Today we have an interview with Ruth Fingret. A Playwright, Director and Producer.
Ruth's first show for Short + Sweet was "You Used to Call me Pattycakes" in 2011 which won Audience vote award.
Her most recent Short + Sweet project was her play "Riya" which got to the Gla Finals in 2022
She is now directing the premiere of a brand new Australian play titled "The Stoned Ape" at the Bondi Pavilion 2-13 April
We have asked a few questions about her directing approach for the new work. 1. What about this production compelled you to direct it? Ruth: This show is a complicated piece originally written for film. It has three interweaving stories and over forty scenes. I liked the challenge of this. In addition, the writing is tight, at times very funny, at times extremely tragic. Further, the story has some deeply abstract elements to it that I felt would be interesting to dramatize on stage.
2. How did you approach your first rehearsal? Ruth: First rehearsals are usually a table read and I like to set the scene for what I expect from actors during the rehearsal process being focus, thoughtfulness and a collegiate ensemble. I think it’s important to show them that you are organised and have a good understanding of the script before we start rehearsals as there are always a lot of questions. I also feel they need to know that you don’t have all the answers and that they must do their own exploration. The table read is usually read cold, meaning I don’t necessarily want expression or ‘offers’ from them as this can put pressure on other actors. They work at difference paces and some can be very intuitive and nail things very early while others take a while to get there. I like them to all feel comfortable with their processes.
3. What is the most interesting or challenging part of the text for you to stage? Ruth: One of the scenes is actually a kind of dream sequence and while the dream is not difficult to stage the transition to reality at the end is challenging. I don’t want to play it like a high school trope of this happened and then they woke up because it is a deep exploration of one of the characters inner consciousness.
4. What do you intend audience’s to get out of the production. Ruth: I hope audiences will be entertained by the comedic elements of the play; give thought to some of the deeper themes of betrayal, revenge and healing; and, feel compassion for characters who have lost their way and find themselves in deeply tragic circumstances as a result. My cast is brilliant and audiences will also see some fantastic performances.
Show details: Where, When, Ticket link. The show opens at the Bondi Pavilion on Sunday April 2 and runs until April 13. Website: https://stonedape.au/
Outside of directing feature length plays, Ruth works as an online story doctor/tutor for the Writers Studio and currently has 18 budding novelists under her tutelage. https://www.facebook.com/ruthfingret