Jennifer Patino Interview by Jen Bush
The American Theatre of Actors spearheaded by James Jennings is a landmarked institution that has been presenting quality works by new artists for nearly five decades. ATA concludes its 47th Season with the classic tale of ELECTRA – part of our Season of Classics and part of our Directors’ Festival.
Electra and her brother Orestes seek justice for the murder of their father Agamemnon by their mother Clytemnestra and stepfather Aegisthus.
Directed by Sean Prasso, the cast features Billy Gillen, Sam Hardy, Alan Hasnas, Bessie Nellis, Jennifer Patino , Dustin Pazar, Amanda Stamm and Annie Unger.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Clytemnestra herself, Jennifer Patino.
A creative process is an important component of being an artist. It’s a highly personal endeavor that varies from person to person. “I’ll be playing Clytemnestra, Electra’s mother. I don’t have just one process when preparing for a role. I’ve been fortunate to study with some amazing teachers and I take bits from what I’ve learned with them and apply whatever tools I need for the specific character.”
Ms. Patino recognizes the significance of the classics in the 21st century. “The classics will always be important. Whether we realize it or not, the stories we see now on TV and film have their roots in classic plays, stories and fables but are just told through different circumstances. Tales of love, murder, deception, etc have always been told. Not only is it important to know the origin, it’s also incredible seeing how what people were experiencing emotionally hundreds of years ago is what we still deal with today.”
Despite the fact that centuries have passed, somehow the meanings of the classics have not changed that much. “Similar to what I said in the previous response, at the root of these stories are emotions, desires and challenges we still see to this day and they will continue on forever.”
Ms. Patino is yet another satisfied artist in the droves of artists who have graced the portals of the ATA! “It’s been an immense pleasure getting to work at a theatre that has been around so long and housed many incredible plays and performances.
Electra
8/23-8/27
The American Theatre of Actors
314 West 54th Street New York, NY 10019
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