All Of It Podcast Episode Summary
Episode Title: We Had a World' Based On Secret Recordings of A Dying Grandmother
Release Date: April 18, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart
Guests:
- Andrew Barth Feldman – Actor known for Dear Evan Hansen
- Trip Cullman – Director
- Joshua Harmon – Playwright (via Zoom)
Introduction to the Play
In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the creation and impact of the play We Had a World, a New York Times Critics' Pick currently running off-Broadway at the Manhattan Theater Club's City Center Stage until May 11th. The play is inspired by playwright Joshua Harmon's secret recordings of his final conversations with his dying grandmother, exploring the complexities of familial relationships and personal history.
Notable Quote:
"ALL OF IT is a show about culture and context." – WNYC System Description
Genesis and Development of the Play
Joshua Harmon shares the inception of We Had a World, explaining how his recordings with his grandmother became the foundation for his latest work. Encouraged by his grandmother to create a brutally honest portrayal of their family dynamic, Harmon sought to transform personal dialogues into a compelling dramatic narrative.
Notable Quotes:
- "I wanted you to promise me to make it as bitter and vitriolic as possible. In other words, giving me license to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth." [02:52]
- "I think it's for each person a very personal experience. And I guess that's the beauty of it." [21:02]
Directorial Vision and Staging
Director Trip Cullman discusses the creative decisions behind the play's intimate staging. The lack of elaborate props and the open stage design are intentional choices to foster audience imagination and engagement. Starting the play with the protagonist in his underwear serves as a metaphor for vulnerability, aligning with the play's themes of exposing deep-seated family secrets.
Notable Quotes:
- "I thought it was like a kind of perfect visual metaphor to get the writer stripped down and exposed." [04:01]
- "The audience is required to utilize their imaginative process." [07:29]
Performance Dynamics and Actor Insights
Andrew Barth Feldman highlights the unique challenges and rewards of performing in an intimate setting compared to larger productions like Dear Evan Hansen. The ever-changing audience dynamics necessitate a heightened level of presence and adaptability from the actors, fostering a deep connection between performers and audience members.
Notable Quotes:
- "There's nowhere to hide. You have to be alive. You have to be listening." [06:25]
- "The audience reacts completely differently every night. And it is a chemistry that I am fascinated by." [19:53]
Director Cullman emphasizes the collaborative process with the actors, particularly in adapting to the absence of a live audience during rehearsals. Introducing friends into the rehearsal space helped actors acclimate to genuine audience interactions, enhancing the authenticity of their performances.
Notable Quote:
"We're very different every day. But it's everybody, collectively and individually, is bringing something so different every day." [19:57]
Exploring Complex Characters and Relationships
The play centers on the strained relationship between Joshua, his mother Ellen, and his grandmother Renee. Actor Janine Saralis, portraying Ellen, brings depth to her character's internal conflicts—balancing love and resentment towards her own mother. The narrative explores how unresolved familial tensions influence personal growth and relationships.
Notable Quotes:
- "How do you square that circle? How do you make sure that you don't pass on that dysfunction to your progeny?" [07:23]
- "She is the killjoy at the very top. But... it's very hard to hold all of those different truths in your head." [15:39]
Audience Engagement and Personal Resonance
Joshua Harmon reflects on the personal connections audiences forge with the play, revealing that viewers often project their own family experiences onto the narrative. This universal resonance underscores the play's exploration of identity, memory, and the multifaceted nature of love within families.
Notable Quotes:
- "It just felt like I knew this was going to be the last time I talked to her and I wanted to make sure that I remembered what we said." [02:19]
- "People are watching it. I think we realized... they're starting to really process something personal, and that's exciting." [21:02]
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
We Had a World serves as both a personal memoir and a universal examination of family dynamics. Through its intimate staging and raw emotional depth, the play invites audiences to reflect on their own relationships and the intricate layers that shape familial bonds. The collaborative efforts of Harmon, Cullman, Feldman, and Saralis bring a nuanced and heartfelt portrayal to the stage, making it a standout production in the contemporary theater landscape.
Final Quote:
"There is nobody like her." [10:14] – Janine Saralis on Janine Saralis' portrayal of Ellen
Production Details:
We Had a World is currently playing at the Manhattan Theater Club's City Center Stage until May 11th, featuring performances by Joanna Gleason, Ellen Sierras, and Andrew Barth Feldman.
This summary encapsulates the rich discussions and insights shared by the guests, providing a comprehensive overview of We Had a World for those who haven't listened to the episode.