Recent Tragic Events: An Interview with Harlequin Director Scot Whitney

Recent Tragic Events runs October 1 - 24 at Harlequin Productions.
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Recent Tragic Events runs October 1 - 24 at Harlequin Productions.
Recent Tragic Events runs October 1 – 24 at Harlequin Productions.

The latest show to hit the stage at Harlequin Productions is Recent Tragic Events, a comedy by Craig Wright, the Emmy-winning writer of such TV shows as Six Feet Under and Lost. I sat down with Scot Whitney, the show’s director and Harlequin’s Managing Artistic Director, to discuss what goes into directing a play that features a sock puppet and is set on a blind date…on the day after 9/11.

Recent Tragic Events 2 - Harlequin Productions
Yes, a sock puppet is a character in this play and it works.

So, this is a comedy taking place the day after 9/11?
Yes, I know it’s hard to believe, but Recent Tragic Events does manage to examine the event and how it affected everyone in the world, but especially in this country, from within the trappings of a comedy. The event itself is treated with profound respect, but people didn’t stop behaving in ridiculous ways as a result. They have never stopped being ridiculous, and I don’t expect that they ever will. It’s in our nature, don’t you think?

What about this story makes it worth telling 14 years later?
I first found this play in 2005. I loved it the first time I read it but thought it was probably too late to produce it. It had premiered in 2002 and ran in New York in 2003. I was afraid it might have lost its relevance by 2005. But I’ve re-read the play every year since while trying to put together the new season, and last January it dawned on me that we, as Americans, are still suffering the traumatic effects of those events 14 years later. This play provides an empowering perspective that serves as a kind of healing balm. I think that audiences are going to love it. In fact, we held a free, open-to-the-public first read through of the play several weeks ago. We had strong attendance, and I think it’s safe to say that everyone was a bit blown away by what they experienced. How could a comedy about a blind date the day after 9/11 ever get us to the place we land? Answer: A brilliant idea, fantastic writing and a great cast.

With just 5 actors in this show, what’s it like to have such a small cast?
Smaller casts generally have many advantages. It’s easier to find four or five great actors who are all available at the same time than to find 18 or 25. Scripts with small casts also tend to be less complex, so you’re able to focus more on details, which I enjoy. It becomes a more intimate process.
This particular show turned out to be a wonderfully breezy experience but not just because of the small cast. Stick one bad attitude into even a two-person show, and the whole thing becomes miserable for everyone. This cast turned out to be as close as I can imagine to perfect. Everyone understands the play, their character, and their position in the story. They all love the play and have brought a huge amount of excitement and commitment to the project. And they’re all sweethearts! Rehearsing was like playing games in a friend’s living room.

Recent Tragic Events is set on a blind date the day after 9/11.
Recent Tragic Events is set on a blind date the day after 9/11.

There is a saying that 90% of the director’s job is casting, and believe me it’s true. In this case, however, it was more like 99%.

What’s it like to direct a sock puppet?
Not much different from directing an actor, if it’s cast right. We chose blue, which I think was a good choice. The hair was a bit difficult to control at first, but so are big egos, so they kind of cancel each other out.

What is most exciting for you about this directing project?

  1. I love the play and get to direct it.
  2. I have an impossibly perfect cast, so rehearsals have been a breezy pleasure.
  3. I love watching the play over and over again.

Recent Tragic Events runs October 1-24 at Harlequin Productions. Tickets and more info available at 360-786-0151 or at harlequinproductions.org.

 

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