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 Zak Hamrick to find out more about him 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?
I don’t know that’s the script’s 2051 will be terribly far off. Michael Muntisov has built a very grounded narrative that follows several current threads to totally reasonable conclusions. From AI policing, to over reliance on smart devices, to the climate crisis itself, Muntisov has written this as both warning and indictment. I hope we won’t face the same degree of climate crisis, but with the lack of urgent action we’re seeing right now… might be worth getting your mad max leathers together.
2. Do you relate to your character or to any character in the show? How similar / different are you?
I think of Attorney Five as an implacable deity of justice. A real blindfold and scales, weighing the hearts of humanity kind of being. Attorney 5 doesn’t have much patience for intention or sentiment. “I didn’t ask if it was hard, I asked, ‘Did you do what you should have’, yes or no?” I respect the vibe, and have plenty of firm opinions on what is and isn’t right, but no progress can be made without compassion.
3. What's your favorite line in the show? Why?
“Burner lover”. I was in the digital read for this show last year, and I sent the link to some friends back home. They changed my discord nickname to BurnerLover and I still haven’t changed it back.
4. What are the top 5 songs on your current "opening night" playlist?
I actually make a new playlist for every show, depending on the vibe. Haven’t figured out Court’s playlist yet, but… it’ll probably include Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots by the Flaming Lips, Collapse by Rise Against, and some Purity Ring. Futurey and a little woke and fun to have full blast on the drive over.
5. Do you have any rituals you follow when rehearsing for or performing in a show?
Plenty. Dunno how well they work, but here it is: I’m always kinda indecisive about what to eat… too much and I feel sluggish, too little and I don’t have enough energy to burn. Lately it’s been a non dairy yogurt, an RX power bar, and a couple glucose tabs. Physical and vocal warmups every performance. I try to rock some tea backstage. Burn through the lines, but just once or twice - don’t wanna overwork them. Check the hair 50 times, the costume 100, and then just crack jokes till people think I’m not nervous. That last 30 seconds before an entrance, do a few hops to get the blood pumping, then mentally drop as deep into character as I can, but not in a weirdo Jered Leto mailing rats way. ~*Acting*~
6. Do you love or hate AI and "technology"? Why?
I love it! It’s like any other tool, so much potential for good as long as we treat it right and use it well.
7. How did you get into theatre?
I did a tiny smidge of acting in high school. I loved it, but I was a band kid. When I moved to Asheville I saw the Montford Park Players, said fuck I wanna do that so bad, and hit the 2019 open audition. I keep going to auditions and people keep casting me, so I’m gonna keep doing it till they stop. (Please don’t stop, I love this so much)
8. How is working with The Magnetic different from working with other theatres?
It’s my favorite! It's always modern, experimental, collaborative. The people are wonderful, the sets are perfect, and the crowd it draws is so supportive and enthusiastic. The classes! The sideshows! I love it top to bottom, and I’ll be here as often as they’ll let me.
9. Do you have any upcoming projects that we should check out?
In June I’ll be working with Magnetic and Nemesis on Midsummer For Haters!, and I’m August with Parkway Playhouse on Sherwood!
Biography
Zak Hamrick (he/him) began acting in 2019, and this will be his twelfth performance since. You may have recently seen Zak as Mr. Darcy in Multiverse Theatre Collective’s Christmas at Pemberley. His most recent performance with The Magnetic Theatre was as Hades in Kore. Past credits include work with the Montford Park Players, Nemesis Theatre, and virtually with Different Strokes PAC. Much love to his partner Eliza, brother Luke, mother Josephine, and all of the friends, lovers, and enemies that have supported him along the way.
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
