Meet Karen O’Hanlon (Visiting Friar, Traveling Englishman, VA Doctor)
You play multiple characters in multiple historical eras. If you could choose a specific time in history to be born, when would you choose?
That depends on my social class…..I think I am too much of a feminist to be from any other time.
Should Christians or non-Christians come see this play?
Both! This is story of people affected by politics, religion and theater. To quote the director: “If we can’t get along in a theater when the world is falling apart, then how can you expect anyone to get along in this world?”
This play shifts from funny to emotional to funny again on a dime. How do you make those shifts?
It is always about the truth of the moment. Sarah did all the work work for us, we just have to listen, stay present and be honest.
This play explores how you are perceived based on your looks versus who you really are. Can you personally relate to this theme?
Can’t all women? The idea that you are either a virgin or whore is one we all deal with. Society has expectations for women as we balance a life as wife, mother, or professional. You are judged for caring too much or caring too little while struggling to play your role correctly. How we look on the outside can dictate the opportunity extended to you and how people treat you can often influence how we treat ourselves.
If you met your character on the street, would you have a beer together? If not, which character would you share a pint with?
I would love to have a Pint with the Village Idiot and Jack, although I heard Jack gets a little handsy after a few…
What do you connect to in this story?
I went to 12 years of Catholic school so the stories and the idea that we should embody Christ was not new to me. I love the question of what a lifetime of playing these roles would do to a person’s individual development. Layering in the politics of the time and an outsider’s eye to the theme of community only intensifies the journey. Every time I read the script I am discovering something new. This is an exhilarating project and process to be a part of.
How do you prepare to work on a project like this?
Clear my schedule.
What excites you about this story and why should people come to see it?
The honesty of the writing and Trevor Biship’s vision and interpretation.
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