The Philadelphia Connection: Conversations With Playwrights

270 Pages·2015·7.898 MB·English

by  B. J. Burton

T H E
P H I L A D E L P H I A

C O N N E C T I O N

conversations with playwrights

B . J . B U R T O N
The Philadelphia Connection
Conversations with Playwrights
The Philadelphia Connection: Conversations with Playwrights
by B.J. Burton
“The Philadelphia playwrights whose passions, methods and influences we experience so
vividly in these interviews will inspire all playwrights, but particularly those who feel a deep
connection to place. This is an absolutely compelling read for anyone interested in how plays
are made and the ways in which a community can contribute to that making.”
Abigail Adams, Artistic Director and CEO, People’s Light
“B.J. Burton has given us a foundational look into three generations of playwrights whose
work can be seen as building blocks for a theatre community that has only recently found
its own identity. The Philadelphia Connection is thoughtful, insightful, and illuminating in
helping us understand the particular character of Philadelphia’s growing contribution to the
American theatre.”
Paul Meshejian, Artistic Director, PlayPenn
“What a joy to hear real, working Philadelphia playwrights talking so passionately about
their craft. This book is an homage to a rich theatre community and a rare peek into their
storytelling process … stories that are fierce and funny, heartbreaking and heartstopping,
psychologically complex and straightforward as a punch in the gut … just like their city.”
Joe Canuso, Founding Artistic Director, Theatre Exile
“B.J. Burton sets the stage in Philadelphia, original incubator for American ideals, to draw
open the curtain and shine a light on thriving local playwrights, who contribute mightily to the
vibrant regional theatre scene, incubate new contemporary visions, and share through their
works and ideas great promise for the future of an innovative national theatre of distinction.
Great work!”
Penelope Reed, Executive Director, Hedgerow Theatre
The Philadelphia Connection
Conversations with Playwrights
By B.J. Burton
intellect Bristol, UK / Chicago, USA
First published in the UK in 2015 by
Intellect, The Mill, Parnall Road, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 3JG, UK
First published in the USA in 2015 by
Intellect, The University of Chicago Press, 1427 E. 60th Street,
Chicago, IL 60637, USA
Copyright © 2015 Intellect Ltd
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by
any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or
otherwise, without written permission.
A catalogue record for this book is available from the
British Library.
Copy editor: MPS Technologies
Cover designer: Stephanie Sarlos
Cover image: ©Borges Samuel/123RF.COM
Production manager: Claire Organ
Typesetting: Contentra Technologies
Print ISBN: 978178320 4885
ePDF ISBN: 978178320 4892
ePub ISBN: 978178320 4908
Printed and bound by Hobbs, UK
For the storytellers

“There are some pretty interesting people in this town if you know where to look.”
Warren from Moon Over the Brewery by Bruce Graham

Contents
Acknowledgments xi
Foreword xiii
Preface xvii
Introduction 1
Chapter 1: A Conversation with Bruce Graham 3
Chapter 2: A Conversation with Michael Hollinger 23
Chapter 3: A Conversation with Thomas Gibbons 49
Chapter 4: A Conversation with Seth Rozin 73
Chapter 5: A Conversation with Louis Lippa 91
Chapter 6: A Conversation with Jules Tasca 105
Chapter 7: A Conversation with Kimmika Williams-Witherspoon 115
Chapter 8: A Conversation with Ed Shockley 127
Chapter 9: A Conversation with Larry Loebell 143
Chapter 10: A Conversation with Arden Kass 161
Chapter 11: A Conversation with William di Canzio 177
Chapter 12: A Conversation with Nicholas Wardigo 187
Chapter 13: A Conversation with Alex Dremann 201
Chapter 14: A Conversation with Katharine Clark Gray 215