Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Planet Connections Interview - Erin Jividen of Down the Rabbit Hole

By Byrne Harrison

Name: Erin Jividen
Play: Down The Rabbit Hole: A One Woman Musical
Relationship to production: Author, songwriter, and star
Website: www.downtherabbitholethemusical.com

How did you first get involved in theatre?

I studied in a BFA program with a double major in music and theater and Hunter College.

Who are your biggest influences?

Love Eve Ensler - she took women playwrights to whole a new level.

What is your show about?

It's a modern day look at ten of our favorite fairy tale heroines, who are now surviving in the real world. It asks the question, "Does Happily Ever After" really exist? Each character deals with an issue or topic that are relevant in women's lives today.

What inspired you to write in it?

I wanted to release myself from some of my own demons and just finally say the truth about my life... that and, I couldn't afford to pay for therapy! So instead I just wrote.

What made you want to perform in an eco-friendly theatre festival like Planet Connections?

Doing anything for the world and a green cause, let alone charities is always important. We all have to do our part, and it's great to get to perform your art and know it benefits a good cause.

Planet Connections is fairly unique in that a portion of the box office for each show is donated to a charity. What charity have you chosen and why?

I am working with NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association). One of my characters in the play (Goldilocks) addresses the topic of eating disorders, the seriousness of the disease and the negative impact that Hollywood, and society in general has on the need to be "thin".

What's next for you after Planet Connections?

I am performing the show on July 13 for a charity called: WIN (Women in Need). All proceeds will go to the charity.

And finally, if you could go back in time and meet yourself as a kid, what advice would you give your younger self?

Fight for what you believe, always say please and thank you... and definitely, follow your own star!

Down the Rabbit Hole
Written and Performed by Erin Jividen
Directed by Angela Astle

Running time: 90 minutes, no intermission

Venue: The Robert Moss Theater, 440 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor

Performance dates:
Thurs 6/3 @ 4:30pm
Sat 6/5 @ 9:15pm
Sun 6/6 @ 5:30pm
Tues 6/8 @ 8:30pm
Mon 6/14 @ 4:15pm

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