In Part 2 of interviews with the cast of Hard Bargain Players’ Radio Golf, meet Baakari Wilder.
Joel: Please tell our readers where they may have seen you appear on our local stages and the roles you have played.
Baakari: I appeared in Mosaic Theater Company’s “Unexplored Interior” (Presidential Guard).
Why did you want to appear in Radio Golf?
I’ve been dying to do an August Wilson play.
Have you ever appeared in a Radio Golf production or any other August Wilson plays? Who did you play?
No. This is my first August Wilson play.
How would you describe an August Wilson play?
A beautiful reflection of the African American experience.
Who are you playing and how do you relate to your character?
I play Roosevelt in the play and I’m driven to succeed like he is.
How has Director Terry Spann helped you to mold your performance? What challenges have you had preparing for your role and how did your director help you with these challenges?
He’ s allowed a lot of freedom to experiment and develop character, and at the same time shared lots of encouraging word to help prepare for taking on the role. Getting the lines inside me was a challenge and Terry provided exercises that were very helpful to me.
What have you learned about yourself as an actor during this process?
A regimented-at-home rehearsal produces great results. A lot of time and energy must go into preparing for a role.
What does Radio Golf have to say to today’s audiences?
Should our concern be simply for ourselves, or others as well?
What has your Hard Bargain experience been like and what do you admire most about your fellow cast members’ performances?
It’s been a great experience. A lot of time was taken in developing this project which I think was necessary. This is a local company that seems to have big and passionate dreams. I admire their level of skill and commitment.
What do you want audiences to take with them after seeing Radio Golf?
I want them to think about how the issues presented might affect them and their community or the communities that surround them.
Running Time: Two hours and 30 minutes, with a 10-minute intermission.
Radio Golf plays through Saturday, August 27, 2016 at Hard Bargain Players at Hard Bargain Amphitheater – 2001 Bryan Point Road, in Accokeek, MD. For tickets, purchase them online.
LINKS:
Meet the Cast of Hard Bargain’s ‘Radio Golf’: Part 1: Lolita Marie by Joel Markowitz.
Meet the Cast of Hard Bargain’s ‘Radio Golf’: Part 2: Baakari Wilder.
Meet the Cast of Hard Bargain’s ‘Radio Golf’: Part 3: DeJeanette Horne.
Review of ‘Radio Golf’ at Hard Bargain Players by William Powell.
A Preview of ‘Radio Golf’ Which Opens This Friday, August 12th at 8 PM at Hard Bargain Players by Terry Spann.
