Over fifty ferociously imaginative emerging artists are working together to bring our world premiere of Folk Wandering roaring into reality. Throughout the run of the show (until March 25!), we’ll be sharing interviews with each of these artists. These conversations will bring you inside this show’s very unique process of creation, and bring you a bit closer to this brilliant and wild group of emerging artists. Today, we are pleased to bring you a spotlight on Seth Clayton, who plays the roles of Joey, Barkeep, and the Radio.
Read the full interview below and get your tickets to performances February 23 – March 25 today!
Pipeline Theatre Company: What first attracted you to Folk Wandering? What made you want to work on this project?
Seth Clayton: My first encounter with this play happened around a fireplace in a cabin in upstate New York, at a Pipeline company retreat. We did a reading, and I read the voice of the radio, which details Bobby Lombardi’s escapades in Sweetser with unsettling accuracy and immediacy. It’s really great. I had had played voices of radios in TWO previous Pipeline shows— Giant Killer Slugs and Matchstick Series: Anywhere But Here. I resolved then and there to corner the onstage radio market.
PTC: What aspect of the Folk Wandering story do you most relate to?
SC: I’ve always been pretty confused about what to do with my American inheritance. I openly criticize and question our nation’s traditions, values, and history, but in doing so, I’m exercising a hard-fought freedom that’s been passed down to me. It’s a huge privilege. So there’s this battle of gratitude and shame that often leaves me paralyzed and confused. I’m sure some of y’all relate. I think this play very honestly explores that confusion.
PTC: Tell us about your character in Folk Wandering.
SC: I play a few. Joey, is a young Italian-American who’s taking a terrifying leap into the American way of life. I already mentioned the Radio. Barkeep-Immaculate serves up drinks at the Patchy Tavern. He exists on another plane, living life by a mysterious philosophical code, and he knows how to put on a show. And then there’s Skaz-D. Still figuring him out.
PTC: If you were to write a tag line for Folk Wandering, what would it be?
SC: FOLK WANDERING: “You Will Be Found” no one’s taken that right?
PTC: What big dreams have you been chasing recently (or would you like to chase)?
SC: Honestly, just singing. In a free and healthy way. It’s been something I’ve kinda chased all my life. But doing this show, and taking lessons with this amazing coach named Cris Frisco, has shown me that my singing voice is a lot closer than I think. I’m like giddy about it. It feels like a dream come true.
PTC: Two truths and a lie, go:
SC: I am an award-winning drum major. I am an award-winning scat soloist. I am an award-winning hot air balloon pilot.
Folk Wandering is just opened and is running through March 25. Tickets are now available to all performances. Get your tickets today!
