As someone who takes in a ton of theatre and dance, I thought I’d seen everything. But then came 2008’s Radio Play, which paired modern dance great Peggy Baker with Michael Healey, who’s known less for his physical grace than for his award-winning scripts (see below for the exact number) and acting. Now the two are back onstage, directed by Daniel Brooks, in what’s being called a “mutual autobiography in space.” See listing.
Your new show is called Are You Okay. So… are you okay?
I will be at 8:52 pm, March 1, 2011. After our first audience.
You’ve recently become the father of twins. How’s that working out?
All day long they go on and on about how grateful they are.
Speaking of working out… this is your second collaboration with Peggy Baker. What’s your chemistry like?
She has an endless supply of various kinds of tolerance a must for any of my collaborators.
Will there be dancing, as there was in Radio Play?
More. And paradoxically, less. More out of Peggy, less out of me, more dance in total.
At Ryerson, did you ever think you’d be dancing?
I had my doubts, but my dance instructor, Russell J. Kilde, was absolutely certain. That I never would.
How do you warm up?
By asking Peggy Baker how her day has been so far. From a supine position.
You’re pretty prolific. Has anything ended up in the trash can?
Nope. The plays go straight from my head to the stage. It’s like pointing a garden hose. One that never, ever shuts off. The only thing that could mess it up is if I become conscious of how prolific I truly… Balls. Thanks a lot.
Have you kept track of how many productions there’ve been of The Drawer Boy?
Not formally.
Weirdest one?
Well, the worst one: The English Theatre of Vienna. Directed by the author.
You’re writing a new version of G.B. Shaw’s On The Rocks for the Shaw Festival. Intimidating?
For him or me?
You’ve earned quite a few awards: four Doras for best new play, and a Governor General’s Award. Where do you keep them all?
Ahem. Five Doras. [Kicked, The Drawer Boy, Plan B, Generous, Courageous.] We line up all the awards outside the nursery in case the kids stage a breakout. Those clowns are terrifying in the right light.
Last play that made you laugh?
Spider-Man, the musical. And I didn’t even see it.
…that made you cry?
Death Of A Salesman, at Soulpepper.
