Friday, February 26, 2010

FRIGID New York Interview - Julie Congress of Medea

By Byrne Harrison
Photo by Jen Neads


Name: Julie Congress
Show: Medea
Website: www.no11productions.com

How did you first get involved in theatre?

The first parts I ever played were a Chipmunk, a Witch and, oddly enough for a 3rd grade girl, Oedipus. I became very involved in theatre, both acting and directing, in high school and have studied theatre at Skidmore College and the Moscow Art Theatre School.

Who are your biggest influences?

All of the amazing actors and designers my company, No.11 Productions, collaborates with. Also Michael Chekhov, the SITI Company and, for this show, Peter Hall.

Tell me a little bit about your show.

We are doing a beautiful, honest production of the Ancient Greek tragedy Medea complete with puppets, an original score, and a stellar ensemble of actors and designers.

What inspired you to work on it?

I am playing Medea, which is an amazing opportunity! I am indebted to Director Ryan Emmons for entrusting me with this part. It is an excitingly overwhelming challenge. I have come to see her not as a woman who murders her children, but as a woman who hopes and loves too much.

Who are your collaborators and how long have you been working with
them?


Upon graduating from college, Ryan Emmons, Mitchell Conway, Jen Neads and I formed No.11 Productions, a non-profit, ensemble company dedicated to creating Theatre of the Unexpected. In just under two years, we have created 7 full-length productions and 10 staged readings.

What's next for you after FRIGID?

Our next production will be Aristophanes' hysterical play Assemblywomen. It will be presented in both the SaratogaArtsFest and Capital Fringe Festival. Go to www.no11productions.com for more info!

And finally, if you could say anything to your potential audience,
what would it be?


Watch our trailer for Medea!



And enjoy FRIGID New York!

Medea
By Euripides

The Kraine Theater
85 East 4th Street

Wed 2/24 - 6:00 PM
Sat 2/27 - 7:00 PM
Mon 3/01 - 7:30 PM
Thu 3/04 - 09:00PM
Sat 3/06 - 1:00 PM

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