By Susan Wallner, JerseyArts.com
originally published: 09/17/2020
According to Chris O’Connor, founder and artistic director of Mile Square Theatre, in acting, “given circumstance” means the conditions affecting a scene. For instance, is a play taking place during a deadly pandemic? A given circumstance for theatre right now is that it usually takes place on Zoom.
Given Circumstance: New Plays in the Virtual World is an ambitious project: seven new plays—at turns comic, dramatic, and touching—written specifically for the Zoom format. The first, “Sitting and Talking” by Lia Romeo, premieres September 18. It stars Wendie Malick (“Just Shoot Me!”) and Dan Lauria (“The Wonder Years”). The series runs through October 11. O’Connor talked to producer Susan Wallner about the challenges and rewards of creating fully produced plays for Zoom.
About the author: Susan Wallner is a principal of PCK Media, an independent production company. She is the co-series producer of the public television program 'State of the Arts,' a job that has introduced her to a wealth of talent and artistic diversity over the years. Susan's documentaries and performance specials have aired nationally. Most recently, her profile of the writer, aviator and celebrity, 'Anne Morrow Lindbergh: You’ll Have the Sky,' won the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Emmy for Best Feature Writing (it was Susan's 15th regional Emmy win). Narrated by Judith Light and Lily Rabe, it aired throughout the country on PBS and PBS World, and is available on DVD. Currently, Susan is working on a documentary about the self-taught city planner, builder, and artist, Kea Tawana.
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