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Director Ellen Dempsey answered some questions about the production.
Washington City Paper: How was Little Murders selected? Did one of you have a pre-existing familiarity or fondness for Jules Feiffer?
Ellen Dempsey: Jack Marshall, our artistic director, loves Feiffer. And in 2010 I read Feiffer’s memoir, Backing Into Forward and there was a lot of information on Little Murders. I thought it was a perfect fit for American Century’s mission of promoting 20th century American plays and reviving worthy plays at risk of being forgotten. Little Murders has a lot to say about our current society and it’s similarities to the late ’60s. Plus it is a very funny play.
WCP: If so, do you know Feiffer best as a playwright, or a cartoonist, or a children’s book author? Which part of his career contains his best work?
ED: I think I was most aware of him as a cartoonist, growing up it was certainly the most accessible. Later, being interested in theater, I knew him as a playwright. But recently I am very aware of his children’s books, especially his recent collaborations with his daughter, Kate. As for his best work, I can’t pinpoint one area, they are all interconnected on some level and he is still producing work into his 80s, which is phenomenal.
WCP: Why do you think Feiffer’s work—-about a decaying and murderous New York City circa 1967—-has a relevance today?
WCP: This play’s satire is very broad—-almost to the point of ridiculousness. Was there any problem staging it?
ED: Every play you do you have to create a world in which it takes place on the stage. One of the challenges with this was the world outside the play is always trying to get in. Gun shots on the street. Never-ending traffic. Obscene phone callers. I approached it as the set and the world were another character. It’s very hard to allow sound to encroach the actors’ world. There is a soundtrack of the outside world throughout the show which I think effects all the characters.
WCP: Was the play altered at all? Or did you use it as Feiffer wrote it?
ED: It is as Feiffer wrote it. There is certainly language that we as 21st century theatergoers are and should be offended by. But taken in the context of the time, it was what was used. I think that is important to keep not only to the author’s words, but the spirit of the time. We should cringe when Alfred talks of “colored kids,” because we have evolved that now that is very offensive, but I think you have to know where you came from in order to make better choices.
WCP: Feiffer’s always been known for his wordplay—-did any particular phrase or section ring particularly true, or stand out for you?
WCP: If this is a success, would you plan on doing more of Feiffer’s plays?
ED: I would love to! I think there is a lot left to explore in Feiffer’s work.
WCP: Feiffer regularly visits Washington. Has he been invited to see the play?
ED: I did reach out to Mr. Feiffer. A bit of a cold call so I’m not sure if he got the invite. I would be honored if he were to see the show.
Little Murders runs to Feb. 11 at Gunston Arts Center Theater II, 2700 South Lang St/, Arlington. (703 ) 998-4555, ext. 6. $23-35. Photos by Dennis Deloria, courtesy American Century Theater.