Interview: Antoinette Hall of INTIMATE APPAREL at Centre Stage

Lynn Nottage's award-winning Intimate Apparel opens this week at Centre Stage in Greenville, SC.

The play introduces us to Esther, a black seamstress in 1905 who sews lingerie for wealthy white patrons. Last week, we introduced you to Maegan Azar, who plays one of those patrons. This week, we reached out to Antoinette Hall, who plays the show's central role, Esther.

BWW: First, please tell us a little about yourself and about the role you play in the show.

So a little about me: I've lived here for 21 years of my life (Greer), I studied Music Ed. at Converse College, and I spend a lot of my time (maybe to much) at Smiley's Acoustic Cafe on Wednesdays for Live Band Karaoke.

A little about my character: I play Esther Mills. Esther is a 35 year old seamstress that has been living in the same rooming house for 18 years. She keeps to herself mostly, but everyone she chooses to spend time with cares about her a great deal. She is a person you can really relate to. If not you, then maybe someone you know. Someone who is talented, beautiful, strong, and an all around good person that everyone gets along with. She can see the good in everyone, but can't seem to see how truly amazing SHE is.

BWW: Have you done much research for your role outside of the script? How much did you know beforehand about that time period?

I knew a little about the time period before, but I did do some research into the fashion of that time. Since Esther is a seamstress, I wanted to know more about what people were wearing back then.

BWW: How do the play's situations and themes resonate for you?

What I latched onto with this show is love and how it presents itself in different relationships and circumstances. Esther lives a life where she puts so much stock in other people, but doesn't seem to always get it in return. I think that as I'm getting older, I'm starting to value things differently. This role has definitely showed me the value in simpler things, authentic connections, patience, and perseverance.

BWW: What do you hope audiences will come away from the show with?

I hope that through some of our truths, the audience can go home with the sense that it is never too late to start chasing your dreams, to fall in love, or start all over.

Intimate Apparel runs June 15 - July 1 at Centre Stage in downtown Greenville, SC. For tickets and showtimes, call the box office at 864-233-6733 or visit centrestage.org.

To post a comment, you must register and login.