Next up in our series of interviews we feature Michael Wayne Rice, who plays Poseidon and shared with us a bit about himself and his acting. Thanks Michael!

Which character do you play?
I play Poseidon.

What are you most looking forward to about playing this character? Is there anything that is particularly challenging about playing this character?
This character is challenging because he is a "god" that abuses his powers, especially in regards to his relationships with women. He can easily be played as a character that is un-relatable and thus totally closed off to audience connection. If an audience cannot connect, on some level to a character, they will write him off. They won't care. And if that happens, that kills the play because Poseidon then losses his power in his role of helping to establish the plight that Caeneus is in.

Have you been involved with Dragon Theatre before? How?
Yes. I acted in a play called "OR" for Dragon Theatre.

What other theatre projects do you have coming up?
I will be going up to Washington State to be in a Shakespeare Festival this summer, 2017.

How do you prepare for a role? Is there anything special you do to get into the mindset of a character you're playing?
Rehearsal, rehearsal, rehearsal. I love being in rehearsal. It gives me an opportunity to play. Play with choices, play with scene partners, and play with relationship. I do a lot of text analysis, looking for clues to characterization. I read about Poseidon. I made a lot of bad choices (but that is part of the process for defining character). I explored the major themes for my character, trying to figure out why he was how he was.

What is your dream role?
My dream role is always the current role I am playing. I have very little power in the casting process. Getting cast is not as simple as giving a good audition. There are many factors that go into casting an actor in which an actor will never be privy. I can have a dream role, or I can make my current role my dream role. A bird in the hand (current role) beats two in the bush (dream role). Consequently I am always playing my dream role. Can you say cake, and eating it too?

Who’s your favorite mythological character? (doesn’t have to be Greek)
Since mythological is not defined here and can be interpreted in many ways, let me first lay down, as a foundation, a definition I found for mythos, before revealing my answer. "Mythos: the underlying system of beliefs, especially those dealing with supernatural forces, characteristic of a particular cultural group." Answer: Jesus.

Anything else you'd like to share with us?
If you watched the show, I thank you for being a patron of the arts. We need you more than ever. Not in a desperate and needy way. More like as allies against a society that is scared to stand up against the ills of society. We artists garner more strength when we have a true connection to audience. And audience members prove warriors for the arts because you have the strength, determination and fortitude to deal with issues that may come up in an artistic presentation. I appreciate you.

Which character do you play?
I am playing one of the Nereids.

What are you most looking forward to about playing this character? Is there anything that is particularly challenging about playing this character?
I found the process of forging out my character interesting. The script is written in such a way that the Nereids’ lines can be said either simultaneously or in turn. We decided to split some of the lines between the three actresses who play the Nereids, thereby establishing three independent characters. It was interesting to see how these characters took shape and how different they turned out to be in the end. This also gave me a chance to find my character’s story within the text and show how she transitions from a person who is completely dependent on Poseidon to someone who stands up for herself and others, and frees herself from the shackles of dependency and physical violence. I am looking forward to telling her story to the audience.

Have you been involved with Dragon Theatre before? How?
This is the first production at the Dragon Theatre I am involved with, and I am very excited about this opportunity.

What other theatre projects do you have coming up?
I was cast in the role of Polonius in ‘Hamlet’ produced by Silicon Valley Shakespeare, and will be performing at Sanborn-Skyline County Park from late July onwards.

How do you prepare for a role? Is there anything special you do to get into the mindset of a character you're playing? 
First of all, I do a lot of text work. What information about the character can I find in the text? What do I say about myself? What do others say about me? I ask the obvious questions, like who am I? where am I? what and who surrounds me? etc. I break the text down in units and try to find out what my objectives are, what are the obstacles that prevent me from achieving my objectives? How do I try to achieve my objectives? I find such a detailed analysis of the text very useful.

