Photo of Mike Thurstlic and Emma Gibson by Mark Garvin
Obie Award-winning playwright Tim Crouch explores a the thin divide between childhood and adulthood in Beginners, a story about a group of friends and families who gathered annually for vacation in a coastal Maine town. Audiences soon discover that there is much more than meets the eye in this play that quickly became the hottest ticket in London. Below, cast member Emma Gibson, who is a British theatre-maker now living in Philadelphia talks more about the show, her roles and how this play helps us remember the children we once were.
Beginners runs through May 5th at Hedgerow Theatre Company (64 Rose Valley Rd, Media) and tickets can be purchased at www.hedgerowtheatre.org. More about Emma and her work can be found on her website- www.britishemma.com
Q: Can you tell us a bit about the characters you play in Beginners?
A: I play Lucy, who is a precocious, attention-seeking ballet dancer. I also play Jen, Lucy’s Mom, who is an environmental etymologist known for her book about bees, wild hair, and love for wine.
Q: Were you familiar with the play before joining the Hedgerow cast? Why did you want to be a part of this production?
A: Although I didn’t specifically know of Beginners, I knew the work of Tim Crouch from my upbringing in the UK (he is a British playwright). England, his play that he also performs, is one of the smartest, most moving plays I have ever read. I love his playfulness with form and how he reinvents the theatre rules with each new play that he makes. His plays are meticulously crafted, often funny, and challenge an audience in the best possible ways. I was delighted to be asked to be a part of this production for these reasons, and also for the chance to work with Marcie [Bramucci] and this outstanding team at Hedgerow.
Q: Beginners was a “hot ticket” in the London theatre scene. What made it so desirable?
A: Beginners is a play for all generations and yet is most definitely not what we perceive to be traditional children theatre. For an adult audience, this play lands deeply. There is a melancholy to the telling that fuses with child-like intense joy and that combination makes it very exciting to experience. It’s also a visual spectacle and that was particularly attractive to London audiences.
Q: You also recently directed The New Electric Ballroom at Hedgerow. What do you love most about this theatre and the community?
A: Firstly, under Marcie’s leadership, Hedgerow is a place that treats everyone with kindness and respect. The theatre is also accessible to all members of the community (there are opportunities to attend performances that are audio-described, open captioned and fully accessible). Secondly, I love the work that Hedgerow produces. Marcie manages to balance the needs of her community, whilst also presenting complex, challenging plays (such as The New Electric Ballroom) and that balance feels right – progressive enough without alienating more traditional audiences. She also manages to attract exceptional artists to work with her at Hedgerow, from Barrymore-winning actors and actresses to brilliant designers and production team members. Everyone is creating work with deep care and love whilst also respecting each other and the community they are serving.
Q: Why did you come to Philadelphia from the UK? Is there something that stands out about the theatre scene here for you? In what ways do you think it’s a unique area for theatre?
A: I came here for a two-year stint back in 2006 and I am still here! Philly has been kind to me as an artist. I have had the opportunity to set up a theatre company (Tiny Dynamite), work in many capacities from educator to actor to director to writer, and meet some tremendous artists along the way. Despite the current challenges facing theatre in general, Philadelphia continues to be a city that makes bold, exciting work, even with the limited resources. The work is also beginning to truly reflect the communities it serves and that has been exciting to observe over the last few years. There is something for everyone and of course the annual Fringe Festival has grown from strength to strength with glorious off shoots including Free Fringe and The Cannonball Festival. I’m excited to see what comes next.
Q: Do you have any annual traditions or trips with your group of friends and family?
A: Funnily enough, the original script of Beginners is set in Cornwall in the UK (our production has set the world of the play in Maine). My family are from Cornwall and so every year, without fail, we have family vacations in a rented cottage by the sea. Traditions seem to be mostly culinary, and so there is the quest for Cornish Pasties (a delicious savory pastry treat), saffron cake, Cornish clotted cream and local hard cider. Delicious!
Q: What do you hope audiences take away from this story?
A: I think as we get older, it is far too easy to forget the child we once were, or indeed the childlike joy at viewing the world in a certain way. This play makes us remember those moments. The play is funny and moving in equal measures and my fellow cast mates are acting up a storm. This is a rare opportunity to see Mr. Crouch’s work here in Philadelphia so do not miss it!
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