Interview: Theater Mitu's, Scott Spahr On Bridging the Gap Between Human Loss and Connection in New Show, REMNANT

Celebrating the world premiere of Remnant in their new space, MITU580, the company of Theater Mitu has made navigating the journey of loss a communal one. Founding member, Scott Spahr (Broadway's Chicago, On the Town, Jerome Robbins' Broadway) has made theater a vehicle for connection among his company and the larger community. While life is sprinkled with hard times and seasons of grief, there's one important truth we cannot ignore: We are never truly alone.

This important new piece that is part performance and part visual art installation, stems from interviews that the company conducted over the past few years with individuals affected by personal loss. The lessons and emotions captured in this work are a poignant reminder to live for the now and savor every moment.

BroadwayWorld had the opportunity to speak with Spahr before Remnant's premiere about his connection to the work; how the company explores loss and eventually finds avenues of comfort through their experiences; and the power of theater to make us all feel a little less alone.

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Can you talk a little bit about the mission of Theater Mitu and what has connected you to this work over the years?

As one of the founding members of the company, I feel like we have made many important connections to the theater and arts communities, as well as with the members of the company and our audiences. It is the focus on expanding theater through speaking with other humans across the globe about their experiences, in and/or outside of a theater, that keeps us connected to the work. Personally, being a part of a company of artists who are curious and brave and fearless and supportive and strong-willed... that's what keeps me committed to the work.

Remnant explores different human perspectives and experiences related to loss. What has that journey been like for your company over the last three years, as they've conducted interviews? Were there recurring themes that came up from the conversations?

When we began the interview process, we didn't know we'd end up with the piece that is now Remnant. Our initial curiosity focused on uncovering more about the experience of coming home from war, or experiencing a conflict, and then continuing to have to live your life... almost as if none of it actually occurred. The idea that you are in your home, having your morning coffee, yet, inside, you are having to wrestle with what you've seen and done and how that experience affects the rest of your life, and your loved ones. think that we also started to relate the questions we were asking them, back to ourselves. How does anyone go through a major life-changing experience and then go back to life as it was? As the company experienced death and illness on a personal level, it greatly impacted our ability to go back to the normal way of life -- because everything had changed.

What were some of the greatest lessons gathered from these interviews and how do you hope they'll help other human beings deal with loss in life?

It may sound like a cliché, but I'd say that you never know what tomorrow is going to bring. Or if you'll even have a tomorrow. Live your life now... as you want... because so many people don't have the option of a tomorrow. I also think that the sense of community around loss is one of the most universal feelings and yet we often don't share the experiences. I hope to reiterate that we all have some experience of loss and that, as a community, we can work together to bridge the gap between feeling alone and feeling supported and understood.

The show is part performance and part visual art installation. How does the weaving of these two mediums bring the emotion to life?

This blending is one of the most exciting things to me about the work that we are doing at this point in Theater Mitu! The ability to place visuals that instantly create a commonality in the room - one that we all recognize - and provides that "me, too!" moment is truly a special gift. I also think that it allows us to each uncover our own journey through the piece, while still having a common experience.

What are you most proud of working on Remnant and the important work that your company has been involved with over the years?

Of all pieces, this one is a "biggie" in the pride department! One reason is that it is our first show in our new space. Since we first dreamt of Mitu's future 20 years ago, having a home has always been a goal. To be here in Mitu580 is overwhelming, a real "dream come true" and we couldn't have made it without the incredible hard work and, to be honest, naïve hope, that we all share. I am proud that we are a company that is thoughtful and reflective on our material, and that we trust each other enough to understand that we each have a different connection to experiences, but need to come together to make art that is cohesive and compelling.

Can you talk about your wish for audience members leaving the performance and what they will take with them?

I hope they leave feeling less alone. I believe that theater is about creating community.

"Strength in communion" is the Sanskrit word for Mitu. That always sticks with me. The idea that when you come to see a piece of theater, you have had an experience with a group of people. You don't know most of them, but everyone leaves that theater with a communal experience. Even in a room full of strangers, I can't help but believe that theater brings us closer and makes us feel less alone.

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Remnant runs August 24th-September 21st at MITU580. Visit https://www.artful.ly/mitu/store/events/15737 for ticket info and show times.

Photos: Courtesy of Theater Mitu.

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