Anya Kai reporting
The American Theatre of Actors (ATA) Complex in New York City is currently hosting a compelling double feature, “Laurie Rae Waugh Double Feature,” from July 9th to 20th. Among the captivating productions is Sarah Vindigni’s play, “¡Poof!”, directed by Laurie Rae Waugh, which features a notable performance by actor William Allen in the role of Joey.
“¡Poof!” plunges audiences into a timely and thought-provoking scenario: union activists taking over Metro Energy in NYC, threatening to shut down the power grid if their demands are not met. The play raises critical questions about whether such a drastic measure could succeed and its potential global implications.
William Allen, who plays Joey, offers unique insights into his artistic approach and the relevance of the play’s themes. For Allen, the initial draw to “¡Poof!” was the exceptional level of its dialogue. Accustomed to the “heavy dialogue” of Shakespearean or older written plays, he found the contemporary subject matter combined with intricate linguistic demands to be a compelling challenge. This intrigued him, particularly given the play’s direct connection to current societal issues.
Allen’s creative process begins with a thorough reading of the script to form his initial impression of the character, Joey. He then collaborates closely with director Laurie Rae Waugh and playwright Sarah Vindigni, who provided him with “books and materials” to delve deeper into Joey’s “mystical type of way.” This collaborative exploration allowed Allen to integrate his initial understanding of the character with the nuances provided by the creative team. His aim was to infuse Joey with comedic elements without resorting to “slapstick,” while simultaneously conveying the character’s inherent seriousness.
The themes explored in “¡Poof!” resonate deeply with current events for Allen. He draws a direct parallel to the ongoing sanitation worker strike in Philadelphia, highlighting the vital role these workers play in maintaining urban infrastructure. Allen emphasizes that such strikes, while potentially disruptive, are a legitimate and powerful tool for unions to achieve their demands, acknowledging that “sometimes you have to be willing to risk major consequences for major outcomes.”
Looking beyond “¡Poof!”, Allen reveals his immediate plans involve a well-deserved vacation to “decompress and relax this summer” before returning to the audition circuit. While he aims to delve further into film and television projects, he notes that “the stage continues to call me,” indicating his enduring passion for live theatre.
William Allen’s portrayal of Joey in “¡Poof!” offers audiences a chance to engage with a timely and challenging narrative, brought to life by an actor who deeply considers both the text and its real-world implications.
ARTIUM: OMNI 