Friday, February 25, 2011

FRIGID New York Interview - Ben Thompson of "Fucking Girls"

By Byrne Harrison

Name: Ben Thompson
Show: Fucking Girls
Website: www.FuckingGirlsShow.com

How did you first get involved in theatre?

My mom forced me to audition for a children’s theatre production in 3rd grade. I loved it and I’ve been doing it since.

Who are your biggest influences?

Shakespeare and Judd Apatow

Tell me a little bit about your show.

A guy who breaks up with his girlfriend and then tries to sleep with past girlfriends to get over her. It’s a classic tale.

What inspired you to write it?

This play is a lot of fun and I actually found myself laughing out loud while writing it. I suppose what drew me to write it is just how confusing and absurd love can be... and how seriously we tend to take it. I can be particularly guilty of taking myself too seriously and that's usually when I get myself into the biggest messes. It's not until I step back and look at my actions that I realize how much of a total fool I’ve been. I’ve made some of the biggest mistakes in my life when I’ve tried to fight or deny an answer that is right in front of me, staring me in the face. That being said, I’d like audiences to walk away from this play knowing that when you’re happy, be happy and don’t worry about how happy you could be.

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

Everyone involved in this project is a classmate and friend from Boston University. We loved working together when were in school and now are making a point of continuing to collaborate in the professional realm.

What's next for you after FRIGID?

Hopefully, the show will grow legs and find itself in other festivals in New York or elsewhere. Other than that, I hope to be so lucky to continue to make new, meaningful theatre with my friends and collaborators and who knows where that will lead.

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

I hope you enjoy the show and continue to support live theatre and the work of young artists!

Fucking Girls
Written by Ben Thompson & Directed by Paul Leopold
Presented by My Lieges, Brooklyn, NY

The Kraine Theater (95 East 4th Street)

$10

Wed 2/23 @ 6pm, Sat 2/26 @ 4pm, Wed 3/2 @ 7:30pm, Sat 3/5 @ 1pm, & Sun 3/6 @ 5:30pm

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