EVERYBODY In Conversation With Chelsea Dàvid

Q) What is your role in EVERYBODY?
A) Usher/God/Understanding

Q) EVERYBODY can be performed a variety of 120 different ways based on its nightly casting concept. How has this rehearsal process been for you so far?
A) It has been really eye-opening to the kind of artists we have in Chicago: brave, intelligent, malleable artists who aren't afraid of doing the work. It has been all inspiring to watch my fellow cast mates find their play. It has only served to motivate me in my work.

Q) What have you learned the most while working with Erin and your cast mates?
A) Patience. Patience. Patience. Trust the work and who you share the stage with. Be open to criticism because it is most likely being posed to enhance what you are already doing, not take away. We all bring a unique voice to the table that should be accounted for. 

Q) EVERYBODY features the ideas of Love, God, Kinship, Friendship, Death, Understanding, etc. and personifies them as everyday people. Which idea is speaking to you the strongest recently?
A) Two things: that God (or whatever you ascribe to) is a great scientist with a curious mind and a genuine love for their creations, and that where someone roots their Understanding varies greatly from person to person.

Q) What about this production is special or why should audiences come see it?
A) To question our own perspectives and challenge our own understandings only helps to broaden our world view and more deeply connect with those around us. The bravery that I hope to witness, both with the cast in putting on this play and the audience for seeing it, is what makes this whole project worthwhile to me. I am learning and will learn more and more during each performance, and that constant state of learning is what is so exciting to me.

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Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' EVERYBODY runs July 13-August 12 at The Buena at Pride Arts Center. Tickets can be purchased HERE - and make sure to pick up a See EVERYBODY Again punch card at the Box Office for repeat-viewing discounts!