The Mushroom
The second of the 8 “fruits” of Forbidden Fruit isn’t really a fruit…but it is a fruiting body! Today, we’re talking about The Mushroom.
Playwright Andrea Stolowitz provides some insight into the creation of the character represented by this this fungal fruit, portrayed by actor Vana O’Brien…
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In 8 words, how would you describe the world of this room?
AS: Timeless, earthy, learned, steadfast, familiar without knowing why.
Did you pick your fruit? What drew you to it?
AS: I am an avid mushroom forager and have been engaging in this hobby for over twenty years.
Where did you begin with building a story? Has your concept transformed over time?
AS: I just started with why a mushroom would be forbidden and then I took way the obvious psychedelic implications which were not that interesting to me. I began to think of mushrooms as medicines and that varying degrees of toxicity could bring about medicinal uses.
Are there texts, tales, or real-world events that have inspired your work on this piece?
AS: The story of Adam, Lilith, Eve and the current attempts to control women’s access to abortion and reproductive medicine.
As we begin physically devising and rehearsing, what are you curious about exploring?
AS: I am excited to see how all the pieces will find their intersections with each other.
Without revealing too much, what design elements are you excited for in this room?
AS: Cooking and the smell-o-rama.
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Forbidden Fruit runs March 4th - April 1st. Book your tickets here.
~Kai