KORE Written by Gabrielle Orcha, directed by Jessica Johnson, featuring Zak Hamrick, Katie Langwell, and Heather Nicole Bronson runs July 9th - 24th, 2021.
This production tells the story of Persephone who is 29, unemployed, broke, and trying to figure out what to do next. She's living with her mother, who's driving her crazy. Enter Hades - the attractive bad boy who might just offer the escape she needs. The question is - what is Persephone willing to give up for her freedom?
We reached out to Katie Langwell to tell us a bit about herself and how working on this production has been for her.
1. What drew you to this play and to telling this particular modernized version of the Persephone myth?
I have always loved mythology and find this specific story so beautiful and universal.
2. Do you relate to your character? How similar / different are you?
My youngest is leaving the nest in the fall and Demeter's story is truly resonating with me at this time. Demeter and I both fight for what we believe in. I attempt to garden but Demeter has me beat in that area!
3. What's your favorite line in your show? Why?
"You're thinking in really binary terms, honey. This or that. That or this. Maybe there's a third option." This is such a delightfully succinct way to express this idea!
4. If you had to choose between living in the Upperworld and Underworld, what you choose and why?
If just my basement has crickets, leaks and needs a dehumidifier running constantly, I can only imagine the horrors of the Underworld. I'll take the Upperworld, please. I don't mind the pollen.
5. Who is your favorite mythological character in this play and why? (Demeter, Hades, Hecate, Persephone)
Hecate is my favorite (at least as of this writing) because she's a helper in disguise. She works with Demeter find her daughter, and then leads Persephone into self-discovery. And she's a bit wacky!
6. Do you believe that life is guided by fate (a series of events that happen to you) or free will (a series of events that you have a part in creating)?
Well, I don't think it's as binary as that (to borrow from "Kore"). I think it is possible to create your own fate. Whatever series of events comes your way can either make it easy or difficult.
7. How did you get into theatre?
I directed a magnificent version of "Hello Dolly" with my cousins in my grandparents' living room when I was 10. I played all of the male roles. Yup. Never looked back.
8. How is working with The Magnetic different from working with other theatres?
I don't know them very well but I'm super impressed with the number of projects they always seem to have going on!
9. If you were going out to a local bar on a Monday night, which bar would it be, and what would you be drinking?
Probably on my local back porch where the view of birds is lovely. Red wine!
10. Do you have any upcoming projects that we should check out?
One of my plays, Rumplestiltskin, is currently playing as part of Grimm's Fairy Tales production at Montford Park. Check it out!
Biography
Katie Langwell (Demeter / Hecate) Immediate Theatre Project: Silent Sky, Dead Man’s Cellphone, On The Verge. North Carolina Stage Company: A Doll’s House. Magnetic Theater: The Family Tree. Writer/performer with the How To: Sketch Comedy Crew (Sublime Theater) and numerous award-winning 48 Hour Films. NYC theatre: original Pulitzer Prize winning production of How I Learned To Drive; writer/director/performer with Hits Like a Girl, a women’s sketch comedy troupe; associate artistic director/performer for the critically acclaimed Adobe Theatre Company. Katie teaches French and Drama at Hanger Hall School and her play Rumplestiltskin is currently running at Montford Park as part of Grimm’s Fairy Tales.
Grab your tickets for KORE here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=124802