Troubadour Theater Artistic Director Matt Walker talks about 'A Wither's Tale'

Troubadour Theater Company Artistic Director is currently directing rehearsals of A Wither’s Tale which opens at The Falcon Theatre on Friday, August 20.

As artistic director of The Troubadour Theater Company since 1995, Matt has directed over 20 shows and received the O.C. Weekly Theater Award for Career Achievement, and the 2007 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Sustained Excellence in Theater. Walker has trained with notable performers and organizations including: Bill Irwin, Second City Improvisation, The Royal Shakespeare Co., and The San Francisco Mime Troupe.

He is also a graduate of Ringling Bros. Clown College, was adjunct professor of Clowning and Commedia at the University of California at San Diego, and now teaches clowning and advanced movement to MFA students at USC.

He took time out of his hectic schedule to answer a few questions about the show:

Q: What came first, the music of Bill Withers or this particular Shakespeare play?
A: I think the Shakespeare play came first, seeing as it’s over 400 years old! Ha, just kidding. The idea for A Withers Tale came while I was on a trip to San Francisco. A friend had Bill Withers music on in the car and we sang along, loving it. I was surprised at how much of his music I knew, but didn't know I knew. It was an easy jump to think of Shakespeares Winter's Tale, and the match was made.

Q: What was your process in developing this play?
A: First and most importantly, it was to assemble a cast that I felt could pull off the depth and psychological drama of the play. Riding the line between comedy and drama to meet the challenges of this complex play, and serve the beauty and soulfulness of the music was tantamount to success. Then, cutting the text down from 3 plus hours, to distill it down to its most immediate, most accessible form. Infuse the songs, most of which really suit the moodiness of the piece. Then, rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!

Q: What role will you be playing and why?
A: I'll play Leontes. Because I love the complexity and depth of the role. The challenge to work in the dark emotions every night, to confront the demands of the role, pull off its requirements, is too much to pass up.

Q: Which other favorite Troubadour actors will be in this show?
A: Beth Kennedy, Mike Sulprizio, Lisa Valenzuela...as well as some brand new troubies (newbies) that are a great addition to the company!

Q: How much of your shows are scripted and how much are improvised or is the script the result of improvisation?
A: The script is a culmination of actor input, and collaboration with other actors in process. We start with a structure and dialogue, and throughout the process, including through performance, we remain open to inspiration and imagination, and the script will constantly fluctuate. In a show like Wither’s Tale, the improv isn't as widely used, to remain true to Shakespeare’s story and depth of feeling the piece requires. CHiPs was the opposite. The script wasn't really tested or ready for an audience, so we really relied on improv to flesh it out, find the funny, and have fun ourselves. The script that we finished CHiPs with, was very much different than what we started with. Id say 50% script, 50% improv. Wither's Tale will be more like 95% script, 5% improv.

Q: What's your favorite part about directing a Troubadour show?
A: Working with my friends, collaborating with gifted artists, pushing the limits of our abilities in a safe and supported creative environment.

Q: Is it difficult going from one energetic show (CHiPS) to another in succession?
A: A bit. It can be exhausting at times like any job, but the rewards far outshine any potential lack of sleep!

Q: How did you come to have this great relationship with the Falcon Theater?
A: Mutual respect. I appreciate greatly, Garry and Kathleen and the staff at the Falcon and the commitment to art and entertainment they have. The care of their audience that we share, wanting to build a relationship with the community, sustain a presence in LA's theatrical landscape.

Q: Will there be a tap dance number?
A: Not unless you wanna crash the stage one night and perform one!

Q: Will the Winter Warlock make an appearance?
A: The Winter Warlock is actually busy working in a production of CATS on the East Coast. He's very versatile!

Send questions, comments and suggestions to columbuscommunications@yahoo.com.

For more information: www.FalconTheatre.com