A few questions with David-Anthony Yeates, the director of Traitor, our first Mainstage Show of our 2020 Season.
1. What sort of person will love Traitor?
Honestly, I think everyone can enjoy this play. I am not just saying that because I’m the director, the play does have a lot of themes and content which a lot of people can relate to and enjoy.
2. What’s challenging about bringing this particular script to life?
Finding the balance between comedy and drama. The first time I read it, it read as a political/social drama, but then after seeing what the actors were bringing to it at our first read-through as a group, my initial response seemed so off. So, giving justice to both has been a bit of a challenge.
3. Why did you want to be involved in this production?
All I really remember is Michelle Carello (AAD NC Stage) called me a Theatre Ninja and referred me to Katie Jones (AD Magnetic). Katie and I then had a phone conference, after which she sent me the script for Traitor. I knew after the first scene that I wanted to do it. Plus I have had nothing but beautiful, professional and pleasant experiences working for Asheville theatre companies.
4. What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home, after the show?
I would hope that each person is going to take something different home with them, but on a large spectrum, probably “Wow, thank god my family is not as bad as that”.
5. What has been your favorite part of this process, so far?
With each new project comes new growth, and with this, I have learned to trust myself and others more, not that I was really bad at it, but I have been leaving more room for creative flourish for me, the cast and crew. And I owe thanks to my incredible team and Katie Jones for that.
6. How did you get into theatre?
Honestly, I just did it because my best friend was doing it. I loved it from the beginning, it was like I was being summoned home. I love it because it plagues me, it occupies my brain project or no project, I am constantly thinking about it.
7. How is working at The Magnetic Theatre different from working at other theatres in the area?
There is an endless sense of possibility in that space. It is very daring for a theatre anywhere in the world to make new works their main goal, and to survive on that alone is incredibly beautiful and inspiring. As an artist or performer or director, you get to see what you can accomplish and what is possible.
8. What is your favorite thing about Asheville?
I’m am not being funny here I really mean this, sidewalks and public transport because you can go to the theatres you can walk to the galleries. You are all connected and you don’t even realize it.
Biography
David Anthony Yeates was born and raised in Dublin Ireland, where he obtained his Higher National Diploma in Theatre and Performing Arts from Caláiste Dhúlaigh. After he graduated he moved to London to live, and further his training in acting. For four years he continued to work in theatre and television in both Ireland and the UK. In April 2016, he moved to America and spent three years as the Associate Director of the HART Theatre in Waynesville, NC.
"I am absolutely thrilled to be working with the Magnetic once again. It has been too long. Massive thank you to Katie Jones the Artistic Director and to Michelle Carello for introducing us, and for my new title Theatre Ninja."
Some of his roles include: Mercutio (Romeo and Juliet), Bridegroom (Blood Wedding), Vic & Carroll (In Arabia we’d All Be Kings), Demetrius (A Midsummer Nights Dream), Jim O'Connor (The Glass Menagerie), Bop (Bop and Eve).
Traitor runs March 13th - 28th at The Magnetic Theatre in Asheville, NC. For tickets and more information, click here: www.themagnetictheatre.com
