Rogue Theater Company Artistic Director Jessica Sage answers your theater questions

By Jessica Sage

Dear Jessica,

I’m fascinated by your play choices. I usually haven’t heard of the plays you choose, but when I see them, I am bowled over. What is your process of selecting plays?

— Sandy P.

Hi Sandy,

Thank you. I believe the choice of plays is the most important decision I make as artistic director. I read about 20 new plays a month. Some I don’t get past the first page; others lose me along the way. I listen for the flow of the language. Is this how people really talk? Do the exchanges keep me interested and curious to find out what happens next? I’m also looking for specific qualities: plays that are intelligent, thought provoking, and deal with the complexity of human relationships.

Our standards are high because our audience comprises people who are savvy and have come to expect to be challenged as well as entertained. Will the play inspire? Will the audience have an enriching and memorable experience? This matters to me when choosing plays.

We are fortunate to have a superlative pool of actors who want to work with us, and I frequently read plays with particular actors in mind. Actors also recommend plays that they’d like to perform at Rogue Theater Company (RTC). This season, “Off Peak” was suggested by Robin Goodrin Nordli and Michael Elich, and Dan Donohue proposed “Stones in His Pockets,” which will feature him along with Ray Porter. We are excited about these, and all the plays, in the upcoming season.

Dear Jessica,

I read about Barry Kraft on your website. I know him as an actor, but what is a “gadfly”?

— Kurt F

Hi Kurt, I’m passing this question to the gadfly himself to answer. Barry, what say you?

Thank you for your question, Kurt. In the world of insects, a gadfly is a horsefly (or other of various flies) that attacks horses, cattle, deer and humans. The female gadfly gives a painful bite in order to draw blood. Her object is to obtain sufficient protein from the blood to produce her eggs.

In the world of humans, a gadfly is commonly used to describe a person who stimulates and/or annoys — a persistent, irritating critic.

The most famous gadfly is undoubtedly the Greek philosopher, Socrates. He was on trial for impiety toward the established gods, and having corrupted the Athenian youth with his beliefs. In his defense, he famously said “All day long, I never cease to settle here, there, and everywhere, rousing, persuading, reproving every one of you.” The jurors found him guilty of the charges, and he drank the hemlock.

Skip ahead 20 centuries to Shakespeare’s world, and we find the gadfly embodied in his jesters, clowns and wise fools. These gadflies may be whipped for the truths they say, but not killed. During my longtime occupation as actor and dramaturge for several theaters, I have often self-appointed myself as gadfly.

My minor buzzing, for example, might have been heard when I perceived that an actor could not be seen or heard from areas on stage. My major buzzing was saved so that the directors I was about to work with would know that, as gadfly, I needed to speak out when I thought the playwright’s intentions — as I perceived them — were being ignored or violated. Before initial rehearsals began, I would gift certain directors with a brand new flyswatter to be used on me, should I become too vehement in presenting my view.

Three occasions come to mind: one director thanked me but hid the flyswatter, giving it back to me unused after the play’s final performance; another director menacingly brandished it at me on several occasions but never actually used it; the third swatted me soundly during a rehearsal of “Hamlet” — my favorite play.

Since I had worked as an actor with this director several times, and was on very good personal terms with him, there were no ill feelings. His swatting hurt, but made me painfully aware that it was the director, not the gadfly, who has the final word!

Cheers, Barry

Theater lovers, what would you like to know about theater, acting, stagecraft, etc.? Send your questions to [email protected]. In the meantime, bring up the houselights, and let’s have some fun!

Jessica Sage is artistic director of Rogue Theater Company. RTC’s 2024 season opens March 13 with Robin Goodrin Nordli and Michael Elich in “Off Peak.”