Theater Spotlight of the Week: Sally Vahle

by Shawn Parikh

About a little over a year ago, Sally Vahle had made a splash in DFW with the return to the Kitchen Dog stage after a 12 year hiatus. She starred in End Times to much acclaim, and she has earned herself a spot as a very reputable actress in the Dallas theater community. Along with acting, she was an original co-founder of Kitchen Dog Theater. But this week, she is being featured as a director for Wingspan Theatre Company's area premiere of Ghosts.

We begin by talking about her career and how she came to Dallas. She talks a little about the founding of Kitchen Dog, and I ask what changes she has seen in the DFW theatre scene over the years.

Since she is known as an actress, I ask how she came to direct this show and whether she prefers one over the other.

We talk about Ghosts and what attracted her to the piece. She also explains the challenges she has faced with this Ibsen classic and why she found it "daunting." Also, because it is the area premiere for Lanford Wilson's translation, I ask what makes it new, and she discusses how it will resonate with a modern audience.

I end the interview by asking what she wants the audience to walk away thinking and/or talking about.

Ghosts runs from October 8-25 and pay-what-you-can performances are on Thursday, October 9th and Thursday, October 16th. There will be two post-show talkbacks on Friday, October 17th and Friday, October 24th. For reservations, call 214-675-6573 or email wingspan@wingspantheatre.com.