Eileen Rivera
How did you get involved with Barriers?
Colette Robert and I worked together on a staged reading for 2G recently so she contacted me directly to come in and read.
How do you prepare for the role of Naima?
I wanted to make sure that Naima has a hint of an accent, so I put some energy toward that. But mostly I'm discovering this character in the rehearsal room. She tends to repeat herself throughout the play. She has a lot of strong feelings she doesn't know how to deal with, and she is questioning all her life choices.
What have been some of your challenges so far?
Because we're dealing with themes of grief, anger and disconnection, I started the rehearsal process with Naima being a little stiff and sad and angry. As it became clearer to me that not everything we say is uber-loaded with meaning, that it all takes place at home, and that some events in the play actually bring Naima joy, I began relaxing a bit more and that's when the good stuff usually starts happening.
Can you give us a behind-the-scenes tidbit about Barriers?
The scene we call the "Jeff and Chris" scene gives us all the giggles. Sunkrish and Joe are so committed to these very earnest characters that we all have trouble keeping a straight face.
Anything else you want to say about the show, about you, about life?
Having been in Manhattan on 9/11/01, I always want to honor the day itself every year in some small way. Doing this play, and specifically two performances and a talkback on 9/11/11, will be extremely moving and gratifying. It's one way I will feel like I'm giving back, when ten years ago I felt so helpless.
For tickets: visit here.org or call 212-352-3101
Back to Barriers
Colette Robert and I worked together on a staged reading for 2G recently so she contacted me directly to come in and read.
How do you prepare for the role of Naima?
I wanted to make sure that Naima has a hint of an accent, so I put some energy toward that. But mostly I'm discovering this character in the rehearsal room. She tends to repeat herself throughout the play. She has a lot of strong feelings she doesn't know how to deal with, and she is questioning all her life choices.
What have been some of your challenges so far?
Because we're dealing with themes of grief, anger and disconnection, I started the rehearsal process with Naima being a little stiff and sad and angry. As it became clearer to me that not everything we say is uber-loaded with meaning, that it all takes place at home, and that some events in the play actually bring Naima joy, I began relaxing a bit more and that's when the good stuff usually starts happening.
Can you give us a behind-the-scenes tidbit about Barriers?
The scene we call the "Jeff and Chris" scene gives us all the giggles. Sunkrish and Joe are so committed to these very earnest characters that we all have trouble keeping a straight face.
Anything else you want to say about the show, about you, about life?
Having been in Manhattan on 9/11/01, I always want to honor the day itself every year in some small way. Doing this play, and specifically two performances and a talkback on 9/11/11, will be extremely moving and gratifying. It's one way I will feel like I'm giving back, when ten years ago I felt so helpless.
For tickets: visit here.org or call 212-352-3101
Back to Barriers
