Interview by Jennifer Mustoe, Front Row Reviewers with the show’s director, Jack Cobabe.
Front Row Reviewers (FRR): Hello Jack! Please tell us more about your new project, Voodoo Theatre Company‘s The Antipodes, playing at Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center in Taylorsville.
Jack Cobabe (JK): A group of people sit around a table and proceed to not come up with a good story. These characters are the antithesis of a storytelling process. This on display, creates a fascinating story in itself. This show interweaves reality with fiction in order to reveal and analyze our purpose as artists and the intentions behind our art.
FRR: If you had to describe the process of putting on this show with one word, what would it be and why?
JC: Grateful. We have such an incredible team involved with this show. It has been a joy to work with such an incredible group of artists. The production team, actors, and designers are so talented, and I wouldn’t have wanted to have it any other way. Now we’re excited to add the last piece of this puzzle, that’s you!
FRR: What is the most interesting, funny, wonderful thing you’ve learned while working on this production?
JC: The most wonderful thing we’ve discovered with this show would have to be the infinite realm of possibilities of what things can be. So many choices have changed throughout the production. My favorite part of this rehearsal process was when a member of the team would say “What if I tried…” because they had an idea of what else this could be. No one choice is the end-all be-all. We try something new over and over again in order to refine the show to have the best choices possible. Many moments have gone through multiple iterations, and the end product is nowhere near what it was when we first sat down with the script.
FRR: What do you do right before each performance to get ready? Right after each performance?
JC: For the production, we have a very specific call schedule. Production team, cast, and crew, all have their individual call times and duties to prepare for the show. As a director, I now have to step back and watch the work these people have done. I trust each one of this team, and now we get to share it with you! After the performance? Hopefully we get to speak with you! How did this show affect you? What was the message for you? For you, what is the impact of this show in the wider scope of our society?
FRR: What is your favorite inside-joke from the show?
JC: Whatever you do, don’t bring any dwarves or elves or trolls to this show. I can’t tell you why, but certainly no dwarves or elves or trolls.
FRR: Now that sounds intriguing…
FRR: What is your favorite aspect of this production?
JC: There are so many great aspects of this show, it is difficult to nail down one. I think I’ll say the dedication. Each actor is fully dedicated to their roles and choices. Each designer is fully dedicated to their element of the show and have made choices informed by and in order to progress this story. All members of this company and production team are dedicated to the success of this show. I feel a collective excitement among this team that has been there from the beginning and has only grown through the time spent on the show.
FRR: Tell us about your cast.
JC: Our cast is incredible! I am so grateful for each and every one of them. The professionalism of these actors have made the process one of the smoothest ones I’ve experienced. From day one they were making strong character choices and have challenged each other to push those further through their character exploration. Their technical preparation, training, and expertise have aided us immensely. These actors had no problem being off book, were comfortable with all stage conventions, and are experienced in ways that aided their communication and performance with each other. I couldn’t recommend a better team of actors. A special shoutout needs to be voiced for our Swings. We have one Masc Swing, Luke Jensen, and one Fem Swing, Kami McDonough, for this show, and they both have done absolutely phenomenal work. Swings prepare and memorize multiple character tracks and have helped us immensely throughout the production. I, and the other actors, truly appreciate their insights into characters that they’ve shared with us.
FRR: What is your background and training as a director?
JC: There are a lot of moving pieces in a theatrical production. I like to say that this is the epitome of project management. The director has to work with each actor on their characters, melding different actors choices with the others. Additionally, directors work with designers to communicate the vision for what the show needs, and how to best implement that. On a production level, we’re working with our Artistic Director, Resident Stage Manager, Assistant Director, our Board of Directors, Marketing, Consultants, Technical Directors, etc. I love being involved in all levels of these aspects, but it can be a challenge to ensure each cog of the wheel is operating properly.
FRR: That sounds like a lot of work, a lot of fun, and so much dedication! I’m sure your production will show this massive amount of effort.
FRR: What is the biggest challenge of directing this show?
JC: I’ll be honest, this show terrified me! It is challenging, informative, mystical, thought-provoking, complex, difficult, beautiful, and so many adjectives that I don’t have the time to speak of. This show has a very complex structure that is so simple at the same time. When I first read the script, my first question was “How?”. And that became the problem to solve again and again. How do we communicate this story? How do we incorporate this discovery? How do we keep audience engagement? How to we tackle this monster of a scene lead by one character? I’ll say this, it was a challenge. But that challenge excited me every step of the way, and I have the supportive team to do it.
FRR: It sounds so fascinating! I’m sure it’s going to be a wonderful experience for your audiences.
FRR: What are the surprises and delights you’re finding in directing this show?
JC: I mentioned some of this earlier, but it was a delight to see how many options we had. How many other ways can an actor deliver this line? Where else can we utilize lights and sound to progress this story? What props have we found help the actors that we needed to add? These possibilities have a snowball effect that enables a powerful scope of storytelling technique. Sometimes too many options can be a bad thing, but for us it has been powerful.
FRR: Is there anything else you would like to tell us about this project?
JC: I’m excited for everyone to come and see it! Please come chat with me after the show, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Please be advised, this script discusses various adult themes including sex, suicide, & strong language.
March 7-9, 14-16,2025 Evenings & Matinees
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