ARTIST'S STATEMENT
As a theatre practitioner, I believe theatre is simply a mirror of the world, and the beautiful thing about this art is that we all see what’s in that mirror differently. Directing is not merely the orchestration of actors on stage, but at its core is the art of storytelling. We are dealing with human souls and their stories, and there is nothing more powerful than showcasing diverse experiences onstage. As a theatre director, I am committed to cultivating profound and transformative experiences which transcend the boundaries of the stage and resonate within the hearts of both the audience and the ensemble.
Before I begin a new project, I ask the simple question: “Why this show, right now?” As a director, I cannot ignore the social responsibility to foster a dialogue around the conflict in our world and society. If theatre is a mirror, then I aim to reflect not only the universal experiences that connect us, but also the messy complexities that have divided us for so long. While every production is an opportunity to delve into the human condition and explore themes that bind us together, I strive to illuminate diverse experiences onstage and nurture empathy in our audiences. Theatre is a powerful medium for storytelling that transcends time and culture and can be a force of change and progress if we create the opportunity to spark a conversation onstage.
With the approach to necessary storytelling, I always aim to be the director who thrives on collaboration amongst his cast and team. While the director is commonly associated with simply positioning actors and implementing a vision, I most value combining the perspectives and talents of the ensemble and creating the opportunity to discuss and discover together. In fact, I often joke that I'm the master of questions. “What are we trying to do with this show? Why are the characters placed in this conflict? Why did you say your line that way?” I aim to serve as a catalyst for actor discovery, and encourage a deeper exploration into the vast landscapes of the human psyche. I cherish the collaborative alchemy of theatre, and believe directing with a synergistic approach allows our stories to unfold authentically onstage and transform our audiences.
Reflecting the real world’s stories is our chance to build empathy in audiences, and I believe theatre leaves its biggest impact when the mirror we hold up to our audience has a special lens on. As a detail oriented director, I also thrive on innovation and risk-taking in my visions, and never step away from a chance to push boundaries and challenge the conventional. My commitment to innovative storytelling is not an endeavor for the sake of novelty, but one that aims to create new modes of stimulating audiences’ emotionally and intellectually. In this approach, I welcome the unknown and encourage my ensemble to embrace the uncertainty that comes with pushing our art in a new direction.
Theatre, in essence, is a mirror of our world, and there is nothing more gratifying than placing my artistic lens on that reflection. By directing with the desire to innovate, collaborate, and explore with an ensemble, theatre becomes much more than storytelling. It becomes a cathartic experience for audiences to reflect inwardly and see something new. It’s so empowering to orchestrate these experiences for audiences, and I hope to continue to create empathy in our audiences. After all, these people will carry those stories’ ideas forward from the theatre back into the world around us.