I also tend to get off book really quickly, so that I can explore how the character moves without being hindered by the textbook in front of my face during rehearsals.
In general, I do a lot of research into the background story (era of a play, historical facts etc). When I am exploring a character I also think about people I know or knew who might have elements in their characters I can use. I also look into myself and see what experience can help me form my character. I also love watching and observing people. There are always certain characteristics, habits, traits you can use for certain roles.

What is your dream role?
I have quite a few and am constantly adding new ones to my list. Some roles I would love to play are Richard III, Lady Macbeth, Friedrich Schiller’s Mary Stuart ...

Who’s your favorite mythological character? (doesn’t have to be Greek)
I have to admit that I don’t really have a favorite mythological character.

Anything else you'd like to share with us?
I am very excited about being part of this show. The script is marvelous and I can share the stage with very talented actors and actresses. This is a story worth telling and I hope we’ll be doing it justice.

We had an excellent opening weekend! It's an amazing feeling when all the work involved in rehearsals, light and sound design, set and props and costume building comes together at last. Huge thank-you to everyone involved in Caeneus and Poseidon, and to everyone who came out to see it! If you didn't get a chance to, we resume Thursday and run until April 2 - and if you join us after the show on Sunday, March 19, there'll be a talkback with cast, directors and playwright. Get your tickets here.

Here's a sample of what audiences have said about the play so far:

"Wonderfully cast, staged, and acted... A thoroughly enjoyable evening of theater in the best sense!"

"Really great show! Go and watch it, if you can!"

"It was a true delight.  Best play I've seen in ages."
 
Check out some photos below, and see our gallery for more. We hope to see you soon!

Mylissa Malley, who plays one of our sea nymphs, tells us about herself and her process as an actor in our next interview. Thanks Mylissa!

Which character do you play?
One of the Nerieds, as recently named by myself, Omi.

What are you most looking forward to about playing this character? Is there anything that is particularly challenging about playing this character?
This is my first time playing a character who really only cares about herself, and what benefits and pleases her. I don't want to give away any spoilers but I'd say that should my character have any changes of heart and not be in it solely for herself, finding that hypothetical place would be the most challenging. I've having a lot of fun playing a character who likes to annoy other characters for fun, and sink ships. She's big on sinking ships. 

Have you been involved with Dragon Theatre before? How?
I participated in a Monday Night Play Space event with my new murder mystery company The Clue Collective. We test ran a show there with this fantastic program they have on Monday's. It gave us a lot of good information going forward both for the business aspect of the company, and the entertainment aspect of the play. 

What other theatre projects do you have coming up?
Immediately after Caeneus and Poseidon closes I go into rehearsals for Evita at Pacific Coast Repertory Theatre, in Pleasanton. We'll be performing end of April through May 14. 

How do you prepare for a role? Is there anything special you do to get into the mindset of a character you're playing? 
I always start with the text. What does this character want, and why. Is there anything she says where she gives a clear opinion on anything. I use that information for figure out how I can connect her to myself, and my life, and build out from there. For shows, I always do a physical warm up, in the space I'll be performing in, while listening to a playlist of music that I feel defines the character. 

What is your dream role?
Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady.

Who’s your favorite mythological character? (doesn’t have to be Greek)
I really like the myths of mermaids and selkies, so it's great that I get to play with ocean mythological creatures in this show. 

Anything else you'd like to share with us?
When I'm not on stage I rock climb, and I'm really thrilled to have a set to climb all over. 

Next up, we hear from David Donovan, our set designer! Watch our website to check out photos of our set in the coming days - it's under construction now.

What is your role in this production?
Scenic Designer

Can you tell us a bit about your background and experience? How did you get into this aspect of theatre?
I've loved theater since high school, where I played in several musicals (My Fair Lady, Oklahoma, Big River, Anything Goes) and one play (Neil Simon's Fools).  I got interested in Architecture in 2007 while doing my PhD in Astronomy.  Later, in 2011, I entered UC Berkeley's [IN]Arch program with the intention of doing a Master's in Architecture.  I did a summer term in Architecture at California College of the Arts but left the program to return to my career in Engineering.  My love for spatial design didn't subside, however, and I found that scenic design allowed me to scratch the creative itch without quitting my day job.  I am very happy to be working with the Caeneus and Poseidon production team on my second show as set designer!
 
