Interview with Grace Angela Henry
LOCAL PRODUCE
Sponsored by local farms, Local Produce is a unique and exciting series of readings of new plays, some being heard for the very first time! Join in the creative process as Hudson Valley playwrights bring their newest projects to life with Hudson Valley talent, in live readings with script in hand. Includes a short introduction from the playwright, followed by an audience Q&A session.
THE ACADEMY
The poignant story of the relationship between the director of a prestigious boarding school for Black and Brown girls and the valedictorian of the senior class. Who's the teacher? Who's the student? And does either of them belong in a girls' school?
1. As you know, Local Produce is a unique and exciting series of readings of new plays, some being heard for the very first time. What's it like to hear your play read aloud for the first time and what would you say to someone who has never attended a Local Produce reading?
“It’s thrilling to hear the play read aloud! And it’s very informative – I actually like editing and reworking the play, and the readings give me plenty of food for thought.”
2. The Academy delves into the dynamics of an elite girls school. What inspired you to write about this particular setting, and are there personal experiences or observations that influenced the narrative?
“Decades ago, I studied with Dr. Carol Gilligan, whose work is mentioned in the play. I later was a teacher and administrator, first in a coed school and then in a girls’ school. The differences between the schools were stark, and the girls’ school experience was eye-opening. I saw Dr. Gilligan’s research findings playing out every day in both settings. Another influence is hearing about the experiences of friends with school-age children grappling with their gender and sexual identities, and educators teaching these kids and working with their families.”
3. Your portrayal of Sojourner Truth has been widely acclaimed in the Hudson Valley. How does your approach to writing The Academy differ from your previous works, and did your acting experiences influence your playwriting?
“My Sojourner Truth portrayals are monologues and biographic. The main throughline is her life story, of course, and there are a couple of examples of her interactions with others – President Lincoln, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Frederick Douglass and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper – but “The Academy” is keenly focused on two characters: their individual experiences as well as their relationship together. We know a lot about Sojourner Truth as a personality and person. I had to make up two characters from scratch for “The Academy.” Writing the play was very different – it was hard! – and I enjoyed the challenge.”
4. The Stissing Center has been a venue for several of your performances, including Sojourner Truth and The Last Supper. How has your relationship with this venue evolved over time, and what makes it a fitting place for the reading of The Academy?
“I have become very fond of this place – I don’t think everyone realizes the wide diversity of offerings. The evolution of my relationship with the venue mirrors that. I started out as an audience member and event participant, and then was invited to moderate, emcee, and finally perform. I’ve been a HOWL member for years, and this partnership with Stissing Center has broadened my horizons.”
5. The themes in The Academy seem to touch upon issues of privilege, education, and societal expectations. What key messages or discussions do you hope audiences will take away from this reading?
“I hope people will learn a few things and have some of their assumptions challenged. There are a number of themes in the play that are currently in the news, movies, TV shows, and even other plays. I hope what people take away will have a positive influence on how they see and feel about those themes in the future.”
