BroadwayRadio: Today on Broadway – Tuesday, February 4, 2025
In this episode of Today on Broadway, host James Marino invites listeners into an engaging dialogue with Matt Wolfe and Sam Kisijukian, focusing on the Vineyard Theatre's return engagement of Sam's innovative show, 300 Paintings. This conversation delves deep into the creative process, mental health, and the transformative power of art and theater in reflecting personal and universal experiences.
Introduction to Sam Kisijukian and 300 Paintings
Matt Wolfe kicks off the conversation by expressing fascination with Sam's unique blend of art and theater. He asks, "How are you taking the New York audiences? Are they giving you something different than audiences either back home or anywhere else around the world has given you so far?" (05:14).
Sam Kisijukian shares the journey of 300 Paintings, highlighting its origins in Australia and its evolution through the Edinburgh Fringe Festival before landing in New York. He reveals, "I think I've. There's been some calibration doing it in New York, but it's easily my most favorite place of doing it" (05:42). Sam emphasizes how New York's vibrant and relentless environment mirrors the themes of identity loss and mental health crises portrayed in his show.
Adapting to New York's Unique Audience Dynamics
Sam discusses the cultural nuances between Australian and New York humor, noting, "In Australia we imply what we mean by saying what we don't... And here, you know, it might be the very nature of the city. It's a difficult city. I think you have to really get to the point" (07:50). This adjustment was crucial in resonating with New York audiences, who appreciate succinctness and clarity.
He reflects on how these differences influenced his performance style, leading to a more direct approach in storytelling and humor to match the fast-paced, clear communication preferred by New Yorkers.
Embracing a No-Script Approach: Focusing on Process Over Product
When asked about the impact of his no-script methodology, Sam reveals, "So both to my. To the theater's dismay, and this is new process for all them... I really want to... how can I best communicate the story?" (08:17). This approach allows him to adapt in real-time to the diverse demographics of his audience, ranging from psychiatrists to school children.
Sam further explains that focusing on the creative process rather than a fixed script keeps both him and the audience engaged, ensuring that each performance remains fresh and authentic. "It also keeps it interesting for me to have, like, that constant risk. It makes me feel present. It means that the story never dies for me" (09:15).
Art as a Medium for Communicating Mental Health and Creativity
Delving into his personal journey, Sam shares how 300 Paintings emerged from a period of intense self-discovery during a manic episode. He recounts, "At this specific point I felt very disillusioned. I quit comedy after 10 years... and then I had the idea to start painting" (10:06). The paintings became a visual diary of his fluctuating mental states, serving as a bridge between his conscious and subconscious minds.
Sam emphasizes that his art is not merely for display but a form of communication: "I really try to reflect what is most me into a piece" (23:58). This perspective shifts the audience's focus from judging the final artwork to appreciating the intricate processes and emotions that gave rise to each piece.
Impact on Audiences: Shifting from Product to Process Appreciation
Matt Wolfe probes into how emphasizing the creative process alters audience reception. Sam responds thoughtfully, "The process behind producing anything is the most human aspect of it... I'm not trying to make an artwork or a theater show" (13:38). By highlighting the struggles and thoughts behind each painting, Sam invites the audience to connect more deeply with the underlying emotions and mental states portrayed.
He adds, "I want to protect myself so I can give people, you know, that connection. People connect with humanity, I really think" (15:30). This human-centric approach fosters a more empathetic and introspective experience for the audience, encouraging them to reflect on their own mental and emotional landscapes.
Breaking Genre Boundaries: Theater, Art, and Comedy Intertwined
Sam discusses the challenges and rewards of blending multiple genres. He notes, "If you can get people laughing and enjoying, they can enjoy that... then it also lowers people's defenses" (20:07). This fusion allows for the seamless integration of humor with serious themes, making complex and often stigmatized topics more accessible.
Despite some confusion from reviewers about the show's genre, Sam embraces the ambiguity, stating, "I'm just trying to reflect what is most me into a piece... it's other people that are like, hey, you should do this in a theater" (21:41). The flexibility of his creative approach has garnered interest from diverse venues, including art museums and theaters, broadening the show's reach and impact.
Personal Reflection and Audience Takeaways
In discussing his favorite painting, Sam humbly admits, "I do every painting... it's hard to pick a favorite" (23:58). Each piece represents a different emotional state and moment in his journey, making them all equally significant.
When asked about what he hopes audiences gain, Sam responds, "I'm not so interested in what people will discover about me... I think that everybody will... open a conversation in ways that maybe they've not thought about recently" (25:27). His goal is to empower individuals to embrace their internal experiences and recognize the strength in their unique perspectives, especially those grappling with mental health challenges.
Conclusion: A Bridge Between Art and Humanity
The episode concludes with Matt Wolfe applauding Sam's accomplishments and expressing admiration for his innovative approach. Sam's 300 Paintings stands as a testament to the profound interplay between art, personal struggle, and the human condition, offering audiences a deeply resonant and thought-provoking experience.
Notable Quotes:
- Sam Kisijukian (05:42): "It's easily my most favorite place of doing it."
- Sam Kisijukian (07:50): "In Australia we imply what we mean by saying what we don't."
- Sam Kisijukian (09:15): "It keeps me feel present. It means that the story never dies for me."
- Sam Kisijukian (15:30): "People connect with humanity, I really think."
- Sam Kisijukian (25:27): "I think that everybody will... open a conversation in ways that maybe they've not thought about recently."
This episode of Today on Broadway offers a compelling exploration of how personal narratives and mental health can be powerfully expressed through the arts, providing both creators and audiences with new avenues for understanding and connection.