Aliza Einhorn Brooklyn, NY

An Interview with the Playwright

How did you hear about “The Seven”?

I heard about The Seven from  the En Avant website.

What was the impetus/basis/inspiration for writing the piece?

Content-wise, my grandmother had just died so... death was on my mind.  I was also becoming fascinated by the pasodoble and its connection to bullfighting.  I wanted the piece to be sharp like grief and intense like the dance.  Also, I write for actors; they inspire me.  

Is this play representational of your writing style? Is it similar to or different from your other plays?

I am a new playwright; my background is as a poet.  I felt with this piece that I had finally married the two, my past and my present.  It is representational of my writing style in that I tend to tell stories in weird ways. 

What is the role of the short work in your playwriting career?

Even as a poet, I wrote short poems, so the short play was where I had to start.  I love the collaborative process, and have had great experiences working with directors and actors on short pieces.  

What is your favorite play? Who is your favorite playwright?

Michael Ondaatje, Marguerite Duras, Wallace Stevens, Walt Whitman, TS Eliot, Shakespeare.  More than any writer though, music is probably my greatest influence and inspiration.

What is your next playwriting venture?

I am currently seeking homes for two full-length plays and in the middle of finishing a third.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I'm thrilled to be part of The Seven 2010!  I was a finalist last year, so it's a double honor. Also, I hope the actors had fun with the piece.  Special thanks to Bew and Bram.