by Shera Cohen
 |
| Photo by Olivia Winslow |
In the Spotlight had the pleasure of interviewing Allyn
Burrows, new Artistic Director of Shakespeare & Company, Lenox, MA.
If Allyn Burrows’ face looks familiar to theatre
enthusiasts, especially to those who visit the Berkshires in the summer, it is.
For many years, Burrows worked as an Artistic Associate and acted in countless
Shakespeare & Company (S&Co) productions – comedies, tragedies, and
history plays.
He is particularly remembered for his roles in King John,
Much Ado About Nothing, Henry V, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Henry IV, Part
1.
Burrows served as Artistic Director of Actors’ Shakespeare
Project in Boston where he directed and acted. Burrows’ talents have also been
seen on many stages in New England; i.e. Huntington Theatre, Lyric Stage,
Merrimack Repertory Theater.
He has been a busy man, performing in prestigious theatres
throughout the country. If you haven’t seen Burrows on a stage, he may be
familiar from roles on TV or film.
For the company, for audiences, and for me, it is wonderful
that Allyn Burrows has returned home.
In the Spotlight (ITS): I had the privilege of watching you
perform a few decades ago at Shakespeare & Company. What it is like for you
to return many years later, now wearing the “hat” of Executive Director?
Burrows: Well, it's not a lot different from my last job as
Artistic Director of Actors' Shakespeare Project in Boston. It's great to be
back at Shakespeare & Company, though, and there are a lot of moving parts.
Very exciting in that regard.
ITS: In addition to being the man in charge, will you be
directing and/or acting? Is it fair to ask which of these three jobs you enjoy
best?
Burrows: They all require different types of brainpower, so
it's a tossup which I enjoy the best. I won't be acting this summer, just
acting and producing.
ITS: What goals do you intend to keep from the troupe’s many
years of existence? What about your personal goals?
Burrows: I intend to preserve and honor the legacy of what's
been created over these past four decades, and to transform the unique
qualities of this amazing company into something that resonates in the
community and hearts of people who experience this place. Personally? I'm
hoping to be the best father I can be. And I'll strive to be a better artist.
ITS: How is a season formed? Is there conscious effort to
balance Shakespeare’s with other playwrights? New writers? New works?
Burrows: Season formation comes out of a lot of discussion,
about makes good theatre, what's important for us to be saying, what's fun,
what's gratifying, what will draw people here, and what has impact.
Contemporary plays are an important part of what we do.
ITS: What would you say to potential audience members who
“fear” Shakespeare?
Burrows: Come along for the ride, it really won't hurt, and
you'll be surprised how much the material affects you.
ITS: Are there any anecdotes that you would like to tell our
readers? While you think about that, I have my own anecdote about you. It was
years ago when outdoor performances took place at the Mount. During a
particular comedy, you ran down to the stage (which was grass) and snatched my
purse, which was on the ground, en route. You proceeded to look through the
bag. While laughing, I also hoped, “Please don’t take anything out of the purse
to show the audience.” Who knows what was in there?! You were a gentleman, my
bag returned intact, and the show went on.
Burrows: Holy smokes, the audacity! Who was that guy? I'm
guessing it may have been “Midsummer Night's Dream” and I was playing Oberon
(king of the mischievous fairies). Let me apologize these many years later for
the intrusion. Can't really top that one. All the kooky antics make up the
fabric of what we do.
Shakespeare & Company starts its summer season on May
24, 2018 and runs through October 2018. For ticket and other information check
their website at www.shakespeare.org
