Saturday, May 10, 2014

The Gospel According to...Anna Dart

Name: Anna Dart

Hometown: Eugene, Oregon

Education: BA Theater Whitman College, Maggie Flanigan Studio

Who do you play in The Mysteries?: an Angel

Tell us about The Mysteries: The Mysteries is spectacular event in an intimate space. That's what I love about it. It's a riotous, joyful, dramatic re-telling of the bible featuring 48 exciting playwrights and 54 actors, where every story is a new perspective and voice. It brims with color and sound, and even dessert. And YOU are a part of all of it. 

Describe The Mysteries in three words: Epic, eccentric, sublime.

What's the wildest costume you wear in The Mysteries?: That's a tough call. Could it be the ski mask covered in strips of neon linen? Or the iridescent silver tube top that is ACTUALLY a  gathered bathing suit cleverly hidden by hieroglyphic guacho pants? These are the real mysteries, my friends . . . .

If you could be anyone from The Bible, who would you be?: Hm. Perhaps Eve -- you know, before that whole awkward banished from Eden business. I don't think I'd have resisted the apple either -- but imagine living in a world without the concept of shame, even for a day -- how amazing would that be?

Which company member is most likely to actually have lived during Biblical times?: Yup, I'm gonna go with Kyle Hines, our Lazarus.  I can just see him striding around a village in sandals and robes.

Which company member is most likely to be the Messiah?: Colin, our Jesus. He is so dedicated and courageous in this role. I believe him.

Most likely to become an angel?: Alex Haynes. Nicest guy you'll ever meet.

Most likely to hear voices in their head?:
Kara, our killer stage manager. But she's got all those voices in line. Managing 54 actors? The woman works miracles daily.

Who's the most spiritual?: Maybe Lauren Hayes -- I once had a lovely talk with her about faith. But it depends on what you mean by spiritual.

On the 8th day god said ______: Let there be naptime.

Are you going to heaven or hell?: Heaven. But Asia Kate Dillon is such a cool Lucifer that the alternative is tempting. 

Which of the Seven Deadly Sins are you?: Sloth. I'm the type who'd watch all of Six Feet Under in one go. See you in a week.

What's the biggest inside joke at The Mysteries?: There are so many now! Which one? Which one first? Ok, probably the way Ed, our fearless leader, says 'yes' when something works on stage. It's a sort of "Yaaaaaaaaaaasss! Weeeerk!" And then there is joy.

What's your favorite moment from The Mysteries?: There's a really lovely moment in Don Nyugen's episode between Joseph and Jesus that gets me every time. I'm in love with the whole Next Supper play -- Kate Thulin has a monologue that consistently makes me cry-laugh. I also adore blessing the shepards. And when Thomas the Apostle loses his temper. Or when Thomas the Apostle says ANYTHING. There are too many juicy moments to choose from.

What is the most rewarding part about being a member of The Mysteries?: Working with people that are so passionate about their work, and fun to play with. For real. I love watching the show every night right along with the audience - it never gets old.

Why should we come see The Mysteries?:  Because it's so inclusive and fascinating! So many stories! It's like living inside a bizarre and moving dream for an entire night, with all your friends.