Planet Connections Q&A: The Green Knight / Green!

The Happiest Medium — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:39:09 +0000

Planet Connections Theatre Festivity is New York City’s premiere eco-friendly theatre festival, connecting artists and audiences with diverse dynamic charitable organizations. The Planet Connections experience entertains, enlightens and informs.

The Happiest Medium (proud sponsors of The Planet Connections Festival), is excited to welcome the festival! We will be reviewing a number of the shows, but will continue to run Q&A throughout the festival.

Today we ask one question each of Brian Rady, writer of The Green Knight and Ken Scudder of Green! Considering this is an eco-friendly festival, these two plays have the market cornered on good titles. Let’s find out why, when it comes to their shows, it’s easy being green . . .

The Green Knight

answers by Brian Rady

Here’s Antonio’s question -

If you would have to single out a quality between dialogue, plot or character, which one is the strongest in your play/piece, and why?

Dialogue. The intricate alliterative verse of the original medieval epic poem seduced all kinds of playful modifications while adapting.

Here’s Karen’s question -

What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing that’s happened during this play? Did that wind up taking the play in a new direction?

Here’s Anne’s question -

What do you think is the central theme and reason this play was conceived?

The poem, “Sir Gawain & The Green Knight” is one of the most bizarre legends of the English language. I was definitely drawn to the story because it relishes oddity and takes as its subject the challenge to believe the unbelievable.

Here’s Stephen’s Question -

Why should the audience (we) go to your play? What will the audience learn about the “human condition” by going to your play?

Audience will learn a thing or two about the absurdity of chivalry, royal hunting parties, and the power of jealous magic.

Here’s Sarah’s Question -

What is your favorite line from the play?

How fat the flesh and how ample the servings!

From their rumps and from their round backs, oh how ample!

Here’s Diánna’s Question -

What about this play do you feel most drawn to personally, and because of that, what message do you hope the audience walks away with?

Don’t lose sight of what you seek, but realize that life is a vast, edifying and mysterious game.

* * *

GREEN!

answers by Ken Scudder

Here’s Antonio’s question -

If you would have to single out a quality between dialogue, plot or character, which one is the strongest in your play/piece, and why?

I would say character, especially as they are being interpreted and presented by this cast.

Here’s Karen’s question -

What has been the most surprising or unexpected thing that’s happened during this play? Did that wind up taking the play in a new direction?

Finding out that we have more of a farce than a satire.

Here’s Anne’s question -

What do you think is the central theme and reason this play was conceived?

The central theme would be don’t trust every great opportunity you get; but have some laughs either way.

Here’s Stephen’s Question -

Why should the audience (we) go to your play? What will the audience learn about the “human condition” by going to your play?

The audience should come to the play to laugh their asses off and hear some amazing new songs. They will learn that life is funny, and has good music to boot.

Here’s Sarah’s Question -

What is your favorite line from the play?

The six-foot sock puppet says I have issues.