Constellation Theatre's Allison Stockman talks Temptation.

October 28, 1:34 PMDC Theater ExaminerClare Johnson

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Constellation Theatre Artistic Director Allison Stockman

Small spaces and small budgets doesn't equal small ideas (or casts).  Just ask Allison Arkell Stockman.  The founder and artistic director of Constellation Theatre Company, now in residence at Source Theatre, was kind enough to answer a few questions.  Read on for more about their current production of Vaclav Havel's Temptation, a re-imagining of the Faust story, why she likes crowds, and what's next for the tiny theatre that could.  

Why did you decide to start your own theatre company?
I founded Constellation Theatre Company in order to direct and produce plays that were epic and had strong ensemble casts.  The visionary design, heightened physicality and elevated language in our shows celebrates what makes theatre so different from television and film.  Our work is not realistic and so it asks the audience to invest their imagination in a magical and symbolic world that is very different from, yet relevant to, the one they live in day to day.

What excites you about working with an ensemble (seeing as all of your shows have had large casts and few leading roles)?
Personally, I love large groups of people.  The energy and spirit of a collective force is one that demands that each person value the project as a whole more than their own individual ambitions.  It is a collaborative, cooperative environment that doesn't allow for divas.  I also believe that when we see an individual actor play multiple roles, it confirms our sense of personal freedom and the potential for change.  We can choose who we reallyare by how we act and what we say; we are not limited by the bodies we were born in.

What drew you to Temptation?
The story of Faust and the temptation of realizing one's inner dreams and experiencing extreme pleasure all through magical means is universal.   I find the dark side of spirituality and the idea of magic very seductive.  The reason we decided to do Vaclav Havel's adaptation is that in addition to the timeless Faust legend, he brings a layer of absurd humor and a foundation of  political satire.  Especially in DC during an election year, the way Havel exposes duplicity, message manipulation, the corruption of power and the influence of spin, feels extremely relevant and timely.

Music plays a large role in most of your shows.  How did the collaboration with Tom Teasley come about?
I did a preliminary search for a percussionist on the web and the first site I visited was Tom's.  Ironically, when I saw his picture I realized that I already had one of his CDs in my home.  Tom is a longtime collaborator with Charles Williams, a very talented singer, who I had directed in a cabaret for the In Series two years ago.  It's a small world.  Tom and Charles can be seen performing together often as they tour their Word Beat show throughout the area.

How is working at the newly renovated Source? Does having a permanent home mean more or less work for you?
Working at the newly renovated Source is wonderful.  While the black box theatre space is very similar to how it was before the renovation there have been massive improvements in terms of the lighting and sound system.  The upstairs office space is comfortable, attractive and functional and the atmosphere created by the resident companies is friendly and supportive.  It is wonderful to have a permanent home.

What's next for Constellation?
We are  presenting a Free Staged Reading at Source of The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe this coming Wednesday, October 29 at 7:30 pm.  The reading will feature Jonathan Church and Nanna Ingvarsson and be directed by Helen Hayes Awards nominated Director Shirley Serotsky.  In January we open The Marriage of Figaro by Beaumarchais.

Special Offer for Examiner Readers:  $10 tickets for all 4 shows this weekend and Monday (Oct. 30 -  Nov.3)  Temptation runs Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Monday at 8 and Sunday at 3 at Source Theatre.  Purchase tickets at the door or online through the Constellation website, in either case using the Coupon Code: DC Examiner.