In Part 2 of a series of interviews with the writer, producer, and director and the cast of Girl with Two Belly Buttons, meet Kathryn Martin.
In Girl with Two Belly Buttons, Izzy, at age 60, is sick and alone. She has had so many relationships. Why did they all fail? Then Izzy meets Izabela, her 30-year-old self, and the two explore what went wrong (or right) with their once and future boyfriends.
Kathryn Martin plays Izabela from ages 20-35.
Please introduce yourself to our readers and tell them where they may have seen you perform on local stages.
I have been a lover of theatre for as long as I can remember! My whole family comes from an arts background so I have grown up around it since I was a little girl. In high school, I moved states and theatre was where I found my home. It gave me a platform to speak even when I was new and shy.
From there, I went to the University of Tulsa to study Theatre Performance. While in college, I was honored to perform roles like The Angel of America (Angels in America: Perestroika), Elmire (Tartuffe), and Catherine (Waiting for the Parade) among others.
Right before I graduated I was fortunate enough to travel with a group to Ireland and work on a new play, Puck Folite!, at the New Theatre in Dublin. I graduated from the University of Tulsa in May of 2014 and recently moved to the DC area. Even though I have only been here a short time, I am thrilled to be a part of the Capital Fringe Festival and work with people who have a heartfelt passion for the arts!
Why did you want to appear in Girl with Two Belly Buttons?
First and foremost, I love working with new plays that can catch my attention from the title to the end of the play! I believe everyone can relate to some part of this play and not only watch a story unfold, but they can learn about themselves as well. Girl with Two Belly Buttons is full of heart, funny, telling, and very honest about what relationships are like through all stages of life. After being cast, I am even more proud to appear in the show because of the wonderful cast I get to work with. Every single person brings in such creativity to the table and it truly has been cast collaboration thanks to our director, Jeryl Parade.
How do you identify with the character of Izabela?
I would say I most identify with the fact that Izabela is definitely a go-getter when it comes to working and finding her way through life. We both have dreams and goals that may seem far-fetched to others, but that doesn’t stop us from going after them!
The play shows us six of Izabela’s boyfriends. Who is your personal favorite?
My personal favorite boyfriend is Dakota! He has such a passion for what he does and I think Izabela and Dakota would have pushed each other to each be the best they could be in their field of choice.
In Girl with Two Belly Buttons, we see you at varying ages. What are the related acting challenges?
There are certainly challenges that come with playing a character at varying ages. One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is playing the later ages such as 30 and 35. For me as the actor, I have experienced a lot of what Izabela goes through with young love and first love. As she ages, I found I hadn’t experienced many of the emotions Izabela goes through, so it was important for me to find ways to tap in to what she was feeling at each age. While it has been a challenge, it has been such an amazing opportunity to grow and learn as an actor!
What are your goals as an actress?
My main goal as an actress is to be able to work in shows that tell stories people can relate to and get excited about. I believe theatre holds a mirror up to our world today and it is a privilege to be able work in the arts.
What excites you about participating in the 2015 Capital Fringe Festival?
Because I just moved to DC in January, I am most excited about experiencing the Capital Fringe Festival for the first time! I can’t wait to see all of the artists in this community and also have a chance to perform with them!
PERFORMANCES AT:
Atlas Performing Arts Center’s Sprenger –1333 H Street, NE, in Washington, DC 20002
Saturday 7/11 at 8:45 PM
Sunday 7/12 at 9:00 PM
Sunday 7/19 at 10:15 PM
Sunday 7/26 at 4:45 PM
FOR TICKETS, CALL (866) 811-4111, OR PURCHASE THEM ONLINE.
LINKS
2015 Capital Fringe Preview #7: Interviews with the Writer/Director/Producer and Cast of ‘Girl with Two Belly Buttons’: Part 1: Jeryl Parade.
2015 Capital Fringe Preview #7: Interviews with the Writer/Director/Producer and Cast of ‘Girl with Two Belly Buttons’: Part 2: Kathryn Martin.
2015 Capital Fringe Preview #7: Interviews with the Writer/Director/Producer and Cast of ‘Girl with Two Belly Buttons’: Part 3: Matthew Sutphin.
Interviews with the Writer/Director/Producer and Cast of ‘Girl with Two Belly Buttons’: Part 4: Scott Duvall.
For more info about the show, please visit: jerylparade.com.
