A Few Questions with Court of the Grandchildren Actor Aaron Ybarra

Court of the Grandchildren opens April 8, 2022!

In this production, it’s 2051, the older generation that accelerated climate change is being brought to trial. And climate activist Lily thinks she has it all figured out. Until she meets her great uncle, David, who changes her perspective completely. He’s a man from today. She’s a woman from tomorrow. How will she judge him?

We reached out to actor Aaron Ybarra to find out more about himself and his experience working on this production.

1. What do you imagine 2051 will be like compared to how it's portrayed in the script?

Less Waterworld meets Minority Report and more Animal Crossing, hopefully.

2. Do you relate to your character or to any character in the show? How similar / different are you?

My characters are definitely very confrontational, which is not one of my strong suits. It almost feels like I have pulled myself inside out, which is kind of surreal, but also pretty cool in its own way.

3. What are the top 5 songs on your current "opening night" playlist?

T-Swift and musicals, all the way!

4. Do you have any rituals you follow when rehearsing for or performing in a show?

I try to show up to everything insanely early. It gives me time to vibe and get in the zone.

5. Do you love or hate AI and "technology"? Why?

I am a sucker for targeted ads. Why yes I did want that mushroom lamp, thank you for noticing!

6. How did you get into theatre?

My sister. She teaches drama now. She has known all along. I feel like Bobby from Company, with everyone cheering me on to step up and step out and take my place in the world.

7. How is working with The Magnetic different from working with other theatres?

Magnetic is always trying something new. They work a lot with local playwrights, which I appreciate.

8. Have you done any research or read any books / listened to any interesting podcasts related to the play's subject matter that you'd recommend?

Yes! A documentary called Coded Bias came out when we were first doing the read through. It talks about flaws in facial recognition technology, especially when it comes to discrimination.

9. Do you have any upcoming projects that we should check out?

Definitely HART's Book of Will. Hoping for As You Like It and a return to Christmas at Pemberley as well!

Biography

Aaron is excited to join this production of his first in-person performance at the Magnetic. He has worked with them previously on read-throughs of Court of the Grandchildren, Beautiful Cages, and A Very Modern Marriage, as well as the taped Zoom show, Getting Through the HoliDaze.

Court of the Grandchildren is showing at The Magnetic Theatre in Asheville, NC April 8-23, 2022. Grab your tickets here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=132321