We look to the past to shape our future. Who are you? Where are you going from here?

Question too broad and too heavy and airy at the same time to put an authentic answer to. Who am I? Someone who doesn’t answer that question well. I guess I’m in a different lane of questions/terms and self-definition.

What most excites you about being a part of TAM’s 50th Anniversary Season?

Any piece of work and performance in Cumston Hall contributes somehow to the ongoing infusion of story-air in the place and in its walls, parts and pieces. It might be a nearly anonymous moment as the whole stream of people and projects moves on, but every one of the people and projects IS in there. Having a foot on this stage in the elegant theater in the—towering understatement here—distinctive building, and having a good experience with a group here while the 50th is marked, stirs a sense of how wonderfully substantial and detailed that history has been. We can’t measure the hours and efforts, and we can’t count all the faces and relationships, or weigh all the creator energy and audience engagement through half a century, but all these can be felt and recognized in the qualities so different from the many species of venue where worthy work can be produced but the character of place is far more spare.

Have you more Sense than Sensibility? Do you consider yourself more of a “Marianne” or an “Elinor” and why?

This assignment to column A or B ought to be determined by friends and others we spend time with. Because I’d say there’s plenty of A in this week and plenty of B in that one, and the judges would say, “Bhahhzzz! Disqualified! Too wishy-washy!”

Who inspires you and why?

Anyone who finds the right routes for work, paying or otherwise, that most aligns with their capabilities, their curiosities and their appetites. Inspirational interest for me is most often sparked by creative work examples.

You can have dinner with any three influential people. Who are your dream guests, why them, and what is the topic of conversation?

This guest list could change every few hours. Right now it might be Tom Waits, Brian Eno, and the editor of the local paper (so I can deliver an earful). Later it might be a renowned writer, someone who chooses to put themselves at considerable risk for the sake of aiding others, and a prominent historian or archaeologist. Wouldn’t hold much hope of being heard or encouraged, or keeping a level temper, if talking to any influential politician, so can’t get too eager about settin’ a plate for one.

What recent accomplishment are you most proud of?

Directing a play that had shades of underdog status — secondary (“dark night”) schedule, almost no media or reviewer attention, subject matter possibly unexpected, sensitive or even objectionable for audiences — but which was drawing great houses and enthusiastic feedback before the run was through, and It seemed an enjoyably satisfying, successful outing for all participants. It was The Irish Curse at Good Theater in Portland last winter.

What’s your super power?

No got.