In what capacities have you been involved with Dragon Theatre before?
My first scenic design was for the Dragon's Second Stages production of Eugene O'Neill's Anna Christie directed by Jenny Hollingworth in June 2016.  Though the Dragon's "diamond thrust" stage is very challenging to design for, there's something about the intimacy of the space and the constraints of working almost in the round that brings out creative thinking.  It's clear that the community really loves and supports the space, and that's a great environment in which to work.

What is your favorite part of what you do? What is the most challenging thing about what you do?
I love the process of moving from a list of scenes to imagining how to bring them to life in the spatial conditions of the stage.  The transition from rough plan sketches to designing the 3d model is really fun.   

I think the most challenging part (aside from determining colors, where I still have a lot to learn) is working out the scene transitions.  Transforming the stage from a city to the seashore or from a bar to the deck of a barge in under a few minutes is a big interconnected puzzle.  Working out the transitions between the final two scenes can have repercussions on the design for Act 1, Scene 1, and I have to consider not only the scene at hand but how it fits into the entire show.
 
Are there any moments or scenes in this play that pose a particular challenge for you?
The two biggest challenges for me in this play were conveying the seashore and dealing with two character-swallowing earthquakes.

For the seashore, I researched actual beaches in Thessaly, Greece, where the play is set, and realized that the cliffs came down very close to the shore.  This was the key to the idea of the staircase pieces, which could ambiguously serve as steps to a building, a hill in the countryside, and rocks leading to the shore depending on how they are approached by the actors.

For the earthquakes, I realized that the set alone would not be enough to convey Poseidon's magic -- I could only provide a place for the swallowed actor to exit.  Fortunately, we have a great creative team on the show and I worked with Leanna (Lighting Design), Josh (Sound Design), and Amy (Director) to establish a multi-sensory language to bring the earthquakes to life.
 
What other theatre projects do you have coming up?
Nothing lined up at the moment.  If you hear of anything let me know!
 
Who’s your favorite mythological character? (Doesn’t have to be Greek)
I've always been a big fan of Hermes (Mercury), the messenger.  The first manned space program is named for him, and he gets to run around causing mischief in a winged shoes and hat.

Anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself? 
I am happy to be working with such a great production team, and I'm excited to bring more prominence to this little-known myth that explores the beautiful spectrum of human gender!

The next of our interviews with cast and crew is with Roman Rimer, whom we are grateful to have as one of our script consultants. Roman will also be part of our post-show panel on March 26 - see our home page for details.

1. What is your role in this production?  
Script Consultant

2. Can you tell us a bit about your background and experience? How did you get into this aspect of theatre? 
I've been a writer and performer for over a decade.  I've written and performed several one person shows, as well as studied, performed and taught longform improv. I've spoken on gender identity at colleges and universities and I've also worked as a community organizer.  Activism has played a major role in the creative work I produce for myself and others, wanting to ensure people whose voices are not usually heard are given precedence.  When I heard the production was looking for trans voices to assist with the script and character development, I gladly accepted.  Art offers us the opportunity to look at ourselves. For trans and GNC (gender non conforming) folks, often times we do not see ourselves in works of art, or if we do, they're skewed mockeries.  It's crucial everybody, especially trans youth, understand our existence in this world is not only valid, but necessary. 

3. Is this your first time being involved with Dragon Theatre? If not, in what capacities have you been involved before? 
Yes, first time

4. What is your favorite part of what you do? What is the most challenging thing about what you do?
Ensuring this trans character is crafted and seen through a relatable lens.  Every trans person's journey is unique, and it can feel difficult to incorporate as authentic and humane universal portrayal into the character as one can.  I can only speak from my own experience -  I feel the need to make up for the times I was not listened to, or the times I felt unseen.  For me, that's an important element in being an artist. 

