No More Waiting is a show devised by the ensemble as part of The Cathedral of All Souls' Third Annual Lenten Arts Series showing on Sunday, April 3 at 4:00pm.
Every worker in this country will experience struggles within our capitalistic system. But what does it take to change that? Inspired by the Great Resignation Movement and recent worker strikes, experience stories of people who share one thing in common: a desire to see a kind and empathic workplace environment.
We reached out to Laura Walton, a part of the ensemble to find out more about her and her experience working on this production.
1. What do you think audiences will be thinking about on the way home from this performance?
I think they'll be pondering how they relate to at least one of the "characters" in the show, as just about everyone's experienced something unacceptable or downright awful in their job, but also how different their work experience might be, and consider acting to change things for the better for everyone.
2. Do you feel that this performance is important given today’s social climate? Why?
Definitely. We can read the news and hear stories from friends and reposts on social media, but to see some of the deplorable crap people put up with at work performed on stage, much of it inspired or taken directly from reality, is another experience altogether, one that can incite empathy and encourage the audience to act, rather than just consume the stories.
3. Do you relate to your character or to any character in the show? How similar / different are you?
I was a high school teacher for nine years up until a few years ago, so the character in the spoken word is me in the middle of that career: in a love-hate relationship with the job. I still love those kids!
4. How did you get into theatre?
I've always loved performing, both in a formal context and improv on the fly. My first stage production was a little over two years ago with Asheville Community Theatre, but I've been teaching drama, theatre, and creative writing for years. And teaching is essentially performing every day!
5. Do you have any upcoming projects that we should check out?
Come grab some pastries from me at the East Asheville and Weaverville Tailgate Markets! #shamelessplug #crunchybaker
Biography
Laura Walton is delighted to perform in No More Waiting for Magnetic Theatre, and excited to be back in the theatre scene. She appeared as Halloran in Asheville Community Theatre's 2019 production of Miracle on 34th Street, and previously taught high school English literature and drama for nine years. When she's not rallying on stage, she's baking pastries for farmer's markets, chasing chickens on her homestead, and spending time in the great outdoors with her husband and daughter.
No More Waiting is showing at The Cathedral of All Souls' on Sunday, April 3 at 4:00pm. Streaming options are also available. Click here to learn more: https://bit.ly/3KwcOsr