If you’ve been in the audience at a theater performance in the last few years, chances are you’ve seen Deb Richardson. At the very least, you’ve probably seen something she had a hand in. She has acted in numerous productions locally, from Absurd Person Singular and Circle Mirror Transformation (among others) at the Station Theatre, to Steel Magnolias (very recently) at Parkland College. In addition to these onstage appearances, Deb has also costumed numerous shows in the C-U area and has assistant directed a couple of times for no less director than Rick Orr, artistic director of the Station.
She’s always a busy lady and is constantly sought after for her skills on and off the stage. Currently, she’s busier than ever, heading into the final few rehearsals for her directorial debut. Under her direction, a quartet of local actors — Martha A. Mills, Malia Andrus, Jessa Thomas, and Nancy Keener — will bring to life a fractious, strong-willed family of women in Lee Blessing’s one-house drama Independence.
Smile Politely: I know you’re busy getting ready to open the show, so thanks for taking a minute to talk. I thought we’d start with your selection of show. Lee Blessing is an interesting playwright, one who seems hard to pigeonhole. And, while Blessing isn’t as well known as a Sam Shepard or a David Mamet, he’s well represented on professional and amateur stages. What experience with his work have you had previously?
Richardson: I saw a wonderful production of Thief River in Chicago back in 2007 and played Avis in the Station Theatre’s production of A Body of Water in 2010, both of which made me fall in love with Blessing’s writing. I have also read several of his plays. His work has a dark element to it. I like that, especially when it’s dark because it’s true, which gives it just that extra layer of creepy. Blessing takes the skeletons out of the closet and then closes and locks the door so they can’t get back in.
SP: What drew you to Independence? What made you want to direct this play?
Richardson: Let’s just say that Independence spoke to me in a very personal way. In fact, I think everyone who sees it will be able to relate to these characters on some level. They’re real people.
SP: I know this is your first time directing, but that you’ve worked in several other aspects of theater production. How have those experiences informed your decisions as a director?
Richardson: Well, since I work on the technical side much of the time, I find myself studying every aspect of every show I attend. The set, the sound, the costumes, the lighting. I sometimes find it hard to simply watch the show. Because of that, I know what I like to see, so I approached it from that perspective. I completely immerse myself in every production I’m involved with, so it just seemed like a natural progression to direct.
Photo by Jesse Folks
SP: Tell me about your cast. What makes each of these ladies the right fit for her character?
Richardson: These women instantly connected with these characters the first time they read for me. It was as if they had been studying the script for years. It’s incredible how well they know these characters.
SP: What’s a typical rehearsal like for you? How do you approach a night’s work?
Richardson: I don’t think there is such a thing as a typical rehearsal. But, I will say that we spent some time developing these women’s backstories. One of the cast usually asks a question like, what do you think happened to so and so after…? And the conversation takes off. I think we all know the characters really well as a result.
SP: Is there anything about this experience, so far, that has been different than the way you imagined it would be? Any surprises, good or bad?
Richardson: Because this was my first directing experience, I was nervous about blocking, scheduling rehearsals, etc. So, I would say I was pretty surprised about how easily it came to me.
SP: Ten word answer time. Why should people see Independence, in exactly ten words?
Richardson: Because these women are amazingly, remarkably, beautifully, tragically, strikingly … real.
Lee Blessing’s taut family drama Independence opens at the Station Theatre on November 29 and runs through December 15. To make a reservation, call (217) 384-4000 or go here.