Marc Arboleda talks with us about ‘Blue Window’
By Angela Espinoza, Arts Editor
The first Douglas play of the season, Top Girls, completes its run this week—and what a week it’ll be! Following this marvelous performance will be full week’s run of Douglas’ next theatre show, Blue Window. Taking place in the Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Theatre at the New West campus, Blue Window tells the story of several Manhattan-dwellers joining each other for a dinner party. The art of conversation is the focus of this show, and what better ode to Blue Window than with an interview from director Deborah Neville’s dramaturge, Marc Arboleda?
How did you get involved on working with Deborah and Blue Window? How has the experience been?
Marc Arboleda: I had the pleasure of working with Deborah last fall on a production of The Rez Sisters, here at Douglas College. Working with her was great fun, and another meeting of minds felt right. When I had heard that Deborah was to direct Blue Window in the spring of 2013 I couldn’t pass on the opportunity to work with her again, as well as to contribute to the production of Blue Window. I am grateful that she had welcomed me onboard, and I hasten to add that it’s been a privilege to be once again in good company.
Can you tell us anything on the decision to go with Blue Window? Why so?
As a matter of practical necessity, the choice of plays is largely dependent on the available resources of the college (i.e. performance space, costumes, set requirements, etc.) and the number of students available to perform in the production. Naturally, Deborah has her artistic and personal reasons for choosing to do Blue Window. Though I am not privy to those reasons—nor need I be—I must say that doing this play, here, now, feels timely.
How has the semester been thus far?
Well, it’s drawing to a close much too soon. The work is enlivening, and the atmosphere of the rehearsal room can often be among the richest. More, the play’s particular lyricism, I must say, holds me. Sentiments easily expressed, perhaps, given that I don’t have final exams to stress over!
What do you want viewers to get out of seeing Blue Window?
Hopefully, viewers will go home with a feeling of satisfaction in having come to see our play. I quite enjoyed working on it, and I’d be happy if viewers found some enjoyment, too. Aesthetically, I would like viewers to leave the theatre with more questions about Blue Window than they had upon entering it… that they might leave the theatre wanting to know more about the characters they had just met… to wish to spend more time with them.
Blue Window will be showing at the college starting this Friday, March 15 until next Saturday, March 23 (please check the Douglas College Theatre website for ticket details). So come show your fellow students—and school—support by enjoying what is sure to be a spectacular show.
