Jan Cohen directs "The Exonerated," which premieres Monday, November 7 at the Vam York!GCP Girl: Tell me about the show.
JC: The show tells the true story, largely in their own words, of six people convicted of murder, put on death row and then released because they are proven to be, in fact, innocent. The four other actors portray all the other characters -- police, judges, lawyers, family, the real bad guy. Their words are also mainly true, from police depositions, court transcripts, etc.
GCP Girl: Why did you want to direct "The Exonerated"?
JC: Kristin Mercer asked if I would put myself forward as director in front of the play select committee. She and I share a taste in strong but emotionally true dramas!
JC: Kristin Mercer asked if I would put myself forward as director in front of the play select committee. She and I share a taste in strong but emotionally true dramas!
GCP Girl: What are the challenges of directing a show like this one?
JC: There are 10 people and 11 chairs, very little to be done in the way of movement, so the key is to focus on the stories and keep the audience involved. The script really helps do that--it is very strong, but also has humor and lots of faith!
JC: There are 10 people and 11 chairs, very little to be done in the way of movement, so the key is to focus on the stories and keep the audience involved. The script really helps do that--it is very strong, but also has humor and lots of faith!
GCP Girl: Why should people come see the show?
JC: People should come because the three themes really resonate -- it could happen to anyone -- when most people do, in fact, do some essentially little stupid things in their lives, most don't end up on death row because of those things. Smart people come to opposite conclusions when presented with the same evidence. So, the play is not political per se, but it does ask the viewer to question how they view others and what preconceptions they might bring to the process of judgment. Most importantly, there is a tremendous capacity in the human spirit, even under the worst circumstances, for love and not hate, enormous faith in a higher power and the wish to simply live decent, simple lives.
JC: People should come because the three themes really resonate -- it could happen to anyone -- when most people do, in fact, do some essentially little stupid things in their lives, most don't end up on death row because of those things. Smart people come to opposite conclusions when presented with the same evidence. So, the play is not political per se, but it does ask the viewer to question how they view others and what preconceptions they might bring to the process of judgment. Most importantly, there is a tremendous capacity in the human spirit, even under the worst circumstances, for love and not hate, enormous faith in a higher power and the wish to simply live decent, simple lives.
GCP Girl: Which person's story in the show affects you most?
JC: I am moved by them all, but perhaps most by the story of David, who was planning to be a minister before he was arrested at the age of 18 for a crime he had absolutely nothing to do with, and is so clearly damaged by the experience of prison and yet "he sings" at the end--you have to watch it to see that moment.
Thanks, Jan! "The Exonerated" is showing Monday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Vam York; Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. at Santa Fe Building E (Old Auditorium); and Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. at The Social Justice Forum at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville. Proceeds from donations will go to The Exonerated Fund. There will be talkback sessions with the cast members after each performance. Further details are available on Facebook. Don't miss it!
JC: I am moved by them all, but perhaps most by the story of David, who was planning to be a minister before he was arrested at the age of 18 for a crime he had absolutely nothing to do with, and is so clearly damaged by the experience of prison and yet "he sings" at the end--you have to watch it to see that moment.
Thanks, Jan! "The Exonerated" is showing Monday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Vam York; Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. at Santa Fe Building E (Old Auditorium); and Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. at The Social Justice Forum at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville. Proceeds from donations will go to The Exonerated Fund. There will be talkback sessions with the cast members after each performance. Further details are available on Facebook. Don't miss it!
xo xo GCP Girl
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