists. Written in corresponding chapters by each playwright, it combines two established artists of the same generation, both with distinct voices and significant work, in a deep creative conversation across cultures.

CAST: 
Anastasia Olowin | Kotoba Dan | Claire Buckingham | Kyle Griffiths | Samuel Im

March 16, 2018 - April 1, 2018

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

Tickets: $25 Adults; $20 Students/Seniors; La MaMa's 10 @ $10 tickets available for all performances, while supplies last

For Tickets & Info: CLICK HERE

6 Questions: Kotoba Dan

Actress Kotoba Dan took time out from rehearsals of Takeshi Kawamura and John Jesurun's Distant Observer: Tokyo/New York Correspondence to answer our 6 Questions. You can see the world premiere of Distant Observer at The Ellen Stewart Theatre at La MaMa from March 16 - April 1, 2018.

1. Who do you play in Distant Observer?
The murdered girl’s sister, A woman who is thinking about committing suicide, a reporter.

2. What made you want to be a part of this project?
Since I am a NY-based actress/director who is originally from Japan, I was attracted to this project because this is a collaboration between Japanese playwright/director and American playwright/director!

3. What is your favorite part of (or favorite line from) the show?
One of my characters says, “I passed the baton to the dead guy.” in regards to running a relay race. I thought it was such a darkly humorous line.

4. What is the last good book you read (or film or theater piece or museum exhibit you saw)?
I saw Say Something Bunny! about two weeks ago. It was a totally new experience for me. I had never been a part of that type of immersive theater before.

5. Who inspires you?
I’m really inspired by everyone in my family. They have all taken very different paths in life. My dad is a prominent psychologist/political cartoonist while my older brother has started and runs 7 companies. My other brother is successful in finance and my mom was a pianist who guided 4 very different people.

6. What does working at La MaMa mean to you?
I’m new to La MaMa, but everyone has been so welcoming. It feels like I’m joining an acting laboratory. I am excited to rehearse everyday with such great people.

_____

La MaMa presents

Distant Observer: 

Tokyo/New York Correspondence

Written and Conceived by Takeshi Kawamura and John Jesurun
Translation by Aya Ogawa

Distant Observer: Tokyo/New York Correspondence is a collaboration between Japanese playwright/director Takeshi Kawamura and American playwright/director John Jesurun. The project is conceived as a play written and directed in collaborative partnership by both artists. Written in corresponding chapters by each playwright, it combines two established artists of the same generation, both with distinct voices and significant work, in a deep creative conversation across cultures.

CAST: 
Anastasia Olowin | Kotoba Dan | Claire Buckingham | Kyle Griffiths | Samuel Im

March 16, 2018 - April 1, 2018

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

Tickets: $25 Adults; $20 Students/Seniors; La MaMa's 10 @ $10 tickets available for all performances, while supplies last

For Tickets & Info: CLICK HERE