1776's Sara Porkalob Brutally Honest Vulture Article

https://www.vulture.com/2022/10/1776-star-sara-porkalob-interview-molasses-to-rum.html



On "Hatch the Egg:"

"I think the directors missed a very obvious opportunity with that song to point back at American history in the way they said they wanted to. What we see in the projection is a collage of America’s history of protest, but do you know what it was sorely missing? The protests that were happening on Capitol Hill in January. Those people were literally chanting “1776.” It’s a choice. I would have been like, Let’s have this be a rock-out ****ing song while we show those images of white supremacists charging Capitol Hill.



On the direct address to the audience:

"I think that choice is actually really bad. It feels cringey. On the inside, I’m cringing at that, I’m cringing at the ****ing projected egg song, and I cringe a little at the end when we hold out those coatsThe image the audience is left with at the end of 1776 is the cast holding out their Revolutionary-era jackets.. I’m like, It’s okay. I wouldn’t have wanted it this way, but I am doing my job. The turn out is a bad choice because, in that moment, with what Franklin is saying and us turning out to the audience, it doesn’t achieve what the directors wanted it to. It’s the most humanizing text in this play, and we’re standing there looking at the audience. But the reason we were directed to look at the audience was to remind the audience that we weren’t considered when this compromise was made. Does that read? No, it doesn’t. It drives me crazy. I think, You’ve already achieved that goal, directors, by casting us in this show. People are going to interpret the text, first and foremost. I have to gird my loins for that moment."



On not getting to make creative decisions and being directed:

"It’s horrible. I hate it. I’m privileged that Diane Paulus came to me through the Dragon Cycle. She and Jeffrey had a lot of respect for me as a collaborator, not just as an actor. When it came to contributing in the room, people would stop and listen to me, which is fantastic. But it’s hard because I’m not the director. If I don’t agree with something, I have to say, Oh, not today. What I want to do with my time is make new works with collaborators."



On what she wants out of 1776 on Broadway as an experience:

"A Tony nomination, good reviews, and a smart, personable, hard-working agency that’s ready to rep me. Also, I guess more Instagram followers and more community here in New York. I don’t want just a career. I could make a career just being in commercial Broadway musicals."



On what percentage she is giving to this show:

"I’m giving 75 percent. When I do “Molasses to Rum,” I’m giving 90 percent."

Obviously there’s plenty of room to argue that this was unprofessional or unwise, but I’m personally glad she went there. It’s a fascinating interview, and I hope she doesn’t suffer too much professionally because of it. She’s one of the best things onstage in this revival and I’d love to see more from her.

Sue me -- I loved this article and found it incredibly compelling.

Whether it might have been better to wait until the production closed.... hmmm.

Still, three distinctions I think are at least a little important:

1) They are not just saying "I thought the direction sucked" or "I don't think this is a high-quality show." They are making important, substantial points about the handling of POC actors and the lack of thought behind the colorblind casting.

2) People keep saying "no director will cast them again!", but Porkalob does say they would prefer creating theater to being in other director's shows.

3) People also keep talking about the 75%-90% thing, which admittedly is a bit interesting, but bear in mind their statement that "giving 100 percent of myself to everything all the time is a recipe for disaster. How am I going to have time for myself, for my partner, or for my family?" I think if the majority of actors we adore answered honestly what percent they were giving, it would be a whole lot less than 75.

They have the right to say this. Others will have the right to disagree, and not work with them. It's candid -- maybe too candid! -- but I found it refreshing.

JBroadway said: "
“And of course, on cue, here come theater fans ready to defend her."

^Also, this comment is hilarious to me, given the circumstances; as this very thread demonstrates, theatre fans are generally the 1st ones to turn against an actor who speaks against their show."

LOL, yes. Thank you for this.

JBroadway said: "O
“And of course, on cue, here come theater fans ready to defend her."

^Also, this comment is hilarious to me, given the circumstances; as this very thread demonstrates, theatre fans are generally the 1st ones to turn against an actor who speaks against their show."

I think you're trying very hard to turn this into something else along the lines of "why must artists go out and promote their show 100%"-- they dont have to! Id be shocked if the production said to this actor "You must do this interview with Vulture!" She can, you know, not go out and bash the people she works with? I am very very eager to hear from my subordinates and colleagues at work, because I want them to be happy, and I want to make sure they stay-- but if someone went out and gave an interview tearing apart the way my department/office is run--even if valid!-- i'd want them fired immediately.

No one forced this actor to be in this show. But once on the team, trying to sell tickets is a big part of it. Shame.

Updated On: 10/14/22 at 05:48 PM