4 – minute interview with director Thom Babbes

(courtesy of Actors Co-op)

1. How long have you been involved with the Co-op and what
capacities?
I joined Actors Co-op in 1997 and was an actor in Terra Nova, Something’s Afoot, Fools to name a few. I also directed main stage a few shows, Wait Until Dark, The Miracle Worker, Ah! Wilderness. Also many Co-op Too’s as well.

2. In your own words, how would you describe this play to people?
Summer and Smoke is a play about broken people looking for authentic love.

3. What do you want people to experience in watching this play?
I want them to see the humanity in a troubled world. Especially, our Christian audience. Sometimes we as Christians look upon this broken world in Judgment instead of compassion. The character of Alma is a woman who loves God but finds no freedom in her relationship with Him.

4. What makes this play an important story to tell?
Because it deals with the two most basic issues of our lives as human beings . . . the struggle between the spirit and the flesh and the struggle between legalism and a true relationship with Christ.