Wednesday, February 23, 2011

FRIGID New York Interview - Paul Van Dyck of "Paradise Lost"

By Byrne Harrison
Photo by Andrea Hausmann


Name: Paul Van Dyck
Show: Paradise Lost by John Milton

How did you first get involved in theatre?

Grade 5, Emmet Otter's Christmas; I played Emmet. Since then I received an Honors Degree from Queen's University and have been writing, directing, producing, and performing theatre for the past ten years.

Who are your biggest influences?

John Milton and Jim Henson

Tell me a little bit about your show.

Paradise Lost is a critically acclaimed, one-man, multi-media, theatrical adaption of the greatest epic poem ever written. It incorporates puppets, and computer animation to create an entirely new theatrical experience.

What inspired you to write it?

I was traveling through Africa and came across a copy of the poem in a village in Ghana. As a way of flirting with a cute Norwegian traveler, I read it to her on a beach. I don't know what happened to the Norwegian, but the poem and I had a profound love affair, and I knew then I would have to adapt it for the stage.

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

Jody Burkholder, is an awarding winning lighting designer, and has been my lighting and production designer for the past seven plays I have created.

Jeremy Eliosoff, is a visual artist and computer animator whose work can be seen in several Disney films, The Fantastic Four, and The Watchmen. He's been my best friend since high school and has created computer animation for several of my plays. This is my first collaboration with Lyne Paquette, puppet designer.

Danielle-Ariel Caddell-Malenfant has worked as a Stage Manager for several plays I have created.

What's next for you after FRIGID?

I will be directing a production of Perter Shaffer's Equus in Montreal in April and then touring the awarding winning one-woman burlesque play, Miss Sugarpuss Must Die!, which I co-wrote and directed.

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

If you're a fan of John Milton, you must see this play. If you're not a fan, you will be after seeing this play!

Paradise Lost
By John Milton
Adapted, Directed, and Performed by Paul Van Dyck
Lighting design by Jody Burkholder
Produced by ACM Productions as part of the 2011 FRIGID New York Festival

UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place)

$15

February 23 10:30pm
February 25 7:30pm
February 28 10:30pm
March 4 10:30pm
March 6 7:00pm

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