Our winter intern Tenara Calem continues her Lead Artist sneak peak series with The Secret of Life’s Andrew Simon.

TMT: What drew you to this piece?

AS: I like the story and the characters, but not the dialogue – and I’ve been interested in that response since the first time I read it.  Personally, I connect with the character of the Poet and his journey as he tries to balance reason with passion and, artistically, I’ve been interested in investigating this reaction to a piece’s aesthetic.  This is the first time that I’ve ever wanted to work on a show without wanting to hear the dialogue and that seemed like a really challenging place to begin the process.

TMT: Can you talk to me a little bit about the ideas of life and love in the play?

AS: To me, it’s about balance – to be able to simultaneously understand the world as it is and as it could be.  Love, passion, art – these are somewhat synonymous in this piece and pragmatism and reason are set against those ideas and embodied by a different character.  In my opinion, an individual needs a balance of those two ideals to lead a fruitful life.

TMT: Are the themes and ideas in The Secret of Life universal, or do you think there are some that are specific to Yiddish culture?

AS: They are more universal, but I do think there is a very clear reading of this play in which the character of the Woman represents God.

TMT: In three words, how would you describe your Lab show?

AS: Hip Hop Ballet.  Superfresh and Fly.  Struggle Art Work.