Interview: Rollins Sudent Director Kathleen Capdesuñer Breaks Down DETROIT

The Rollins College theater season comes to a close with DETROIT. This play's plot and theme seems all too real for many Americans as it highlights life as an adult and the challenges we face. Playwright Lisa D'Amour came to Rollins College to speak about the play and see the first performances. Show director Kathleen Capdesuñer chatted with BroadwayWorld Orlando about her experience directing and learning from the show's playwright.

DETROIT is about struggle. Economic struggle, relationship struggle, etc. This is something that people definitely experience every day. Do you think that DETROIT does a good job of portraying this theme?

Yes, and Lisa shows this struggle in many ways. Mary and Ben are trying to maintain their lifestyle, but ever since Ben lost his job, it is becoming more and more difficult. Mary tries to keep the cracks from showing and her life from crumbling. As for Kenny and Sharon, they are definitely at another level financially than Mary and Ben. The only thing that is rich in the couple's lives is
their stories.

Detroit is about struggle, but to me it is also about acceptance, and most of all escape. All of the characters have their own challenges, and their own ways of finding that escape from own realities. I believe Lisa does an excellent job of portraying this idea. One of the qualities of Detroit that drew me to this piece was the manner in which Lisa writes dialogue, and creates conflict onstage. Even though the dialogue may seem like small talk, it is about much more. It shows how four people can connect and create unlikely friendships.

What sort of research have you done to prepare yourself for directing DETROIT?

I was selected to direct Detroit in January of last year. So this show has been on my mind for quite some time! I completed detailed script analysis, and a good chunk of time in rehearsals was dedicated to extensive character exploration. I knew this play would be an intimate experience, for actors and audience both, so I wanted to make sure my actors felt comfortable enough with themselves and each other. Additionally, we had Amy Rainaldi who worked at the Grove Counseling Center and Another Chance Counseling . She has a background in social work and counsels with a focus on addictions. We are very grateful for Amy, as she was able to elaborate on the emotional and psychological side of substance abuse. In Detroit, all of the characters deal with some sort of addiction, whether it be alcohol, drugs, or online worlds. Having Amy present at a rehearsal definitely aided the cast in creating these complex characters.

What is the message that playwright Lisa D'Amour is trying to get across in DETROIT?

I believe that Lisa is making a statement about our society. Sharon has a wonderful monologue in which she talks about the lack of connection and the how the word "neighbors" shouldn't be in the dictionary. Community is an integral aspect of the play. Detroit, it is a metaphorical title; what matters more is how it is set in a once great neighborhood. There are any elements of nostalgia present in this play, the dialogue touches on the fact of how things never last. Everything is manufactured and mass produced. The umbrella breaks, the door doesn't work, the patio cracks. The items breaking is a parallel to the characters' cracking financial and emotional statuses. I also believe that nostalgia is a habit that many Americans have. I am guilty of it too. We as a nation tend to fantasize the "good ol' times". Detroit definitely explores that concept of Americana.

I just read that Lisa D'Amour will be attending the opening night performance and giving a talk back. What sort of insight do you think that audience members will gain from hearing her speak?

She arrives Wednesday morning and I could not be more excited! It is such an honor to have Lisa, an Obie Award winner and Pulitzer Prize finalist present at opening night. I believe the talk back will be a valuable experience for the community. I am excited to discuss Detroit and her inspiration for this moving show. Being able to pick the playwright's brain is an aspect that I love about contemporary work. You can't do that with some of the late greats!

What were some of your thoughts when you heard that she was going to come see the show?

I had this idea one day in January. I thought, what if we asked Lisa D'Amour to come? Thanks to the generous support of the Rollins College Department of Theatre and Dance, and the scheduling gods being in our favor, I was able to make this crazy idea a possibility. I don't see her attendance as an added pressure, but as a once in a lifetime learning opportunity!

Have you been surprised by anything about the play or the storytelling since you've been rehearsing?

Since our first rehearsal in February there has been a lot of growth. I love to see how the actors take the foundation I have provided for them and what they build each night. That has been the most exciting and surprising part of this process. This show is hard. It is very demanding of the actors and tech. I knew that coming into this, but throughout rehearsals I have realized how we are pulling off such a complicated show in a small space with a limited budget.

Tell me about the characters. Do you favor any one over another? Is there a specific character that you connect with?

I see a little bit of myself in each character. I really enjoy the female characters. In reading this play, I loved how strong and real the women were. I thank Lisa for writing such great roles for my actresses.

What is it about this play that you think audiences will enjoy?

I think audiences will enjoy how the play wraps fear in the funniest of casings.

DETROIT runs April 7 and 8 at 8pm; April 9 at 2pm and 8pm at the Fred Stone Theatre at Rollins College. This is the last show in the season. For tickets and more information visit http://www.rollins.edu/annie-russell-theatre/fred-stone-theatre/

Photo Credit: Kathleen Capdesuñer