Interview: Jason Dirden in SEVEN GUITARS at Two River Theater

Seven Guitars is the 1940s play in August Wilson's 10-play cycle exploring the African-American experience in each decade of the 20th century. Directed by Brandon Dirden, the show will be on the Two River Theater stage from September 12th through October 4th. Set in Pittsburgh's Hill District in 1948, it tells the story of Floyd "Schoolboy" Barton, a blues guitarist who sits on the edge of stardom. The production will feature original music by acclaimed jazz musician Jason Moran. Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Jason Dirden, who plays the role of Canewell in Seven Guitars.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Jason Dirden is a graduate of Morehouse College. A resident of Los Angeles, Dirden travels frequently for his acting roles and he is currently carving a full career for himself. Most known for his TV role as "Delante" on Tyler Perry's House of Payne, Mr. Dirden has left his footprints all across the country. He has been in two award winning Broadway shows, Fences and A Raisin In The Sun, sharing the stage with Denzel Washington, Viola Davis and Sophie Okonedo. In addition to Broadway, he's performed Off-Broadway and at various theaters around the country, working with Tony Award winners, Phylicia Rashad, Ruben Santiago-Hudson and Kenny Leon. Dirden is director, actor, screenwriter and currently co-creator of a comedic web-series in production. He is also a professional acting coach and active volunteer for the National August Wilson Monologue Competition.

We asked Dirden when he was first interested in performing. He said that as a youth he was a big fan of Michael Jackson and at the age of 5 would perform "Beat It" for his family and guests. Yet, he really honed an interest in theater at age 10. "I was wowed by the August Wilson Play, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. Seeing it performed at the Alley Theatre in Houston, Texas brought me to a magical place. I simultaneously fell in love with the idea of theater and August Wilson."

Dirden said that one of his most important mentors in his career has been his father Willie Dirden, who is also an actor. "When my father saw that my brother and I had an interest in theater, he became our first acting coach. He didn't take it easy on us though. He taught us how to interpret scripts and characters and the philosophy of performing. He still attends all of our performances and even gives us notes now and then."

Seven Guitars is truly a family affair. Directed by Jason Dirden's brother, Brandon Dirden, Brandon's wife Crystal is playing the role of Louise. "It's absolutely great for us to work together, a real celebration of theater. This is the second time the three of us have been in a show together. We trust each other and collaborate to create great art. That sense of family also extends to the rest of the cast."

Dirden spoke about the character he plays, Canewell. "It is a wonderful role. In short, he is a harmonica player and one member of the band. In 1948, not many harmonica players were known to headline their own band. But Canewell is a very strong individual and a natural leader who is filled with simple country wisdom. He is a lover and humorous. Yet, he is not one to be taken advantage of because he knows his value and his worth."

Dirden told us how he likes working at TRT. "I absolutely love it. I worked here once before with my brother in 2012. Red Bank is a terrific town. Everyone at the theater works to create a real family environment. They want to make sure you are taken care of. Actors want to perform at TRT and the Two River audiences embrace the theater community, the quality of the production and the stories we tell."

We asked Jason Dirden if there was anything else he wanted Broadwayworld.com readers to know. He said, "I'll see you at the theater. You are in for a treat with Seven Guitars. We are putting in the work and the cast and creative team are extraordinary."

To learn more about Jason Dirden, visit his website at www.jdirden.com and follow him on Twitter: @jasondirden

Seven Guitars will be at Two River Theater from September 12th to October 4th. The theater is located at 21 Bridge Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701. To purchase tickets, call 732.345.1400 or visit www.tworivertheater.org.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jason Dirden

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