In part two in a series of interviews with the cast of Voices the play, meet Stanley Freeman.
Joel: Tell us about yourself. How long have you been acting in the DC, MD, VA area? What are some of your more recent shows?
Stanley: I’ve been acting in the DMV for the past 3 years. Most recently, I stage managed Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grille at Spotlighters theatre in Baltimore, MD.
Who do you play in VOICES? What has been your favorite (or most challenging) moment in becoming your character? How has Director Jared Shamberger helped you in your process?
In VOICES, I play “Alex” and “Husband.” My most challenging moment was finding a way to connect with my character, “Alex.” He is only in one scene, but the scene is important for establishing the background of “Shirley.” It was difficult for me to find his voice, but I was thrilled when I did. Jared has been incredibly open and receptive to our various interpretations of these characters. That has allowed us to evolve into these characters.
You have an interesting head shot can you tell us what it symbolizes and how the image relates to the play?
My headshot is reflective of the light we all have inside of us, and how either we or society tries to keep it hidden/buried inside.
VOICES is the second installment in the BOXES trilogy. How do you think VOICES builds on BOXES? Will audiences be able to enjoy the show if they have never seen BOXES?
VOICES takes BOXES to a new and more focused level. Boxes encourages the viewer to get out and “do something,” anything, just DO something. VOICES encourages the viewer to use what they have within them and choose the life they want to live. VOICES tells the viewer to get up and take control; speak up and out, and decide what your life will be. I think that the viewer will appreciate this piece, even if they haven’t seen BOXES. Now, I do believe that the overall message would have a greater impact if they’ve seen BOXES.
The playwright, Ebony Rosemond, considers VOICES to be a motivational play. Do you agree?
I agree that VOICES is a motivational play. The fact that everything in the play is telling you to be honest with yourself about who and what it is that you want to be, and then use that knowledge to decide what your next steps will be; makes it a motivational play.
What have you learned about yourself as an artist during the rehearsal process?
Throughout this process, I’ve discovered that it is extremely important for me to have an understanding of my character in order to truly bring him/her to life.
What do you want audience members to remember when they leave the theatre?
I’d like for the audience to realize/know/remember that they have the power to choose their lives. While nothing is perfect, they can make things better. If they’re unhappy, don’t just settle for that unhappiness. Fight the odds and popular opinion, in order to get to a place where you’re happy with yourself and your life. At the end of the day, you are the only person who has to live your life.
Voices the play plays from May 12-22, 2016 at Mead Theatre Lab at Flashpoint – 916 G Street, NW, in Washington, DC. For tickets, purchase them online.
LINK:
Meet the Cast of Roseprose Productions’ ‘Voices the play’: Part 1: Meet Eli El.
Meet the Cast of Roseprose Productions’ ‘Voices the play’: Part 2: Meet Stanley Freeman.
