Meet Tess Van Horn, Director of The Girl Who Swallowed A Cactus!
“ I like to put myself in children’s shoes and imagine what might excite them, or make them feel curious and entertained. I continue to learn so much from young people, especially their capacity for joy and optimism and it has felt so good to live in that world while directing”
Why is The Girl Who Swallowed A Cactus an important story to tell in Maddy’s Theatre?
This play is ultimately a call to action for all of us but the way the story is told allows us to get lost in the fantasy and adventure to the point where we can feel a lot of empathy for the characters and helps us understand, on an even deeper level, why all of us caring for the earth is so crucial.
It is so easy for us to feel overwhelmed about the state of the world right now, to feel like what we do doesn't matter or that we are not doing enough. I have found that a really effective call to action, when we are feeling overwhelmed, is to put our devices down and look out your window, or better yet, go outside. Observe what you see. Breathe. Notice the colors (leaves are changing right! Yay Autumn!) point out the wildlife that lives around you and observe what they're doing. Breathe. Notice what trees grow in your yard. Smell the air. Breathe. You will feel better, I promise you.
Savannah Irish as Dust Cloud
Production Photo by Katie Day
“Observe what you see. Breathe. Notice the colors (leaves are changing right! Yay Autumn!) point out the wildlife that lives around you and observe what they’re doing. Breathe. Notice what trees grow in your yard. Smell the air. Breathe. You will feel better, I promise you.”
What was something you’ve been most excited about in directing The Girl Who Swallowed A Cactus?
I love this story so much! From day one I was (and still am) excited for this story to be told in front of an audience, for everyone to meet the brave and inspiring characters Sheila and her Friends, and to sit together in community to experience the thrilling and surprising adventure that the wonderful actor Savannah Irish guides us through. Plus, working with such a fantastic design team has been such a joy and together we have created a beautiful world on stage that is worthy to experience first hand.
The Girl Who Swallowed A Cactus is a one-person show. Can you describe the process of working with only one actor on stage?
Working with just one actor is intimate and surprising, there is so much that you quickly learn about the actor's style and craftsmanship and it feels great to have such a trusting relationship with Savannah. We've been able to have a lot of fun and take risks because we were able to build trust very early on.
Savannah Irish as Dust Cloud, holding Dennis
Production Photo by Katie Day
You’re also a Theatre Educator! How does your teaching experience impact your work as a director?
I love this question! It has been so fun to direct this play while keeping in mind the many young people that I have worked with in the past. I like to put myself in their shoes and imagine what might excite them, or make them feel curious and entertained. I continue to learn so much from young people, especially their capacity for joy and optimism and it has felt so good to live in that world while directing.
Is there anything else we should know about The Girl Who Swallowed A Cactus?
Maddy's Theater is so beautiful and it is so exciting that Portland finally has another professional theater space. Go see the play and experience it yourself!
Tess also directs and creates theatre with young people via Stages Youth Theatre and Portland Stage’s Theatre for Kids, and teaches acting and performance at USM and SMCC.
THE GIRL WHO SWALLOWED A CACTUS runs through October 11th in Maddy’s Theatre. Tickets start at $10 and Members receive a 10% discount. Maddy’s Theatre welcomes artists and audiences of all ages and abilities.
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