FRIGID New York Interview - Stav Meishar of "The Dreamer and The Acrobat"

By Byrne Harrison
Photo by Michael Blase

Name:  Stav Meishar

Show: The Dreamer and The Acrobat

Website: http://www.petitemortproductions.org

Stav Meishar had her stage debut at the age of 10 on the Israeli National Tour of Oliver! and hasn't left the stage since. Favorite credits include Elphaba in Wicked (Original Israeli Cast) and the dUKEss of Rock (Edinburgh Fringe). Though a traditional Thespian by training, Stav has broken into new forms of performance - experimenting with ukulele and circus arts. This is her first written play. www.stavmeishar.com

What’s your show about?

The show tells the story of Mallory, an agoraphobic baker who never leaves her shop, eager to experience the world but terrified to try. The circus comes to town with Mallory's best childhood friend – the acrobat Gitano – with whom she's always been secretly in love. To be with him, she must overcome her fears and join the outside world before the circus leaves.

What inspired you to write it?

The Dreamer and The Acrobat started out as a poem in September 2010 titled "Apple Pie". The poem buzzed within me, asking to be expanded into something more; its characters wanted me to tell their story and bring forth their message of love and courage. So eventually I caved in and developed the poem into a one act play combining baked goods, circus and video art.

Who else is involved with the show?

The show is directed by Rachel Klein, an amazing dowtown director who specializes in dark yet magical performance pieces. The cast includes Chris Berger, Moe Bertran, Richard Michael Lee, Carolyn Seiff and Eyal Sherf – all great actors ranging in age, background and origin who came together to make this play come to life.

Who is your dream audience for this show?

People who like to be challenged by theater, who want to be entertained but also faced with some tough questions. People who love the more surreal and poetic side of theater and who come with an open mind.

Who are your biggest influences?

Tim Burton, Matthew Bourne, Charlie Kaufman, Bertolt Brecht.

What other shows are you planning to see at FRIGID?

Anything that's circus/vareity!

What's next for you after FRIGID?

I am currently in research mode for my next play, which I can't talk much about (yet! Hush hush!) but is based on a true story of how a circus saved the lives of a few Jews during the holocaust.

Lightning round

Paper or plastic? Paper

Comedy or drama? Drama

Beach or mountains? Beach

Black box or proscenium? Black box

Glee or Smash? Neither

Cats or dogs? Cats

Musical or straight play? Musical

The Dreamer and The Acrobat plays at The Kraine Theater on the following dates:

Feb 26, 8:40PM
Mar 01, 7:10PM
Mar 02, 3:40PM