BWW Interviews: David Davalos - Playwright for WITTENBERG at STNJ

Wittenberg, the original play by David Davalos, will have its New Jersey premiere at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ). Preview performances begin on September 10th. Metropolitan area will relish the opportunity to see this highly acclaimed piece of theatre on the Madison stage. Broadwayworld.com had a chance to interview Davalos prior to the opening of Wittenberg about the play and his accomplished career.

Directed by Joseph Discher, Wittenberg manipulates time and space to unite a remarkable trio of characters, Doctor Faustus, Martin Luther, and Hamlet for a witty and provocative debate about faith, fate, existence, and even tennis. The play begins in Northern Germany in 1517, on the University of Wittenberg campus. Young Hamlet, prince of Denmark, is a senior, unsure of his beliefs after an eye-opening summer spent studying abroad. Upon his return to school, he seeks guidance from his two trusted professors, philosopher John Faustus and theologian Martin Luther.

Davalos did considerable research to craft the play over a period of 8 years. And, Wittenberg has already been staged nationally and internationally over 25 times. It has received the prestigious Barrymore Award for Outstanding New Play in 2008 and the National Theater Conferences 2008 Stavis Playwrighting Award.

A native of Auburn, Alabama, Davalos grew up in San Antonio, Texas. He holds a BFA in Theatre from University of Texas at Austin and subsequently enrolled in Ohio University's Professional Actor Training Program, where he received his MFA in Theatre. Shortly thereafter, he moved to New York City, where he spent the next 15 years working as an actor, director and writer before relocating to Colorado with his wife Elaine and daughter Delphi.

We asked Davalos when he first realized his theatrical talents. He said that he was a "class clown" in school who enjoyed making both his classmates and teachers laugh. School plays were an outlet for his interests. He commented that he was "very fortunate" in his education. He also commented that elements of Wittenberg "reflect an affection and appreciation for teachers."

Davalos spoke of the mentors who have encouraged his abilities. His mother's deep love of learning and literature is always a real inspiration to him. He also spoke of his high school Speech and Debate Coach, Lanny Naegelin, who provided a great sense of support.

Davalos is a member of Actors' Equity. His extensive acting credits include Death of a Salesman at the Utah Shakespearean Festival and a number of productions including Rough Crossing at The Public Theater in Lewiston Main where he also directed Marvin's Room.

In 1991, at the end of the Utah Shakespeare Festival, he wrote a parody with a fellow actor which combined Hamlet and Death of a Salesman. He continued to write Shakespearean parodies as his career progressed. Speaking of The Bard, Davalos stated his admiration, "Shakespeare is everything to emulate as a writer and as an actor, and there is nothing else like doing his plays."

Davalos is also inspired by the work of George Bernard Shaw saying that he admires both Shaw's wit and dry humor. "Shaw is passionate about his ideas to impart to his audience. He engages you with characters that have heart and passion."

Davalos' primary goal in writing Wittenberg was to entertain. Yet, he said that the play has "a lot of philosophy and a lot of thought." He further stated, "Live theatre offers language and ideas, a place to engage people to think and listen."

Davalos spoke of having Wittenberg produced on the STNJ stage. "It's a huge honor to have my play performed at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. It is an incredible voted of confidence in new works and hugely gratifying." He further stated, "I hope that the Madison audience will laugh, make connections and enjoy discussing Wittenberg afterwards"

Performances of Wittenberg begin on September 10 at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre, 36 Madison Avenue in Madison. Tickets start at $25 for preview performances and $32 for regular performances. Student rush tickets for all performances are $15, available a half-hour before curtain for with a valid student ID. Performances are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays at 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. For tickets, call the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org.

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