Laura Carswell. Photo Credit: Georgia Nerheim
Laura Carswell chatted about directing the show “Georgia Mertching is Dead.”
What inspired you to direct your new show “Georgia Mertching is Dead”?
The script was actually brought to me by the producers. These three women had fallen in love with this gorgeous play by Catya McMullen, and asked me if I would direct.
For a minute, it seemed like everything was against this production. We kept hitting road block after road block, but we kept plowing through.
Personally, I find that kind of perseverance to be inspiring. Commitment is contagious.
What was it like working with the cast?
To be completely honest, it’s a bit terrifying when producers cast themselves as the actors. You have no idea what you’re going to be working with or up against.
I had known Lucy Shelby from Larry Moss’s acting class, so I knew what she was made of. She’s a powerhouse. But I had never seen Lauren or Taylor work.
In fact, I had only ever met Taylor through zoom. It could have been a disaster, but these gorgeous women came with so much dedication and talent. And then we brought in Jacob Saxton and Matt Nikitow.
To complete the dream, these men brought such richness to the story. Jackpot! It has been a blast.
What did this show teach you about yourself?
This show has definitely taught me how to take a punch. When something is meant to be, the universe aligns. You still have to work your ass off for it. But it will align.
But what this show has taught me about myself? As a director, I truly believe earning an actor’s trust is everything. It’s fucking sacred.
Just don’t leave yourself out of the equation. Trust yourself and your vision. You’ll be a better support to your cast if you support yourself too.
What inspires you each day as an artist and storyteller?
I don’t think my inspiration is ever the same each day. I think you have to let your inspiration breathe, shift, and change. So that it never runs out. These days I’m severely inspired by my dear and best friends Ellyn and Su.
We started a theatre company together, and we’re producing three more plays after this.
These two women are not just the most insanely talented beings on the planet, but for some reason they want to hang out with me and create shit together.
How does it feel to be a filmmaker in the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology and social media being so prevalent)
I guess I think that times are always changing. Technology is always replacing itself. But one thing that will never be replaceable is the human experience.
There is no better place for that to exist than live theatre. Independent theatre is punk! And so vital.
What is your advice for young and emerging actors and filmmakers?
My advice is do not stop. Ever. Never give up, never surrender!
Was your brother, actor Anthony Konechny, an influence on you growing up? (or vice versa)
As Anthony’s much, much, much, younger (and better looking) sister, I’m not sure what kind of influence we had on each other growing up.
We were always playing some kind of pretend. In fact, my directorial debut was actually a show we made up about Super Mario with our cousin Paige.
I made him play Princess Peach for comedic affect. I even made him a blonde wig out of construction paper. Real avant-garde.
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
To me, the word success means happiness. If you can do it with joy, then you’re succeeding. Joy is a much more profound feeling. Self torture is boring.
What would you like to tell our readers about your new show? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
Well, we’re sold out, but the live stream is tomorrow! If you’re home this Saturday night, don’t turn on Netflix. Instead, support some whacky and scrappy New York theatremakers.
- What inspires you each day as an artist and storyteller?
- How does it feel to be a filmmaker in the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology and social media being so prevalent)
Content shared from www.digitaljournal.com.