Hailing from the United States we are indeed fortunate today to interview Allison Hetzel. Allison is an Assistant Professor of Acting & Voice at the University of Alabama and comes to the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time with her one-woman show, “Considering Georgia O’Keeffe”. On for two days only you can catch this inspired piece of theatrical repertoire at the Acoustic Music Centre at St. Brides on Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th August at 6.30 pm. But before that, let’s speak with Allison first…
1. What inspired you to become an artist, performer and and entertainer?
It was in my first play at the age of 9 and my mother often took me to see plays in the community as well as professional productions – I loved them all and I have been involved in theatre ever since it seems. My friends and family often describe me as a theatrical person.
2. What’s your show about and what should the public expect from your show at the 2009 Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
A unique and intimate look at artist Georgia O’Keeffe. This piece explores O’Keeffe’s connection to her painting and her husband, photographer Alfred Stieglitz. The piece explores the life of the artist through the actor’s voice. Please join me for this artistic and sometimes abstract journey!
3. What was the last Fringe or Festival you performed at and what was it like?
I performed in Sibiu, Romania in 2002 at the International Theatre Festival. I was in a production titled “Darkly Beautiful”, it was good experience but it was a few years back. Being an Assistant Professor of Acting and Voice at the University of Alabama keeps me pretty busy these days but I love performing.
4. What are your funniest and worst experiences performing in front of an audience?
Children talking to the actors onstage.
5. What’s the best and worst advice you have ever been given?
And did you follow it? Just breathe …I try too.
6. What are you most proud of and what dreams or goals would you like to fulfill?
Completing my Certification in Fitzmaurice Voicework in 2008, and creating my one-woman show, Considering Georgia O’Keeffe. One of my goals is to continue creating solo work and travel to more Festivals to share my work.
7. Which three famous people would you invite to dinner and why [dead celebrities included]? And what culinary dish would you prepare?
First, Georgia O’Keeffe, I am a bit obsessed with her these after all of the research and preparation I did to create my one- woman show, Considering Georgia O’Keeffe, I would love to chat with her a bit about her life and work. She was also very particular about the food she ate and I find that interesting.
Second, William Shakespeare because I am a theatre person and I would love to hear how his mind works a bit.
Third, Mario Batali, I would love to share a meal with him, I believe it would be an insanely decadent experience. I would prepare artichoke soup with a fresh green organic salad and I would hope that Mario could cook some pasta dishes and a main dish or two. I would also make sure that we had plenty of wine and bring my husband along for the lively conversation we would all share.
8. What is the best book or books you have read and why?
Most recently, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, by Barbara Kingsolver it changed the way I look at the food in our world. Years ago, Brave New World, captured me a as a student and today it still haunts me.
9. Tell us 5 interesting and unknown facts about yourself?
I am a certified Scuba Diver (PADI), I drink too much coffee on weekends, I love to recycle and compost, I am from Wisconsin originally but I have not lived there for sometime, I am a step mom of two great kids!
10. If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
I wish people could focus on the arts instead of war, if people would head out to the theatre or an art exhibit more often I think our world could be a more peaceful place, thank goodness for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival!
Tags: 2009 Edinburgh Fringe, Alabama University, Alfred Stieglitz, Allison Hetzel, Fitzmaurice Voicework, Mario Batali