Greg Kalleres Brooklyn, NY

An Interview with the Playwright

How did you hear about “The Seven”?

I believe it was through the Playwrights Center.

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

It was actually inspired by a Shirley Jackson short story, which has a young girl talking to a guest at her parent's party about the end of the world. Obviously this is not at all what my play is about, but I loved that dynamic. The quiet intimacy of two strangers having an awkward and revealing conversation, as a party can be heard on the other side of the door.

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

It's similar in that it's a mix of comedy and drama, but this play is a much more naturalistic piece than I'm used to writing. Most of my longer pieces have some level of heightened realism or theatricality. (Whoa, I had no intention of that sounding as pretentious as it did.)

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

I write a lot of short plays. I think you have to. It's so difficult to get new full-length plays up these days that often short play festivals are the only way to get your work in front of an audience. Festivals like "The Seven" are the only consistent showcase of new work and new playwrights.

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

This is very tough. I think I'll go with Albee and "A Delicate Balance." Probably cliche, but that was the first time I saw a play and thought, "okay, yeah, I want to do that."

What is your next playwriting venture?

My play HONKY is being produced off Broadway next year. At least that's the plan. In the meantime, I am writing a new play for four specific actors I know very well. It's an interesting process. I've never written a play knowing who was going to be in it. The good news is, they have to be nice to me or I cut a line.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I'd like the thank Fusion Theatre company for choosing to produce this play!