TWITCH by John Barlow
Director's Note
My first experience directing theatre was as
assistant
director for a John Garfield Barlow play called “Route 78,” which was
part of
the very first ‘78’ workshop series. The director for that show was
none other
than Ryan Griffith. Six years later, it feels right to pay tribute to
John Barlow is a natural storyteller. One of my greatest pleasures in directing “Twitch” has been working with characters that feel as authentic, jocular and reflective as John himself. You can know nothing about bird watching and tree cutting yet still appreciate the all too familiar vulnerability and yearning expressed (and not expressed) by Big Jack and the boys. As a wistful writer myself, I admire what this play tells us about our dreams—both those that leave us in a cold sweat and those that necessitate leaving home—and I revel in the honest language with which it delivers its message.
Thank you John Barlow for trusting your literary bambino in my hands, and indeed for writing play scripts that, borrowing a word from Ilkay Silk, “crackle” on every page. Big ups to Lee and Julia for managing my stage, and an additional curtsy to Lee for making the show sound great. Much love, Ruthie Luff, for your fine papering and painting. Copious high-fives to Chris Saad for all his contributions and for being ultra easy to work with. Mad props to my cast, who came to every rehearsal ready to work and have fun. Respect and cred to Ilkay Silk for getting me involved in this gratifying project. And finally – happy birth year, St. Tommy.
Step Taylor