Front Row Reviewers (FRR): Hi Brandon! Let’s dive right in. If you had to describe BLAMED: An Established Fiction in the quirkiest way possible, what would you say?
Brandon Bruce (BB): Imagine mythical and fictional women finally getting exonerated for crimes they never committed. It’s a wild and justice-filled ride!
FRR: That sounds intriguing! If you could sum up the entire process of putting on this show in one word, what would it be and why?
BB: Trust. It’s been the cornerstone of our journey, from collaborating with the cast to bringing the vision to life.
FRR: You’ve mentioned co-directing with Aubrey Sanders. What’s been the most interesting or unexpected thing you’ve learned from this experience?
BB: Co-directing with Aubrey has been a revelation. Our dynamic is unique—I’m the outside-eye director, helping her execute her vision. It’s liberating and has shown me the power of collaborative creativity.
FRR: Before and after each performance, what’s the routine like for the cast?
BB: Though I’m not performing, the cast has a ritual called “crossing the threshold,” followed by a group warm-up led by Brookelyne Peterson. They also run through combat and lifts for safety, ending with a vocal warm-up. Their cohesion is truly inspiring.
FRR: Any favorite inside jokes or moments from the production?
BB: Definitely! I love teasing Aubrey when she “Huckleberry Finns” her way through her quarterstaff fight. It’s always a fun moment.
FRR: What’s your favorite aspect of this production?
BB: I love that it’s rooted in Tumbleweed Theatre’s mission to create bold, daring, and even scary theatre. The innovation and risk-taking by the artists, along with their support for one another, is incredible.
FRR: Tell us a bit about your talented cast.
BB: Our ensemble includes seven members, all current or past theatre majors at Utah Tech University. They bring a mix of experience, from acting and choreography to vocal direction and aerial arts. Each one adds a unique element to the production.
FRR: With such a diverse cast, what’s been the biggest challenge in directing this show?
BB: Since it’s a woman’s piece, I’ve had to be mindful of my blind spots. Thankfully, my co-director and the cast have been generous in guiding me, making it a rewarding experience.
FRR: What surprises and delights have you encountered while directing this show?
BB: The tag-team directing approach has been a delightful surprise. It’s something I might explore more in the future.
FRR: Lastly, is there anything else you’d like to share about this project?
BB: This is Tumbleweed Theatre’s second summer of bold, daring, and scary theatre. We hope to garner more community support to continue creating impactful productions.
FRR: Thanks, Brandon! For those interested, BLAMED: An Established Fiction will be at the Center for the Arts at Kayenta on June 28 & 29. For more details and tickets, visit kayentaarts.org.
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