Q: Donna Stobie, I attended the media night preview of the play you directed, “The Other Place.” I was totally moved by it. So, first, congratulations on a terrific job.
Second, can you tell me how you got involved in this project?
Thank you, Doni. I’m glad you liked “The Other Place”. This is the article that prompted me to get a copy of the play and read it.
Q: You mentioned after the play that this has been cathartic for you. Are you OK talking about your personal interest in this particular subject?
I’m involved with the upcoming “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” on October 18. because of my late husband, who died of Alzheimer’s. After reading the play, I had the idea to use this as a venue to raise funds for the walk. I’ve used this opportunity to allow myself to heal from the experience of assuming the role as caretaker for my late husband.
I had background that I could share with the actors.
Q I’m so truly sorry about your loss, Donna. I’ve heard such great things about your husband, and about his tremendous acting talent. As you went through the process of working on the play, and directing it, did you find yourself imagining what he might have said during the last three months as you worked on pulling this all together?
Donna and Richard Stobie
Richard is there with me. John Welsh, who is playing the character Ian Smithton, is wearing Richard’s trench coat. and carrying Richard’s briefcase.
When Richard was alive and still working, I would set everything up for Richard’s office; his briefcase full of head shots (actor stuff), and notebooks for him to write in. I used one recently, and I thought it was blank, but there were notes he had taken from a play I was directing. Yes he is here with me.
Q: The actors – Lisa Murphy Collins, John Welch, Katelyn Kenyon and Daniel Beckman – how did they find their way to this play?
The actors have been hand-chosen for their amazing talent. We have become a family.
Q: I know it’s been a long three months of planning and rehearsing. I don’t want to keep you. Is there anything else you think we should know?
This experience is bigger than I could have imagined….it is an opportunity to open dialogue on a subject that affects everyone. This writing, these characters, the incredible actors; to work with this kind of depth is so rewarding.
Q: Thank you, Donna, and best of luck with the upcoming performances.
The Other Place, by Sharr White, directed by Donna Stobie, will be performed 7:30 p.m. Fri., Sept. 26, Sat. Sept. 27 and Sun. Sept. 28 at Old City Hall Gallery in Redding.
Tickets cost $12 and may be purchased in advance at the Cascade Threatre box office. Proceeds to benefit the Redding Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Click here for more information about The Other Place on Stobie’s website.
