Theater Spotlights of the Week: Eric Simonson & Marianne Galloway

by Shawn Parikh

Risk Theatre Initiative is getting ready to open their season centerpiece, Slaughterhouse 5, adapted from the classic 1969 novel by Kurt Vonnegut. The show runs from February 7 - March 2, and tickets are on sale online or by calling 214-823-RISK.

This new adaptation is receiving its world premiere here in Dallas, so I took the opportunity to interview Eric Simonson, an Academy Award winner and Tony Award nominee, who has decided to rework the original script (which was produced at Chicago's reknowned Steppenwolf Theatre in 1996). I communicated with Mr. Simonson via email since he is in Chicago, so make sure to check out the interview below.

In addition, I chatted with Artistic Director and Founder of Risk Theatre Initiative, Marianne Galloway, who is also directing the show. Risk Theatre just got its own performance space this past year, so I start off by asking Galloway about the community response to this. I ask what attracted her to Slaughterhouse 5 and its reworking, and what the advantages are of bringing the world premiere to Dallas as opposed to other markets. She talks about the challenges of transforming this classic novel to the stage, and what she ultimately wants the audience to walk away with. Since I was able to verbalize with her, make sure to check out her audio podcast.

Here is the interview with Mr. Simonson:

SP: Why were you attracted to this Kurt Vonnegut piece as opposed to others?

ES: Well, it's his masterpiece, isn't it? I love the message of the book and I love the way in which it's told -- very personal and absolutely heartbreaking.

What made you choose Dallas and Risk Theatre Initiative the place you wanted to premiere this reworking?

I know Marianne from Pasadena Playhouse, where she served as my assistant director. It helps when you know the person you're giving your baby to. I trust her.

What response did you receive from the staged reading?

Mostly positive, but that's no gauge as to how you're doing. People say all sorts of things at readings, for different reasons. The best part of the reading, and what I think was most helpful, was sitting in the audience and listening to their response.

How involved have you been with this rehearsal process as far as vision, design, and casting?

Mostly conversations with Marianne. She talked about what she wanted to do and how. A lot of questions were answered while we were working on the reading. But I have no idea, now, what the production is like. I'm stuck here in Chicago for the next 5 weeks.

What do you ultimately want the audience to walk away with after seeing the performance?

The tragedy of human experience. Mankind is prone to war and violence no matter what we do, so we might as well try to find the good parts of life, our most pleasant moments.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Nothing I can think of.

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it.