A CHAT WITH DANIEL TELFORD
This week, we were fortunate to have some time to chat with Daniel Telford, one of the actors making his Seat of the Pants’ debut in our upcoming production of Elephant’s Graveyard.
Who are you playing in the show? What intrigues you about the character as we’re getting started? What are you looking forward to and what do you expect to be challenging?
I am playing the Steam Shovel Operator. When I read this play I was immediately intrigued by the character's desire to escape from the mundanity of his life in Erwin, TN. The character also has this bizarre monologue when he describes the repetition and emptiness he feels from his job and life. Turning to alcohol to cope. Then he experiences a sliver of hope when the Circus comes to town with all the glitz and glamor. There seems to be a weird sense of pride the Steam Shovel Operator has about the town when they decide to kill the elephant. It makes the town unique and special and not just a boring town stuck in the mud. This aspect will be a welcome challenge to explore.
Though we’ve only had two rehearsals so far, what have been some of your thoughts or takeaways on working this way – with an extended period of time and process to live with the play?
I really love the atmosphere created at Seat of the Pants. I like the fact that we all learn exercises in the group so we each can have the same tools for tackling the material. I find that the round table discussions and speaking in draft to be beneficial for my process. I feel like I have spent the past two rehearsals absorbing a lot and listening. I’ve challenged myself to have more to contribute to this next rehearsal.
What interested you in being part of the project? What are some of the things that you like or that drew you to the play?
This play is an ensemble heavy production which is what really got me excited to audition. I knew there would be some elements of devising and heavy collaboration. For me, that's what theatre is about. A glorious meshing of minds and experiences with the goal to most truthfully capture the human condition.
I love that the play revolves around a circus coming into a small town and - as the play progresses - the town itself becomes more like a circus. It also blows my mind that this really happened. I just felt this compulsion to help tell this true story.
How do you generally work as an actor when you’re approaching a new role?
Before rehearsals begin I tend to lock myself in my room and do a deep dive on the play. A full read thru, some historical/ dramaturgical research, and info about the playwright and their previous works. Once we start, I like to get moving as soon as possible. It helps me make that mind/ body connection and helps guide me through the characters' intentions. The faster I’m on my feet and have the script out of my hands, the quicker I can liberate myself to truly connect with the ensemble and freely make choices and discoveries.
How would you describe the major themes or ideas of the play to someone who asked?
One major theme is the desire to escape from a monotonous existence. It also makes heavy commentary on American culture. One minute we are allured by the glitz and glamor and the next we are seeking blood in the name of “justice”.