Lights Narrow
By Vincent Marano
Directed by DeLisa White
Produced by Teatro Oscuro in association with The WorkShop Theatre
Nominations: DeLisa White is nominated for Outstanding Director; Vincent Marano is nominated for Outstanding Original Full-Length Script; and Lights Narrow is nominated for Outstanding Premiere Production of a Play
About this Production
Two men meet in a place that could or could not be the afterlife. One man is supposed to guide the other,a man the guide instantly dislikes and finds unworthy of help. In the defending and accusing each other, they try find common understanding of what the future may hold for all of us.
Playwright Vincent Marano and Director DeLisa White talk about working on this production that explores some of the most provocative and profound ideas about the afterlife.
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What attracted you to working on this project?
Vincent: I wrote it. I have always had a fascination with the afterlife and what happens after we die and I was trying to reconcile the deaths of my parents and the disparate way they lived their lives. Also, my growing antipathy to the wave of self-righteousness among religious groups and the discrimination they promote.
DeLisa: I love Vinnie and his writing and have loved working with him before (I directed a short play of his Artistic License which was nominated for an IT Award two years ago.) This script in particular asks big questions about the human condition in way that is inspiring and provocative, but never pretentious or preachy.
What was your favorite part of working on this production?
Vincent: The casting of the play. I had an incomplete work before I gave to two actor/friends and within a few readings I found the arc and end of the play. The tone was brought but by the director and allowed me to see how much farther I could go.
DeLisa: I have rarely been a part of work that struck home so deeply for all involved - it moved us all working on it and it was very powerful to watch it move audiences inspire their minds to churn with their own answers to the big questions it raises.
What was the most challenging part of working on the production?
Vincent: Promoting the play, especially to industry. Marketing the piece proved challenging and convincing people how strong the script, direction and performances were was daunting.
DeLisa: Time. Indie Theatre is important, but we necessarily all have day jobs and life obstacles. Doing our best work when pressed for time and juggling life is always the challenge of Indie Theatre. Its only love and passion for the work that drives us through it.
What was the most exciting part of your experience with this production?
Vincent: We did in the Fringe and feedback was incredible. The amount of discussion, both at the feedback and online with people who saw the show and wanted to share their beliefs about the afterlife and heaven and hell and all that. People have really deep feelings about what's next, but are often too private or embarrassed to discuss them openly. Some people came to see it more than once because they found it to be a profound, spiritual experience.
DeLisa: These parts were written specifically for these actors. That’s a gift, but a daunting one. They were valiant and brave in realizing the writer’s vision of what they could give.
What do you want the audience to come away with after watching your production?
Vincent: A renewed sense of hope and compromise... Belief that the world, both this and next is made for everyone and gratitude is the key virtue.
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