interview with DANIEL BEATY

1. Tell me a little about EMERGENCE-SEE. Emergence-See! is the story of a Harlem family--a schizophrenic father and his two sons, one of whom is gay. As the play opens, the sons discover that a slave ship has risen out of the Hudson River in front of the Statue of Liberty and their father has climbed on top of it. The play is the sons journey to get their father off the ship and the wacky NY personalities they encounter along the journey. I use a lot of humor to discuss complex ideas -- the audience is laughing 60% of the time. The play is a fusion of song, spoken word, and character transformations--I play forty characters in the play, young and old, male and female.

2. What inspired you to write this one man show? My own journey to break free from aspects of my life that were causing me to feel bound was my initial impulse for Emegence-See! I also felt this desire to be "more free" all around me--free to love, free to follow your dreams, free to be fully expressed. A slave ship in front of the Statue of Liberty poses the question, "What stands in front of your freedom?"

3. I've seen you workshop the show and you really embody each character. How challenging was it for you to cram all of those characters into one body? Truly embodying characters is an incredibly joyous process for me. I identify a body, voice, emotional life, and social/political perspective for each character that allows it to pop. I have an internal truth meter that insists I am honest with the character that wants to be birthed through me.

4. Who are 3 of your favorite actors? I really enjoy Morgan Freeman, Alfre Woodard, and Denzel Washington. I also like Sean Penn.

5. If you could choose another profession other than acting, what would you choose and why? I find it difficult to imagine a profession other than the arts. I presently act, sing, direct, write, compose, produce, and teach in the arts. If I couldn't do any of these things, I would probably be in some type of healing profession like a minister or teacher.

6. I hear that you have a pretty good relationship with Ruby Dee, tell me about that. How did you meet? Ruby Dee attended a performance of Emergence-See! at a festival in Times Square. At the end of the performance, she came up to me with tears in her eyes. Since that time she, and Ossie before he passed, have been my number one advocates. Miss Dee is my angel.

7. Are you ready for the next level of success? I am in a place of tremendous gratitude in my life. God and the ancestors have given me a story to tell. I am thrilled that audiences are receiving it in such a tremendous way. I am working hard and staying focused. Am I ready for the next level of success? I say, "Bring it on!"

Emergence-See! begins a five week limited engagement at The Public Theater www.publictheater.org on October 10. Tickets go on sale September 10. You can learn more about Daniel and see excepts of his work at www.danielbeaty.com.