5. Are there any moments or scenes in this play that pose a particular challenge for you? 
The moments when actions and words fueled by misogyny and transphobia are used against Caeneus.  Growing up in a society where most people assume not only that gender is binary, and that ours is predetermined before we are even born and can speak for ourselves, is very troubling and at times traumatic.  Seeing this played out even in a fictional realm is difficult.  I remember when it's been used against me and folks I know.  It happens directly and indirectly and it's what a lot of us deal with on a daily basis. As the political climate is rife with "leaders" who espouse and enact many forms of discrimination, this is one more reminder of our daily lives. It's evocative of the corruption and violence enacted by heinous men in positions of power.  

6. What other theatre projects do you have coming up?
I host of the podcast The Weekly Review at Mutiny Radio Fridays from noon-2pm.  Folks can listen live or to archives at mutinyradio.fm

7.  Who’s your favorite mythological character? (Doesn’t have to be Greek)
Medusa

8. Anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself?
I'm grateful for all the trans folks who came before and paved the way.  We are here because so many people fought and dedicated their lives to trans liberation.  While great strides have been made, there's still a ways to go.

In the next of our interviews with cast and crew, photographer Scott Ragle tells us a bit about himself and his work. You can see Scott's photos from our shoot at the Pulgas Water Temple in our gallery.

1. What is your role in this production?
Photographer.

2. Can you tell us a bit about your background and experience? How did you get into this aspect of theatre?
Being an actor is my primary passion.  I’ve been involved with the theater community in the Bay Area for over twenty-five years.  I’ve also worked as a producer and director.  I became a member of SAG-AFTRA in 1997 and joined Actors Equity in 2015.  I started taking photographs of my involvement in theatre in 2012, when I realized I was working on a very special show.  We had such a ‘legendary’ cast of local actors and creatives, in my opinion, and everyone still talks about that show.  I captured portraits of everyone involved.  They used the photos in the theatre lobby, and when I look at those photos and see how far everyone has come in the last five years, I feel proud to have captured that moment in time.

3. Is this your first time being involved with Dragon Theatre? If not, in what capacities have you been involved before?
I became involved with the Dragon in 2016, when I photographed two shows:  Anna Christie by Eugene O’Neill, and Fiction by Steven Dietz.

4. What is your favorite part of what you do? What is the most challenging thing about what you do?
What’s unique about the photography work is how I find the story and capture it.  Sometimes I’ve been lucky to get a shot, others have been complete failures, and others have been pleasant surprises.  But, the learning part is best:  I get to explore the space, get to know a side of the actor, and capture their story.  After that, the exciting part is editing the photos and building the story further, and sharing them.
The most challenging thing right now is learning how to work with light, especially in the theatre.  It took me some time to understand how to work without a flash, and use the lens to work in my favor.  I ended up with a lot of blurry shots in the beginning.  Also, not being afraid to get up close, physically.  The last show I shot, Fiction, I was either laying on the floor to get the angle right, or leaving the safety of the tripod and getting up close to the action on stage.  I feel like there’s an element of danger and risk to every shot, and I’m learning to trust my instinct.  

5. What other theatre projects do you have coming up?
I’m waiting to find out if logistics will work in my favor to act in a production of The Scottish Play.  If it all works out, that could be the Spring project.  Stay tuned.

6.  Who’s your favorite mythological character? (Doesn’t have to be Greek)
I first became aware of Endymion when I was a student living in Paris - I’d visit the Louvre and see so many paintings with a depiction of him, and I thought to myself, ‘yeah, this guy gets a lot of work.’  But really, the myth appealed to me because I first learned of who he was through a huge visual canvas  - not by reading about him.  And something about the goddess of the moon visiting him every night - well, I’m a sucker for moonlight, anyway, so I was intrigued. 

7. Anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself?
I drink a lot of coffee (surprised?).  I ride my bike everywhere.  And, while I primarily work in creative fields such as acting, directing and photography, I also do assistant casting work for film and television projects.  I’m also hoping to get into video editing, too.  I enjoy road trips and while there are still a lot of places to see in the world, I’ll never tire of Yosemite or Death Valley.  I’m building a portfolio, which you can see at http://scottragle.photography. My acting work is at www.scottragle.com. 

In the first of our interviews with the cast and crew of Caeneus and Poseidon, Nicky Martinez tells us a bit about their role and their process as an actor. Thanks Nicky!

​Which character do you play?
Caeneus
​
What are you most looking forward to about playing this character? Is there anything that is particularly challenging about playing this character?
I'm looking forward to representing a trans character set in Grecian mythological times. As a person identifying as Genderfluid; which means that at any given day, week, month, and even year/ hour my gender changes. I have days where I am really in tune with my femininity and use pronouns she/her. But there are other days where I feel very masculine, bind myself and go with the pronouns he/him. And then there are days where I feel in between or something undefined and go by they/them. Being Genderfluid means I'm under/ a part of the *trans umbrella, and representing a transgender man on stage that is set in this time period is so important. I feel that a lot of people who are exposed to only the media representation of transgender identifying people are limited to this societal perception, and I know from personal experience, that people think that being trans is a "trend" or a new term that has only been around for the past few years. I can tell you this isn't true. Transgender and queer folk have been around for Centuries and having a play like this that highlights Transgender issues in a timeless setting is important. I hope it generates interest to people who haven't been exposed much to the LGBTQ community or their history and ask questions/ research our history that isn't taught in schools... unless you go to college to study gender and sexualities. I think educating ourselves about new things, especially about minority issues, is important in our day and age. And I think coming to experience this play is a step in the right direction to be exposed and open for something new. 

The challenging thing about taking on the character Caeneus is to take on such a huge role. I really hope I give the character justice and to represent my community in a way that makes them proud. 

Have you been involved with Dragon Theatre before?
Nope, this is my first time, and I'm really excited about it. 

What other theatre projects do you have coming up?
I recently got a job at CounterPulse, being their new Program Manager and I am in the works of expanding my own work titled "Missing: GENDER." It was my senior project, performed back in March 2016 at the University of San Francisco and it was also performed in Noh Space in May 2016. Now I'm back to the drawing board trying to expand this original 15 minute piece that was also filmed and could be seen on
youtube here. I hope to make it a full length play, but we'll see what the future holds. 

How do you prepare for a role? Is there anything special you do to get into the mindset of a character you're playing? 
I do a lot of script work. I have two worksheets that I've sort of built myself, taking a lot of what I've learned from my schooling in theater, and also from listening to a lot of actors that I admire. The first worksheet consists of analyzing every scene I'm in and answering several questions split up into 3 categories: one, being questions for moments before the scene, two, questions for moments during the scene, and three, questions that pertain to the overall scene. The other worksheet is a list of questions that I like to call my Character's Biography. It helps me answer every personal question like I am the character. The other thing that I've done for a long time, that's worked for me, is to create a playlist for the character. Really finding the music of the character's emotions and actions have really pushed me that extra mile to embody the character I'm playing. 

What is your dream role?
I love Eugene Ionesco's "Rhinoceros", I even have a tattoo dedicated to his play that has a Rhino head with the last line of the play enscripted in typewriter font, "I'm Not Capitulating" on my left arm. I would love to play his lead character Berenger. It's just such a powerful stance against conformity in an absurd lense that I'm in love with the role. I read the play at least once every year. Since Trump's presidency I've read it about once a week. 

Who’s your favorite mythological character? (doesn’t have to be Greek)
I enjoy Persephone the Queen of the Underworld just because I love the story of how she became Hades' queen and how she controls the seasons. 

Anything else you'd like to share with us?
I am very excited to be a part of this show and I hope people enjoy it too!