Nicholas Kennedy Interview by Jen Bush

I just saw a cleverly humorous short film by Nicholas Kennedy called Hands On about a down on his luck hand model.  It was well done on all counts.  Mr. Kennedy is a talented filmmaker and theatre artist who is having a world premiere of his new play Egg Frame at the landmarked theatrical institution, the American Theatre of Actors.  Egg Frame is a surreal dramedy about a locksmith who has trouble opening a mysterious door and his wife who is suffering from early onset dementia.  We were honored to get to speak with Mr. Kennedy about this compelling new work and his life as an artist. 

Mr. Kennedy’s inspiration is to weave interesting tales.  “Telling stories is one of the most fulfilling journeys a person can go on. I’m glad I can create a fictional world while using elements from my own personal experience in life, to create a play like Egg Frame is inspiring for myself, I get to watch a story that is therapeutic to my soul.”

Mr. Kennedy has a most interesting creative process…cheers!  “Typically, for writing, I like to drink whatever my favorite character ends up drinking throughout the story. It gives me a creative boost when writing once I have the character flushed out. In the past it has been Rosé, Pinot Noir, Champagne and now Whiskey. For this script too I got a lot of help from Jim Grant.”

Being in the arts is a constant and wonderful learning experience.  “I am always learning, I love learning. It is so important to keep learning. It’s not always in the classroom, a lot or almost all can be learned from listening to others who have experience.”

 It’s not unreasonable to think that combining Alzheimer’s disease with Afghanistan might mean that the playwright is trying to make a statement.  Mr. Kennedy gives his take on that subject.  “Only that they are two words that can hit anyone’s core in an instant.”

This play presents real topics in a surreal way.  You can’t argue with Mr. Kennedy’s iron clad logic on the matter.  “If there is no real topic, how can you make anything surreal.”

This play is accessible to a wide range of audience members.  “Who should see this play?  Anyone who wants to be moved emotionally in an honest thought-provoking way.”

Mr. Kennedy works in film as well as theatre.  He recognizes that for theatre, the Big Apple is the place to be.  “There is a strong Theatre community that exists in New York, and I love it immensely.”

The magic of a filmmaker who also works in theatre is that he can seamlessly transition his works from the stage to the screen.  “Yes, Egg Frame could totally could be a movie and I would love to make one of my original plays into a film.

Mr. Kennedy is doing exactly what he is meant to do and is getting immense enjoyment from it.  “I get to keep making silly sad little plays for the rest of my life.”

After Mr. Kennedy cracks this egg, he is on to more artistry.  “I’m making a film in October and also writing a new play “Under The Ice” which is about ice

fishing and a small little button shop in New York City.”

I’m egging you on to go see Egg Frame

American Theatre of Actors
314 W. 54th St. New York City
LIMITED ENGAGEMENT: September 1 – 10