BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: "Class Notes: Tripp Cullman “We Had A World”"

Episode Information:

• Title: BroadwayRadio
• Host/Author: BroadwayRadio
• Description: Broadway's Premier Podcasts
• Episode: Class Notes: Tripp Cullman “We Had A World”
• Release Date: March 25, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of BroadwayRadio, host Lauren Klaus Schneider engages in an insightful conversation with Tripp Cullman, the director of the compelling play We Had A World. Presented by the Manhattan Theatre Club at City Center Stage Two, the episode delves deep into the creative process behind the play, Cullman's directorial approach, casting choices, and the intricate dynamics of bringing such a personal story to the stage.

About the Play: "We Had A World"

We Had A World is a searing, funny, and deeply personal play authored by Joshua Harmon. It portrays a span of 30 years marked by family conflicts, monstrous behavior, immense cruelty, and enduring love. The narrative centers around a dying woman who entrusts her grandson with the task of writing a play about their family.

Lauren Klaus Schneider (00:16):

"In this searing, funny, and deeply personal play, the author, Joshua Harmon, recreates 30 years of family fights, monstrous behavior, enormous cruelty, and enduring love."

Tripp Cullman's Role as Director

Cullman describes his role as pivotal in the dramaturgical development of the play. Emphasizing collaboration with Joshua Harmon, he focuses on clarifying the play’s vision and intent, while fostering a creative and enjoyable environment for rewrites.

Tripp Cullman (00:49):

"I'm there to offer advice and offer help with clarifying a vision and intention for the work and to always encourage and inspire the writer in terms of rewrites... making it feel like a creative and fun assignment... rather than drudgery."

Play Development and Rewrites

The development of We Had A World began around the onset of the pandemic in 2020. Over several years, Cullman and Harmon have extensively revised the play to enhance its storytelling. Significant changes include reducing extraneous narration to focus more on showing rather than telling and balancing the perspectives of the three central characters: Joshua (the grandson), Ellen (the mother), and Renee (the grandmother).

Tripp Cullman (01:42):

"There has been a significant amount of rewrites... taking out extraneous narration so that the piece is doing more showing than telling... balancing the three perspectives in the play."

Casting of the Play

Casting for We Had A World was a meticulous and serendipitous process. Cullman highlights the importance of each actor’s prior relationships and their exceptional talent:

• Joanna Gleason as Renee: Cullman had envisioned Gleason from an early reading, appreciating her caliber and stature.
• Janine Sarales as Ellen: A Yale School of Drama alumna and Cullman's muse from drama school, Sarales was a natural choice.
• Andrew Barth Feldman as Joshua: A dynamic and brilliant 22-year-old actor, Feldman impressed Cullman through his support for colleagues and showcased his exceptional talent during readings.

Tripp Cullman (04:19):

"It came about in very, very roundabout ways... Joanna Gleason... Janine Sarales... Andrew Barth Feldman... a dream team of these three brilliant performers at the absolute top of their game."

Rehearsal Process

Cullman emphasizes the critical nature of the first day of rehearsal, aiming to establish a foundation of trust, joy, and creative agency. He believes that setting the right tone initially fosters a fulfilling and joyful rehearsal process.

Tripp Cullman (07:38):

"My philosophy is always, I have to get everyone on board with the show... creating an atmosphere of deep trust, deep joy and love... so that we can go about the process of... working through all of the intense emotionality of the piece in a safe environment."

Preparing for Live Performance

Presenting We Had A World in a thrust space at the Manhattan Theatre Club Stage Two presents unique challenges. Cullman outlines his approach to preparing actors for live performances, particularly regarding direct audience engagement and monologues directed at the audience.

Tripp Cullman (09:26):

"Part of the process leading up to that first performance is preparing the actors to truly engage with the audience... especially in a piece like this that has a lot of direct address... I always also like to say that a piece is incomplete until an audience is there."

He stresses the importance of viewing the live audience as a vital component of the production, transforming potential anxiety into an opportunity for connection.

Personal Insights and Influences

Cullman shares personal anecdotes about his family and how they influence his work. He draws parallels between the characters in We Had A World and his own family's quirks and dynamics, enriching the authenticity of the performances.

Tripp Cullman (11:39):

"The mannerisms and little quirks and idiosyncrasies of behavior and the way how she's dressed are absolutely inspired by my own family."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Schneider expressing admiration for Cullman's sensitive directorial approach and the promising future of the cast, particularly highlighting Andrew Barth Feldman's potential for stardom. Cullman's dedication to creating a collaborative, trusting environment underscores his reputation as a sought-after director in the Broadway community.

Lauren Klaus Schneider (12:12):

"Thank you again."

Tripp Cullman (12:14):

"Oh, my absolute pleasure."

We Had A World stands as a testament to collaborative artistry, personal storytelling, and the intricate craft of theater direction. Through this episode, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the play's journey from conception to stage, guided by Tripp Cullman's insightful perspectives and unwavering commitment to authenticity.