Speed Dating for Sperm Donors
Girl meets girl. Girl marries girl. They want to have babies…but
they need a little help. Until October 9, Neptune Theatre in Halifax presents Natalie
Meisner’s witty and heartwarming Speed
Dating for Sperm Donors. Recently we spoke with Halifax actor Marty Burt about what
audiences can expect during the run.
How long have you been
involved in theater, and in what capacity?
I
have been working in the theatre for 25 years primarily as an actor, but
occasionally as a director and very occasionally as a writer and dramaturge.
How did you get involved with this particular production?
I
have known Pamela Halstead, our director and producer, for many years. She
asked if I would be interested in the project. Natalie Meisner -who grew up in
Lockeport, NS - was a friend of mine from back in the early 90s when I first
moved to Halifax. I've always liked Natalie's spirit and sensibility. I
welcomed the chance to do one of her plays, especially a story based on her own
experience.
What are the challenges and rewards involved?
The
play is about a same-sex couple looking for a sperm donor. Myself and my good
friend - and Halifax native - Kevin Curran, play a two men who interview for
the chance to help "Helen and Paige" have babies. The challenge
is making each of these characters distinct, and keeping the play lively and
hilarious as the playwright intended. It's a very fun room to work in. Kat
McCormack and Kate Macdonald in the lead roles are both wonderful actors with
big hearts and great comic timing. It's a pleasure to share the stage with
them.
What can audiences
expect during the run?
The
audiences should get a fun ride with a lot of heart. As much as the play is
funny, it is at its core about a loving couple who are struggling to realize
their dream of starting a family. This is relatable to so many people.
What are your thoughts on the state
of theater in Halifax/Atlantic Canada?
I
have always loved working and living in Nova Scotia. Theatre has grown up
a lot in the years I've lived here, there are more theatre companies more
actors. Atlantic Canada has some brilliant performers, directors,
designers, theatre artists of all kinds who have chosen to brave the odds and
stay in Atlantic Canada and build a life and create new work here. It is
still a struggle as it has always been, finding funding finding and audience.
When I see what has been accomplished by so many of my colleagues, from the
work here at Neptune, the new play development of places like Eastern Front,
and Ship's Company Theatre, the national and international touring of great
shows by Mermaid Theatre, 2b and Zuppa Theatre, our magical outdoor theatre
companies of Two Planks and a Passion and Shakespeare by the Sea. With so many
more great companies and new young artists emerging all the time, I am often
humbled and overwhelmed by what our community has become.
What's next on your
creative agenda?
Next
for me I will be part of Neptune Theatre's production of Miracle
on 34th Street, adapted and directed by George Pothitos, and in the
spring I will be returning to Jacob Sampson's Chasing Champions, the
story of Nova Scotia boxing legend Sam Langford, presented by Eastern Front
Theatre in association with Ship's Company.
Speed Dating for Sperm Donors
September
20 - October 9
Neptune
Studio Theatre, Halifax
www.neptunetheatre.com
