Interview: Rocco Sisto Talks OLD-FASHIONED PROSTITUTES and Richard Foreman!

The new off-Broadway show OLD-FASHIONED PROSTITUTES (A TRUE ROMANCE), which will run from April 30 through Sunday, June 2, features a versatile cast including Rocco Sisto. He has appeared at The Public in numerous shows including The Bacchae; Macbeth; Silence, Cunning, Exile and Hamlet. His select film and television credits include Donnie Brasco, The Alphabet Killer,"The Sopranos," "JAG," and "NYPD Blue."

Rocco recently chatted with Broadwayworld about the new show, what its been like working with Richard Foreman and his upcoming film 'Sideways Light.' Tickets for OLD-FASHIONED PROSTITUTES (A TRUE ROMANCE) can now be purchased here!

Can you start by telling me a little bit about the show?

We have been in rehearsals for about a little bit. We have a shorter rehearsal period than most. Richard Foreman owns his own theater and his own philosophy of theater. He controls everything. It's a little like that television show 'The Outer Limits'. He paints with people. You have to really be able to do that task especially in this show. He is not interested in anything else other than what he envisions for that space and time.

Richard seems to be a big part of the production and he came out of retirement to make it happen? What has it been like working with him?

He is questioning it again what it means to be in the theater. I really don't know what his motivations are for this piece. I worked him 24 years ago and it was a bit of a task back then too. He hasn't changed much. He has a very specific agenda and it calls for a lot out of an actor. Richard knows what he wants and is very specific.

What aspects of the show drew you into being a part of it?

Richard is one of the reasons I wanted to be a part of this. I wanted to see if it would be the same working with Richard again.

You've appeared in countless shows at The Public Theater- what's it like for you to be back?

Its great. I went to NYU and I was living close to the Public. This is my 10th or 11th show at the Public and I love that it is close by and that I can walk to work everyday which is just the best thing. I founded a Shakespeare company in Massachusetts and I have been able to do it at the Public. The only person that hasn't directed me as far as artistic direction is Oskar Eustis.

Is there anything that you as an actor want or expect the audience to take from this play?

That's an interesting question. I am that the point in rehearsal where I don't even have an idea what the audience will see. If you have ever heard of or have seen any of Richard's plays you will notice there is a lot of stimuli. There is a lot of light and sound. The last time I did one of Richard's plays there were fights in the audience in the theater. There were people saying "This is shit" and here we were doing this play. I leave it up to them, but I know its meant to stimulate them in one way or another.

Can you say anything about your upcoming film The Sideways Light?

Yes, It is a wonderful movie about a girl who comes back to take care of her mother who has early onset Alzheimer's and some strange things start happening in the house. The house is haunted but it's about her coming back to revisit her family and figuring out where she belongs. Its kind of like a gothic horror story to tell you the truth. I play a doctor who works with the Alzheimer's patient.

Are there any other projects that you have coming up soon?

I will be playing Richard II right after this at the theater I helped found in Massachusetts. I am doing that this summer and then I am taking a nice long rest. I am happy I have too much work for the next 5 for 6 months.

Single tickets, starting at $60, are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (212) 967-7555, www.publictheater.org, or in person at The Public Theater at Astor Place at 425 Lafayette Street. The Library at The Public will also be open nightly for food and drink, beginning at 5:30 p.m., and Joe's Pub will continue to offer some of the best music in the city.