UpClose: Marilyn Ansevin Austin, Women’s Voices Theater Festival

Marilyn Ansevin Austin’s new play, The Point, is being given its debut by Arturus Theater Company on September 24, 2015. The longtime D.C. area resident, a psychotherapist in private practice, graduated from Muskingum University, and has a Master’s degree from the University of Illinois and a Doctorate from the University of Maryland.  She is a performing flutist and, besides this play, has written poems, short stories, and a children’s book. She invites you to contact her here.

Why are you a playwright?

The beauty of a play, for me, is that I can actually observe my mental images come to life. That is, thoughts and emotions become visible in three dimensions.

What type of theatre most excites you?

I enjoy theater performances which have mystery and surprise….like an unfolding of a lovely previously unknown flower.

What starts a play moving in your imagination?

A situation as an issue/problem that occurs or that I can imagine following a line of possible direction and related results.

Do you have a favorite writing place?

I have no writing place….it could be a just a pad of paper or my computer. It is as if a thread appears, then as I pick at it, it starts to reveal its real nature as one thing leads to another.

How did you choose this play to debut at the Festival?

It was a matter of timing. I had finished it, then a friend told me of this possibility. Years ago I had a spontaneous contact with a clairvoyent/clairaudient woman while in Dover, England, who gave me a “message” from a long deceased Polish soldier. Many years later, this “message” was confirmed by a present-day family friend. This experience I have taken as the basis for an unfolding plot about identity and personal responsibility.

What are you working on now?

The play which I am working on now is based on a personal experience…..spun out to result in the maturation of the central character’s personality and life.

Answer this: “If I weren’t a playwright, I would be … “

I would be what I actually am: a psychotherapist and a flute player who writes poetry and volunteers at the Cathedral and at the Washington Ear.

Anything you would like to add?

I am fortunate to have good health, four successful and supportive children, and encouraging friends and family.

Read on

DCTS’ Guide to Women’s Voices Theater Festival
and
More interviews with WVTF playwrights