Enjoy this Q & A with BHP Artistic Director Dan Workman and Linda Anderson, T605 Executive Director, as they discuss The Black Hills Playhouse’s 80th Season.
Linda: Let’s talk briefly about the 80th Season Theme: 250 Years And Counting – Celebrating America’s Past, Present, and Imperfect Progress. What do you mean by ” Imperfect Progress?!
Dan: Part of the beauty of this country is that it was designed to be a work in progress. I think our founding fathers knew they couldn’t account for every eventuality, so they included the ability to adapt through constitutional amendments. We are celebrating this beautiful nation by putting on four productions, each with its own take and point of view. Each show presents part of our history through a different lens. Perfection is something to strive for, and we are always trying to make progress; sometimes we do it better than at other times.
Linda: We’ve fielded some really pointed, angry responses to the first show. As well as some very positive and encouraging comments about the play. Did you expect such a kerfuffle with The Complete History of America (Abridged)? Why do you think people have such disparate views of this show?
Dan: There is a lot of laughter coming from the theatre during this show, and our audiences are enjoying the humor. But almost every show we do has some detractors, and this one has had a few more than usual. It has evoked a strong reaction from some, and I think they perceive their political beliefs as being attacked. I did expect some negative responses, but I didn’t expect them to be this sharp.
Linda: There are some who think the play denigrates America by bringing up some of our darker chapters. Frankly, I didn’t see it that way. I think America is great because it perseveres through it all and evolves. Young people in particular were more appreciative of the satire. Besides, a lot of what the characters bring up is also nonsense–hence, the “Conspiracy? You Decide.” Your thoughts?
Dan: The play’s humor is a satirical look at our history. The play doesn’t shy away from the unpleasantries; in fact, it leans into them. I think the playwrights do a tremendous job of pointing out a lot of the inconsistencies between what we wish had been and the not-so-perfect history that was. And it does so with self-deprecation and jokes at our own expense. I think our young people have more cynicism and appreciate the unvarnished look at our past. They also have come of age in a culture awash in conspiracy theories on social media, so the punchline of, “you decide”, resonates with them.
Linda: Although some people were disappointed, we’re glad they contacted us to let us know how they feel. We have appreciated all of the positive responses as well. When you’re choosing a season, do you have goals you want to achieve for the audience?
Dan: There are many aspects that go into choosing a season: audience, artistic quality, variety, producibility, casting, cost, etc. I want to do quality scripts that our audiences will want to see. I have learned that people want to see something that they know or have heard of, and that becomes your season stronghold. But it wouldn’t be good for society or the artists to produce only what is known. Art challenges us to ask questions about ourselves and our world, so I also want to present fresh plays with contemporary themes and ideas to bring new perspectives to light, and I hope our audiences are willing to experience the whole season. Some may resonate with them more than others, hence the need for a variety of themes and styles.
Linda: What can folks look forward to in the last three shows?
Dan: 1776 is the classic musical written in 1969 about the Continental Congress and the arguments for and against declaring independence from England. Through the eyes of John Adams, we meet Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and other signatories as they quibble and fight over what it means to be a new nation.
When I first came across Come From Away, I was in awe. This beautiful musical uses the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks to show how amazing and caring the world can be. The people of Gander welcome and care for 7,000 people when their 38 planes have to land, as the airspace over the U.S. is closed after the attacks. It has fantastic music, remarkable characters, and is a brilliant work of art.
We close the summer season with the genius of Heidi Schreck’s What the Constitution Means to Me. Heidi takes us on a journey through four generations of her maternal ancestors as she wins scholarship money through American Legion competitions. You will come away with a deeper understanding of the Constitution and an admiration for Heidi Schreck.
Linda: Dan, thank you for your time. Can’t wait to see the remaining productions!