A collaboration with Anam Cara Theatre Company, Obstructure opens on August 12th! We reached out to Jen Russ to find out more about her and what working on this unique production has been like.
What is this show about in 3 sentences or less?
Obstructure is about making something beautiful out of a negative experience. We use movement, text, silence, and music to create an experience unique to each audience member.
What’s the process of creating this production been like?
It's been like nothing I've ever done before, and I found it fascinating. I was used to working with scripts, with stage directions, and with Directors who told you what they wanted...this is not like that at all. Instead of memorizing lines, we had midweek homework assignments to write pieces, bring in objects from home, submit a meaningful song, or tell a story. Instead of stage directions, we let the tone of the piece dictate how close (or far away) you are from the other cast members. At first, it was daunting for me, but then as time went on, I was inspired by the creativity of my cast members and began to just give in to the process.
What’s your favorite thing about working on this production?
All of the new people I've met and watching them work so intensely.
How is this production different from other productions you’ve been in?
Creating a show with my cast members, completely based on our discussions, movements, and homework assignments is completely different from a scripted play. There's much more collaboration in devised theater, in my opinion...and I didn't realize that I would enjoy it before joining this cast.
In what ways have you been preparing for this production?
Really soaking in the creativity among my cast members, the Stage Manager, and our Director. I marvel at the way their minds work. I ask a lot of questions...I observe...I try my best, but I'm trying not to think so much...I do my homework, but I try not to plan things out too much. Basically, I'm preparing for this production by thinking less and checking any sense of my ego/inhibitions at the door :)
How did you get into theatre?
I started taking acting classes as soon as I moved to Asheville at age 34 at the Asheville Arts Center. It's something I'd always wanted to try and finally had the time to devote to it. I definitely caught the bug and worked continuously on musicals and straight plays from 2009 - 2017 all over WNC. Took a break to taxi my musical theater-loving daughter to her rehearsals at the Asheville Performing Arts Academy during middle school and high school, and now am so glad to be getting back on stage as she goes off to college!
How is working with The Magnetic different from working with other theatres?
Every theater company is different, but at Magnetic, there is a real sense of family here. When you arrive, you might see familiar faces from past shows and they welcome you in like they've been waiting for you to discover this amazing, secret place. "You've finally made it here...come on in!"
Biography
Jen is thrilled to be back on the Magnetic Theater stage. Previous shows at Magnetic include Like Ivy, from the 2021 One Act Play Festival, and MILF, the Musical. Jen has also performed in plays and musicals in theaters across WNC but is extremely excited to join Anam Cara Theater in something she thought was way out of her comfort zone. Thank you to Erinn, Zoe, and the cast for making it a wonderful experience! Love you Mom, Jason, and Abby!
Obstructure is showing at The Magnetic Theatre August 12-20, 2022. Grab your tickets here: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=134506