Theater of the First Amendment

Theater of the First Amendment’s production of STAY has closed at the Lansburgh Theatre. It was a beautiful run with an amazing cast and crew. It will be a production that is never forgotten. 

Here are some thoughts from fans of our on Facebook. Check them out and feel free to email us with your own thoughts on the production! Thank you for all of your support!

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“Hey…first of all thank you so much for the wonderful play yesterday. I was so amazed by all the different ways to express emotions and feelings and what life is about were all combined in such a beautiful way.  Oh, and by the way, I am from Germany and in German we have a word for that “arm-thing”: Winkearm ;-)I wish you only the best!”
- Timon Birkhofer

We spoke with former Washington Ballet dancer Laura Urgelles about her experience joining the cast of STAY. She especially talks about the early stages of the piece and what that was like to participate in. 

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How did you get involved in the production?

During my last season at The Washington Ballet in 2010, Susan Shields called one night and asked if I would be interested in being part of a project that they didn’t yet know what was going to be like. She told me about Heather McDonald and Greg Crane, and that the only thing they really had so far was the word STAY and its many meanings. She said there would be dancing, acting, SLAM. The phone call came at the perfect time. I loved Susan’s work and I was retiring that year so a project like this with her was a dream transition.

I remember our first rehearsals, we ALL looked at pictures, listened to pieces of music, did improvisations in small groups with a phrase or a photograph we had chosen, some told little personal stories. Heather would write at night and bring some script in during the day based on our previous day’s work and Susan would choreograph. It was very free and it had no shape at the beginning. Day by day it grew and changed and grew and changed and has continued to evolve since. 

What has your experience been like so far? What is it like for you to mix the disciplines? 

I have been blown away at the immense creativity and true collaboration from day one, and at the generosity of all the artists. Just yesterday some of us were talking about how great it is to see dancers helping actors and actors helping dancers. I am so inspired by everyone. It is an incredible group of people.

Mixing the disciplines is a bit scary at times — especially when you are working with this caliber of actors — but so exiting and fulfilling. During my years of dancing I was always more attracted to the roles that involved acting or the showing of emotions, so I absolutely love being able to experience it this way and it is great when you can feed emotionally from the person standing in front of you. I have learned so much from watching everyone.

My “official” retirement from dance was in May of 2010 and on the first day being backstage I felt very emotional.

What is one image or thought that has stuck with you throughout this process?

I have been looking up so much more…looking for that mackerel sky and enjoying what I see. Oh…and my boyfriend says that “I’m singing again”. 

We spoke with Michael Willis, the actor who plays Hymn in STAY, about the show’s unique melting pot of art forms and the longing and feelings shared throughout the human race.

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How did you get involved in the production?

I met Heather a long time ago, probably when she had her production of “Dream of a Common Language”, and we knew each other socially over the years. I may have done a reading or two with her as well. We finally got together for “The Two Bit Taj Mahal” which she directed and I had the pleasure of being in. From there, she was kind enough to ask me to be part of “Stay”.

What has your experience been like so far? What is it like for you to mix the disciplines (dance, theater, music, and visual art)?

This has been like no other theatrical experience I have had. The mixture of disciplines is fascinating, and working so closely with these brilliant dancers in dance and acting situations is a lesson in the diverse ways artists prepare. Where actors need to explore the before and current state of their characters, dancers are about the now and the movement. It is so rewarding to watch during the rehearsal process as they develop their pieces, even as they seem intrigued by our slower and more plodding and inquisitive way of working.  I sense a mutual admiration for one another’s craft.

What is one image or thought that has stuck with you throughout this process? 

There is a timeless quality to “Stay”… It could be today or 150 years ago. The issues could be those of my family or our next door neighbors… or it could have been my great, great, great grandparents. “Stay” reflects the continuum of life and death and defeats and victories that are the reality and history of any family, and within that context I find solace and comfort knowing I am part of the continuing saga and nobility of mankind.

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We hope to see you in the coming weeks at STAY!  Tickets are on sale now at www.shakespearetheatercompany.org!

Jimmy Whalen, who plays Whalen in STAY talks of his time with the piece and the integration of art forms.

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How did you get involved in the production?

I saw the first workshop and found it very moving.  Then I was asked if I would be interested to help develop another character in the piece.

What has your experience been like so far? What is it like for you to mix the disciplines? 

I have had a great time.  Any time you have a chance to create a new character for a new piece with a collaborative spirit it is great fun.  And for the same reasons mixing disciplines has been challenging and very enjoyable.  I always look forward to growing and learning as a performer and this will be the first time I have “danced” in front of an audience in many, many years!  I am very grateful to my partner, Laura, Susan, and all the dancers who have been so helpful.  Storytelling through movement.  I feel like I am “stealing” the dancer’s experience without enduring the years of rigorous training dancers commit too! 

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We had a fantastic opening weekend!  Check out the reviews and join us this week!

Check out all of the amazing preview articles for STAY, opening tonight, 11.11.11, at The Lansburgh Theatre in Washington, DC. Tickets start as low as $15! Get your tickets here!

Washington Post Weekend Section

DC Theatre Scene Preview Article

DC Examiner  Feature Article

Washington City Paper Preview Article

Today is 11.11.11, the opening night of STAY!

Don’t miss this amazing production at The Lansburgh Theatre for a limited three week run!

Get your tickets now!