We are excited to introduce Nolan Martin as the director of ReEntry. A recent graduate of Birmigham Southern with a BA in Theatre, Nolan is making his professional directorial debut here at LAT and we couldn’t be prouder. We sat down with Nolan to get the full scoop on the upcoming show and his views on life.
This is your directorial debut here at Live Arts, but have you done anything else with us?
Sort of. I was going to play Eugene in Biloxi Blues last year, but sadly we had to cancel the show. That being said, it was a great experience.
We’ve heard you can do a back handspring? Is this true?
I can do a back hand spring at the age of 25… that’s something I regret the next day… but I can do it.
So who’s better…Gandalf or Dumbledore?
I believe Gandalf is a more powerful wizard than Dumbledore. I know that’s controversial, but we can talk.
Speaking of talk, let’s get on with the show. What led you to this script?
I saw that you guys (LAT) were looking for submissions for shows about Coming Home. I had recently seen this piece at the school I graduated from, and it was such a moving piece that I just had to do it.
What about ReEntry do you identify with?
I don’t have any military family, so it (relating) was quite difficult, but I think ReEntry brings up vital issues about mental issues, specifically PTSD, and I know several people who struggle with both. I really want to help enlighten people and erase the stigma.
What’s it like to direct this show?
This is my first attempt at directing professionally, so working on the other side of the table has been awesome. Watching actors figure things out is so much fun.
What else are you working on for ReEntry?
In addition to directing, I’m also set designing, so we have some really cool things going on.
Can you give us a preview of your set?
The set is broken into a few different areas because this doesn’t follow a linear progression of time. The show is based on several interviews so we needed to be able to isolate each section. That was the goal in the set design. Furthermore, there are large flats used for projections that will have some blank space as well as some newspaper headlines crossed everywhere to highlight some of the order vs. chaos some people feel after coming home from war.
What about a preview of ReEntry itself? What can our audience expect from this one?
You will see some really touching moments that will make you feel deeply. You will also find yourself in one of these characters shoes. It will make you see the world a bit differently.
Make plans to catch ReEntry October 16-31. Tickets are now on sale!