INTERNATIONAL CITY THEATRE
Credit: ictlongbeach
What comes to mind when you think of Long Beach, California - perhaps the Queen Mary (to reopen hopefully later this year), the port, Long Beach Symphony, trendy Belmont Shore, The Pike Outlets or the Walter Pyramid at California State University Long Beach (CSULB)? Don’t forget International City Theatre (ICT) at the intimate Beverly O’Neill Theater that has received numerous accolades including Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle award for innovative, sometimes provocative, thought-provoking and inspired productions.
caryn desai became Artistic Director and Producer of ICT in 2011, taking over from her director and producer husband Shashin Desai who founded the company in 1985 - and also taught theater and film at Long Beach City College (LBCC). She shares tips and insights about the theater and ICT with Editor Leonne Lewis and by the way, prefers to use the lower case spelling of her name.
caryn desai seems a perfect fit for ICT in directing and overseeing a wide-ranging repertory that features social and political themes as well as a flair for drama, comedy and musicals – all woven together using a powerhouse cast of actors enhanced by creative staging and set design. “These past couple years have been challenging for all of us – especially in the performing arts but International City Theatre found other ways to stay viable and engaged with our community, albeit virtually. I want to continue to serve our community with quality professional theatre and continue to serve and grow our six education programs serving every demographic and age from 4 to 104,” says desai.
ICT offers five productions a season and desai comments that she chooses works with regard to genre, issues and stories – as evidenced from Ghost-Writer, Raisin, Fences, The Robber Bridegroom, Dinah Was, Beast on the Moon and The Importance of Being Earnest. This season’s assortment has included Marry Me a Little, The Legend of Georgia McBride, A Dolls House and upcoming Lend Me a Tenor. The inclusive mixture of traditional and new normal is what gives ICT an aesthetic edge.
“Theatre provides entertainment and education. I want to encourage attendance so there is something for everyone. I’m drawn to plays that are relevant in our lives and our world – whether it’s new or a classic. It’s also important to invest in new works, new writers to encourage new voices in our field,” she observes. desai continues, “They need to be supported to allow them to further develop. Look at the plays from any generation and you better understand the issues of society at that time. Our investment in new works now is our legacy for the future.”
The prestigious list of awards and recognition for desai’s work with ICT include Drama-Logue, Ovation, NAACP, LA Weekly and African American History & Culture Foundation - as reflected in upcoming Valley Song by South African playwright Athol Fugard. Her interest in theater began at Long Beach City College and blossomed into degrees in performance acting and directing from London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, CSULB and University of California, Irvine. desai taught theater arts at El Camino College and LBCC of which she was inducted into their Hall of Fame in addition to being named a Distinguished Alumna by CSULB. “I love teaching and don’t hide the fact that this is a challenging field. It takes passion and perseverance to succeed in making and building a career in the theatre.”
Her valuable advice serves as a blueprint for students, especially in the performing arts who want to pursue a career in theater. “Follow your passion. Find work at any theatre doing whatever you can – internships, whatever it takes to start networking and getting known. Make yourself indispensable and don’t burn bridges. Theatre is our most human art form – people to people storytelling – the need to communicate. It has been with us since life began. We need passionate theatre makers in every generation.”
desai also mentions that theater arts programs at LBCC and CSULB provide students with well-rounded classes that focus on a how-to approach of work in the theater – “from literature to performance, analysis, designing (costumes, lights, sets, sound, props), history, management and production,” she mentions. “It’s a team effort to make theatre happen and you should understand the role each plays – and appreciate what each brings to the production.” If you are preparing for a casting call or career as actor, director or producer, desai offers these valuable suggestions.
“As directors, you definitely need to know the basics to be able to communicate with each area of production. I also believe college classes can inform your ability to be a better artist. The more you know and understand, the more you may bring to your own show. Psychology is very important in understanding character motivations. Everything you are learning may wind up in a play about science or history – and you already have a base of knowledge. Classes you think you are not interested in are providing you a greater library of information from which to pull. And take some business classes. The arts are a business, whether nonprofit or not.” She completed the Executive Program from Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
Looking back, desai makes several observations about studies in London and Southern California citing the biggest difference was a focus on Shakespeare from across the pond. “Training here in Southern California includes traditions as well with Stanislavski and the Method but often includes references and analogies to film and television. I do think my London training aided my continued studies in Southern California and I also believe I had excellent training and classes here with wonderful professors. I worked hard and what you put into your work is what you may get out of it.” Couldn’t have said it better!
desai’s continued mission for ICT is drawn from tried and true experiences as student, actor, teacher, writer, director, producer, artistic director and visionary – a harmonious and winning formula. “Bringing our diverse audiences together to hear stories of people who may be different helps create empathy and understanding of ourselves and others – and of our shared humanity. I want to ensure sustainability beyond me for International City Theatre to serve generations to come because I passionately believe in the power of theatre to transcend differences, inspire, create understanding and instill hope for our future. We definitely need it now.”