This is the ninth and final interview with the cast of The Masqueraders’ production of Translations. Meet Josh Goetz.
Joel: Introduce yourself to our readers and tell them what other shows you have appeared in and some of the roles you have played.
Josh: I’m 1/C Josh Goetz. I hail from St. Louis, MO. This is my very first production.
Why did you want to be in Translations produced by the United States Naval Academy’s Masqueraders?
I’ve always wanted to act, but cross country running in high school always got in the way. I decided this year might be my last chance to try so I came out to try outs.
What does this production of Translations say to your generation?
While there aren’t any territorial or cultural exchanges as in the 1800s, there are still communication boundaries between social groups, however. Watching my character struggle with his own identity while trying to accept the identities of others brings to mind a struggle that many in my generation experience sometime in life.
Who do you play in Translations and how do you relate to your character?
Lieutenant George Yolland is a young accidental military officer in the British corps of engineers who finds himself when he is assigned to the ordnance survey and falls in love with the Irish culture. I, like George, find myself gangling, goofy, and primarily preoccupied with romantic notions. His mindset is easy for me to slip into when I step on stage and I have had a wonderful time working in this production.
What do you admire about your character and what do you not admire?
I admire his steadfast dedication to what he perceives is right even if his notions are often naïve and romantic. On the other side of the same coin, he can become rather impulsive at times which will get him in trouble.
What have been the challenges you have encountered while preparing for your role and how have you overcome these challenges? How did your director help you?
I am a first time actor, and my elocution was alright coming in, but I can fall into the same pacing and had no idea how to move on the stage. Our director was very understanding with my steep learning curve and gave me special attention to make sure I was able to keep up. She has made everything that much more fun and for that I am extremely grateful.
What is your big highlight in the show and what do we learn about your character when you perform it?
I like my argument with Owen about the fairness changing of Irish place names. It shows the audience for the first time that my character isn’t shy, but deeply dedicated to his ideals.
What have you learned about yourself during this whole process?
I have affirmed my love for acting that the community surrounding it. I feel like I fit in well with my cast and have had so much fun during this production. I hope to join my local theater group when I graduate and go to my first duty station.
What do you want audiences to take with them after watching you perform in Translations?
I hope they come away with a sense that cultural and social boundaries not only can be crossed but should be crossed. We have so much to learn from those around us, if only we choose to listen.
What roles would you like to play in the future?
I’ve always been interested in trying out for any part in my favorite play in Much Ado About Nothing.
Translations ends its run tomorrow and Saturday, November 21, and 22, 2014 at Mahan Hall at The US Naval Academy – 106 Maryland Avenue, in Annapolis, MD. For tickets, purchase them online or at the door.
LINKS
Review of Translations on DCMetroTheaterArts by Joel Markowitz.
Meet the Cast of ‘Translations’ at Masqueraders at the United States Naval Academy–Part 1: Jonson Henry.
Meet the Cast of ‘Translations’ at the Masqueraders at The United States Naval Academy–Part 2: Chris Hudson.
Meet the Cast of ‘Translations’ at the Masqueraders at The United States Naval Academy Part 3: Megan Rausch.
Meet the Cast of The Masqueraders’ ‘Translations’ at The United States Naval Academy–Part 4: Portia Norkaitis.
Meet the Cast of The Masqueraders’ ‘Translations’ at The United States Naval Academy–Part 5: Ward Ellis Scott, III.
Meet the Cast of The Masqueraders’ ‘Translations’ at The United States Naval Academy–Part 6: Leith Daghistani.
Meet the Cast of The Masqueraders’ ‘Translations’ at The United States Naval Academy–Part 7: Jett Watson.
Meet the Cast of The Masqueraders’ ‘Translations’ at The United States Naval Academy–Part 8: Clara Navarro.