Interview: Turna Mete in ATGs THE WAY WE GET BY at Hamilton Stage 2/3 to 2/14

American Theater Group (ATG) opens their 2016 season at Union County Performing Arts Center's Hamilton Stage in Rahway with The Way We Get By from February 3rd through February 14th. This new play by Neil LaBute is directed by Kel Haney and stars Turna Mete and Eric Clem. In the show, it's the aftermath of a one-night stand and the following morning is filled with lust, love and unexpected surprises. Broadwayworld.com had the opportunity to interview Turna Mete about her career and The Way We Get By.

Turna Mete is from Long Island, New York and also South Pasadena, California. Her first role was a "Bad Ant" in Two Bad Ants. She's an avid traveller (including to her father's native Turkey). She attended California State University Fullerton where she graduated Magna Cum Laude as a BA in Acting. In 2009 Turna moved to New York City and has continued to work in all forms of media, including film, television, and theater. She has performed in world premieres at The Flea Theater as a member of their resident acting company, The Bats. She was published as original cast in A.R. Gurney's Office Hours and aired on PBS' Great Performances in Steven Banks' Looking At Christmas. While she frequently visits her family homes in Los Angeles and New Orleans, she currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.

How does working in different mediums compliment your career?

Working in theater and film has made me more fully appreciate each medium. It also drives me to more wholly embrace what the parameters are. In TWWGB I get to relish the freedom of a rehearsal room, group table work and the "reality" of having an actual couch without a klieg light and a lovely gaffer sitting inches from my face. Also in theater a wonderful audience is an undeniably palpable entity. But honestly, I'm lucky and grateful to work in any field in this profession I love. You want me to cry for five minutes after hearing "action"? Done.

Inspiring performers or performances?

Carrie Coon was in a play with a friend of mine at Playwright's Horizons and she really blew me away. It was the first time I had seen her potent, unapologetic, specific work. She was unique and human in a role that in other hands could have been a "cute female." That, along with her performances I've seen since then, was truly motivating.

Tell us a little about the cast/creative of The Way We Get By.

Well, I'd worked with Kel on a short play at Ensemble Studio Theater and I loved her sensibility. We also have similar views when it comes to ways females can be perceived by others and how those perspectives can be advanced. Eric and I had crossed paths a few times at various functions but this project has been a wonderful introduction to him and his work. It's always a thrill to go from essentially strangers to close work companions just by sheer nature of this career. And Jim Vagias (ATD's Artistic Director) has made us feel warmly welcomed since before our first day.

We'd love to know about your role in the show.

Beth is a complex human with a simple veneer. She unsurprisingly gets by until Doug propels her to be herself. This character provides wonderful insight into what the pressures and expectations of a young woman in a first world nation are today. And continuing to navigate that in rehearsals is a challenging blast!

What new challenges has this role created?

The fun thing about this job is getting to ask "How are we similar? How are we different?" In this role a challenge is playing someone who is much less direct than or open as I am. I think I behaved in "Beth ways" for a very long time in life. Then I moved to NY and started being blunt. That's a joke. Ish.

What would you like metro area audiences to know about the show?

I think people will be really energized and engaged by this show. Audiences get to watch two people navigate funny, awkward, and eventually honest moments. Also, we hope that much discussion will be had afterwards!

For the future??

Hope to see you soon!

For more information on Turna Mete, visit her web site at: www.turnamete.com.

About American Theater Group

American Theater Group (ATG) produces new and classic works primarily by American Playwrights with an emphasis on the development of new works and the rediscovery of undeservedly neglected older ones. They are a cornerstone of Rahway's Arts District and an independent member of the Union County Performing Arts Council (UCPAC) For more information, visit: http://www.americantheatergroup.org/.

The Way We Get By will be performed at Hamilton Stage from February 3rd through February 14th. The performance schedule is Wednesday to Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. The theatre is located at 360 Hamilton Street in Rahway with convenient on-site parking and just a 5-minute walk from the NJ Transit Rahway Station. UCPAC's theatres are in the center of the city's vibrant arts and restaurant district. Tickets for the show are $38 each. Student and senior discounts available. For tickets, call 732-499-8226; visit www.americantheatergroup.org or in person at the Union County Performing Arts Center Box Office at 1601 Irving St., Rahway.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Turna Mete

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