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 Kim Blanck, who plays the role of Kai.
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?
Kim Blanck: Folk Wandering is one of those exceptional plays that truly has it all. It’s got beautiful, soulful music that will stay with you in your bones; goofy, don’t-take-it-too-seriously physical comedy; and unexpected, hard-hitting moments that remind you, quite simply, how remarkable it is to be alive and kicking. Jaclyn, Neisler and the band of collaborating composers have created something wonderful and unusual and unforgettable. Since Folk Wandering has so much dexterity in genre, I wanted that opportunity to play with wildly different characters, stretch my muscles musically, and dig deep into Kai’s Dust Bowl history. Also, having been a part of the original 2011 workshop, the chance to participate in this production was a unique and incredible one! I’m so excited to reconnect with longtime friends and reexamine the character of Kai seven years later. How special is that??
PTC: What aspect of the Folk Wandering story do you most relate to?
KB: I’ve gotta say Hannah – her search for identity and fight for independence totally ring true for me. And I’d love to leave this experience with a little more of Kai’s strength. I absolutely look up to her her persistence, ferocity and no-holds-barred determination.
PTC: Tell us about your character.
KB: Desperately trying to stay alive in Escalante, Utah during the Dust Bowl era, Kai is at the end of her rope. She feels like she’s let herself down, she’s let her daughter down, and today is the day that she’s going to take that critical move toward changing her fate.
PTC: If you were to write a tagline for Folk Wandering, what would it be?
KB: “You’re going to want to be here.”
PTC: What big dreams have you been chasing recently (or would you like to chase)?
KB: The biggest dream I’m chasing right now is spending more time experiencing the world away from my technology crutches – i.e., step away from the Grey’s Anatomy reruns on Netflix, and step toward a park. (Though that Shonda Rhimes really does lay down some damn good lines.)
PTC: Two truths and a lie, go:
KB: I’ve been to Cuba. I’ve been to China. I’ve been to the Carolinas.
