Theater Spotlights of the Week: Christina Vela & Jonathan Taylor

by Shawn Parikh

This week's spotlight is a little different since it features 2 directors. That's because Kitchen Dog Theater is about to open their season with the darkly beautiful play The Pillowman and Christina Vela and Jonathan Taylor are co-directing. The show is already garnering quite a buzz, so it was quite the perfect week to feature the production.

Interview with Christina Vela, Director of The Pillowman

I start off talking to Christina Vela about her career and how she became involved with Kitchen Dog. I ask what she thinks attributes to Kitchen Dog's success. Since she is a prominent actress in town as well, I ask what gets her to direct and which she prefers.

She discusses what attracted her to The Pillowman and how it got chosen for this season. I also ask why this show has two directors. Since the show has a very dark subject matter, I ask how she thinks the audience will respond. We end by talking about the cast and what she doesn't want the audience to walk away with after seeing the show.

Interview with Jonathan Taylor, Director of The Pillowman

Next up, Jonathan Taylor and I discuss his career, his involvement with Kitchen Dog, and what attracted him to this theater company. He talks about how The Pillowman got selected for this season and why he has been yearning to direct this piece for some time now.

I ask him about the advantages of having two directors and how they were able to work collaboratively. I also ask him about the subject matter and his expectations of the audience response. Since there is so much buzz with this show, we discuss what he wants the audience to walk away thinking.

The Pillowman

When:	Friday, Sept. 12, 2008, 8 p.m.
Where:	The MAC, 3120 McKinney Avenue, Dallas
Cost:	$15 - $30
Age limit:	N/A
Full event details »

The Pillowman centers on a writer in an unnamed totalitarian state who is being interrogated about the gruesome content of his short stories and their similarities to a series of child murders.

The show runs from September 12 - October 11 and pay-what-you-can specials (available to the first 25 patrons) are available on Wednesdays (September 24 and October 8) and Thursdays (September 18 and 25 and October 2 and 9). Call 214-953-1055 for tickets or purchase online.