Acts Of Love 

Benefiting: The Arc

Produced by Mark Jason Williams and Gabrielle Fox

“Acts of Love make us laugh, smile, swoon, cry, feel insecure, and drive us crazy. This evening of short plays uncovers the humor, kindness and raw emotions we share with one another while finding romance in the office, revisiting the one that got away, exploring the afterlife, dealing with a disability, and beyond.”

Show Times:

• Thur 5/31/12 – 6:00pm
• Sun 6/3/12 – 4:00pm
• Wed 6/6/12 – 7:00pm
• Fri 6/8/12 – 4:30pm
• Thur 6/14/12 – 9:30pm
• Fri 6/22/12 – 8:00pm

Mark Jason Williams (Playwright) 

Karen Tortora-Lee’s Question
How did you come up with the title for your show?
Mark:  Gabrielle Fox, playwright of three shows in the evening, came up with the idea. We’re doing an evening of five short plays, all of which explore the drama and humor of love and personal relationships, particularly how people rely on empathy, kindness and support to get through a difficult situation, so the title seemed like a natural fit.

Diánna Martin’s Question
If you were going to invite 5 people (from the past or present) to see your show – who would you invite … and why?
Mark:   Tori Amos — I’ve written a lot of words to her music; Laura Linney — she’s one of my favorite actresses; Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller–huge inspirations; Meryl Streep — who wouldn’t want to have Meryl Streep in their audience?

Antonio Minino’s Question
What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve made for your art and was it worth it?
Mark: Moving away from New York City. I quit my dumb day job and headed to the suburbs to save money and write full-time. I miss having 24-hour delis and seeing friends as often as I used to, but I’m a more evolved playwright now, and it’s been worth it for sure.

Geoffrey Paddy Johnson’s Question
Was there any unexpected discovery made during the development of this production and can you share it with us?
Mark:  It’s actually my first time directing one of my plays, and I was resistant at first, but I’ve discovered that I really enjoy. It’s really cool to be able to focus on the big picture and work with actors on a different level that I’m used to. A real eye-opening experience!

Michelle Augello-Page’s Question
What do you hope the audience receives from the experience of seeing this show?
Mark: One of the shows, Smiles to Saturn, features a character with Aspergers syndrome, so I’d love for people to walk away with a new understanding of how a person lives with a disability. But, overall, I hope that seeing our show helps an audience further understand and value their own personal relationships.

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Planet Connections runs from May 30 – June 24 at The Bleecker Street Theater located at 45 Bleecker Street, New York, NY. To purchase tickets to this or any of the shows click here.

Related Posts:

• Acts Of Love (2012 Planet Connections Festivity)
• Bubby’s Shadow: Whose Shadow Is It? (2012 Planet Connections Festivity)
• The American Play (2012 Planet Connections Festivity)
• Scene/Unseen – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 Planet Connections Festivity)
• Coyote On A Fence – FREE Staged Reading – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 Planet Connections Festivity)