Each week we'll be bringing you blog entries written by members of the cast and crew of our production of Angels in America, playing at the Studio Theater April 29th through May 16th. Today's cast member blog comes from Student Arts Collective all-star Ashanti Cooper. Read on to find out about the rewards and challenges of playing multiple roles, just "getting it", and the thought process of a celestial being. No, really. The thought process of celestial beings. Where else are you going to learn this stuff?
Hey! Ashanti Cooper here. When asked to be a part of the play Angels in America I was thrilled. What makes Angels such an incredible story is that the characters are so real and relatable. And I love the show's message of hope; that even when faced with something difficult, there's always a light at the end of the tunnel.
When I was told I would be playing multiple roles--a rabbi, a nurse, and the Angel--I was even more excited. Playing multiple roles is something I enjoy doing. [Flashback Sequence] I remember back in my acting two class, fifty-two years ago, when I had to do a dualogue. I played a man and a woman in the same scene. It was great! [End Flashback Sequence]
Anyway, back to Angels. There's something refreshing about playing different people in general; you get to strip away any fear or insecurity you may have in yourself and just be. I don't quite know how to explain it but its freeing and challenging. It's also really interesting because each of my characters are so different. I don't know much about Judaism, or nursing, or heaven, and I enjoy researching new subjects when preparing for a role. The only challenge in playing such unique characters is that, at least with the Angel...she isn't a human being. She thinks in a totally different way. I mean, how would a celestial being think?
But when you finally understand something, when you get a note from the director and it clicks...that's my favorite part of the process. You just get what the vision is supposed to be. It's a great feeling.
Don't forget: You can buy tickets NOW to see Angels in America on the Student Arts Collective website. Which you should do. Now-ish. And, you should definitely become a fan of Student Arts Collective on Facebook!
