Target Margin’s latest production, PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE GIRL, based on various translation / transmissions of The One Thousand and One Nights opens March 29 and runs until April 21. During the run we are asking five questions to each of our five actors. WHO SHOULD WE PAY ATTENTION TO? Right now, ANTHONY VAUGHN MERCHANT.
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Prior to working on PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE GIRL, how were you first introduced to the tales of The One Thousand and One Nights? How has working on TMT’s production, changed your understanding and/or relationship to the tales?
I was familiar with the story in a general manner. I I believe I was first introduced in the mid 90’s by a teacher who was connecting the stories to the popularity of Disney’s Aladdin.
One of the many things The Nights are about is the power of storytelling. As an Afro-Caribbean identifying artist, what has been the most challenging part of inhabiting and telling these tales? The most rewarding?
I do not feel feel that anything was particularly “challenging” about inhabiting these characters. Because these stories are not about BEING of a certain culture. The stories are of a culture and by a culture but the people in the stories are just people. I often worry that we can get too possessive of a story when the purpose of a story is that it be shared. I take great pride in playing these characters, from king to singing bath keeper to just me the story teller. But we never play anything that we are not. We tap into and shine light on the part of us that is a king or a singing bath keeper. Rather than focus on what separates me from these stories I tap into what connects me.
In five words or less, describe PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE GIRL.
Multi-layered, Brooklyn garage magic show. Nailed it.
This is TMT’s first production in our new performance space, THE DOXSEE, in Sunset Park. What’s been unique about the approach to creating the play? Has the new space opened up creative opportunities? If so, how?
I had a moment in the first week of rehearsal where I thought “I am quite literally rehearsing a show in a garage in Brooklyn, am I okay with this? Is this going to be my career?” And after half a second I came to the conclusion “YES”. This space is beautiful and amazing. The company is fantastic. I have worked professionally in NYC for the better part of a decade now and I have never had an ensemble experience that is so encompassing. I have never had designers in the room every day from first rehearsal to opening. It is amazing and it lends itself to the magic of the show. Being in a “non traditional space” frees us to tell these stories in a less restrictive way.
What’s important to you now? About the show, about life, about anything.
Telling stories is important to me. Sharing stories is important to me. I believe in their importance. I believe it is the very first tool in the work of understanding. I think we should own our stories ferociously and share them generously.
Anthony Vaughn Merchant is an Actor, Director and Fight Choreographer. Anthony has become recognized for his work in regards to classical plays. He has been nominated for an Adelco award for his role in The Tempest. Also a proud member of Epic Theatre Ensemble, Classical Theatre of Harlem, Less Than Rent and Shakespeare in the Square. Anthony can also be seen on screen, having worked on several shows including Vinyl, Luke Cage and Mr. Robot. Anthony received his MFA from UMKC where he studied Acting and Directing.