Hear from Triptych playwright John Yearley as he answers questions about his new play.
On how Triptych came to be, and what John hopes we take away from this World Premiere production at The Barrow Group…
Playwright John Yearley (PC: Jolene Siana Photography)
What was your biggest challenge in the writing process for Triptych?
The task, then, was to see if I could make the three one-acts tell a single story. THAT was a lot of work.
Why was Triptych the right piece for this moment in time?
JY: I write when I get mad about something. I’m mad about how we handle grief and the grieving in this culture. And I’m also mad about how we talk about what a successful marriage really looks like. Our ideas of both are very simplistic, and our inability to talk about them in a thoughtful and honest way makes a lot of people miserable. I’m trying to do my own small little bit to change the conversation.
What are you most proud of about this production?
JY: Uh…everything? Not helpful. I wasn’t even sure this was a play when I brought it here. And then [Michael Giese and Tricia Alexandro] read it and showed me it was actually a play. I’ll forever be grateful to them for that. And to [TBG co-artistic directors] Seth and Lee for their courage in deciding to put it on right then and there and never wavering from that.
What else would you like audiences to know about Triptych?
JY: I fear people might think that the play is grim, but it’s the opposite of that. It’s funny and joyful. And sad too, yes, But alive.
Come see the show, running November 8-24!
One life-changing event. Two souls finding their way. Three bridges to cross.
A couple in the wake of a personal tragedy fight their way through grief in extraordinary, even wacky ways. Their unusual journey leads to the sweetest sort of personal discovery that great love has to offer. John Yearley gives us a glimpse at that redemption through a most unusual lens.
Performances will take place in the Studio Theater at The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center at 520 8th Avenue, 9th Floor.
November 8-24
Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm
Sundays at 3:30pm and 7:30pm
Groups (8 or more): $25 (Contact ccirker@barrowgroup.org)
*The Saturday night November 16 performance will be a benefit performance. Tickets will be $100 and include a post-performance reception.*