INTERVIEW: Sam Shepard’s ‘Simpatico’ receives rare off-Broadway revival
Photo: From left, Brandon Hughes stars as Vinnie and Kirk Gostkowski as Carter in Simpatico at the Chain Theatre in New York City. Photo courtesy of the production / Provided by Kampfire PR with permission.
The late Sam Shepard left behind a treasure trove of works that speak to the destructive heart of humanity and the false image of the American west. One of the lesser-produced plays in his oeuvre is Simpatico, which brings audience members to the difficult and competitive world of horse racing. Carter is the main character, a man who runs thoroughbreds in Kentucky, but he can’t focus on the horse business because he’s trying to make amends with his former best friend, Vinnie, according to press notes.
Simpatico is currently receiving a rare off-Broadway revival at the Chain Theatre in Midtown Manhattan. Shepard’s play is being given new energy by David Zayas Jr., who is making his off-Broadway directorial debut. The production stars Kirk Gostkowski, Brandon Hughes, Pete Mattaliano, Elizabeth Bays, Christina Elise Perry and Monica Park. Performances run through Saturday, June 29.
Recently Zayas Jr. exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox to talk about the production and his big debut. For the unbeknownst, the director is the son of Tony-nominated actor David Zayas, so it’s safe to say that theater runs in the family. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
Are you excited to be making your off-Broadway directorial debut?
Yes, I’m super excited to make my off-Broadway debut. It’s been a few years in the making, and I have an amazing team of actors and crew that’s helping me make it happen.
What do you like about the work of Sam Shepard?
It is my first time directing Sam Shepard, and his writing is so complex and layered with so many hidden messages in the text, the cadence among some of the words. It’s just fun to see our actors deliver.
Why do you think this play is not produced more?
This play is not a easy play to put together. It takes some time to really dwell into the story and see how you can break it down for the actors and myself to really know what the characters are suppose to be feeling and expressing. Power dynamics appear to go back and forth, among other things we discovered while going through this process. I think the ending gives the freedom to the audience on how to take it in, and some theater companies are probably hesitant to do that.
How do you see the characters of Carter and Vinnie?
This journey starts with Carter and Vinnie right off the bat. We see major difference between them visually, but are they different at all? [You] need to come see the play to see for yourself.
When did you realize you wanted to be a director?
I always knew I wanted to be part of this industry in some way — growing up in the theater community watching my dad and many other amazing actors, directors and crew. I just felt comfortable and in a magical place of collaboration, but I didn’t know until I was on the set of Dexter, standing in for my dad and pretty much getting paid to attend a working film school and being exposed to the process, that I was like, wow, this is my happy place. And [I] want to be here and make people feel something with anything I work on.
How much has your father’s love for acting influenced your career choice?
He’s a huge part of my career choice. He goes at it open heart and open mind, and it’s amazing to see his passion and see how happy it makes him and the people he works with. It’s not a easy career choice as many of us know. A lot comes with it, but to see the work after all the hours and days and months you put into it is amazing to me. Dad supports me immensely, and I’m extremely lucky he’s always been there for me, pushing me to be a better artist, but also a better person.
Where do you sit during a performance, and what’s going through your mind when watching the actors?
I sit way in the back normally. I obviously watch the actors, but I really pay attention to the audience, see what they take in, see how they feel and what the feeling is in the air throughout the theater. I try to go to most of the performances to be there for my actors and just make the play climb to be the best we can make it. So please come see Simpatico at the Chain Theatre, and see our take on this Sam Shepard play.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Simpatico, directed by David Zayas Jr., continues at the Chain Theatre in Midtown Manhattan though Saturday, June 29. Click here for more information and tickets.
