An Interview With Mia Perovetz: Actress, Playwright, and Daughter

Nikolai Hamel: When is the play opening? Where is it playing? Where can people get tickets?

Mia Perovetz: The Things I Wish My Mother Would Have Told Me... is opening at Center Stage NY located 48 West 21st fourth Floor, New York, NY 10010. October 22nd - November 2nd, 2008. You can purchase tickets at www.thethingsiwish.com follow the link to theater mania. Or call: 212-352-3101

NH: How has the experience of writing a play over say, a book or an article, helped you express your story better?

MP: As an actor I'm constantly reminded to be truthful when I'm on stage, the challenge for me was to get up on stage and speak words that were only my own and to keep as much conviction in them as possible. The experience of writing a play was an opportunity for me to confront years of denial right in front of audience of people that had never heard me admit I was in pain. When you read an autobiography or an article although you are reading someone's perspective you cannot help but let what I like to call your book voice judge, but when it is the author who is presenting the story (like in my case) - my words are delivered how I intended. What the audience may take from that is still up to them.

NH: What was your inspiration for the play? Was it one moment or many?

MP: My inspiration could only be my mother and every other woman who is facing a diagnosis. In 1996 my mother was given an 18 month death sentence - and she turned that into 10 years of a beautiful courageous life. For a daughter to see such strength and integrity is a privilege, I now know that I too can overcome any obstacle in my way. That inspired me to seek healing and to learn how to relinquish fear and move forward in my life, so I guess my other moment was journeying through the Colombian jungle and working with a Shaman from the Lakota tribe - My EAT PRAY LOVE moment, transformed my life and created my most rewarding piece of work.

NH: For those who won't be able to see the play, what is one thing you wish your mother would have told you (literally)?

MP: I get this craving every once in a while for the most delicious chocolate mousse. Whether its nights when you can put on a cute girly movie, big comfy Pajama's and just lounge with a bowl or organizing a smart grown up dinner party - I know this sounds absurd - but I wish she had told me the recipe or I could just make a quick call to find out that hidden ingredient.

NH: Do you have any influences in your writing or directing? i.e. If a person liked _________ then they will want to go see 'The Things I Wish My Mother Would Have Told Me.'

MP: My Inspiration: I have always been a fan of Lisa Kron's work, her style is witty and intelligent, yet very honest and human. My Aspiration: I believe strongly in the power and resonance of Eve Ensler's plays.

I have also been glued for the past couple of months to Jessica Queller's Pretty is What Changes and although I had finished my play last year, Jessica Queller's descriptions of her mother ignited those memories in me and refueled my desire to share my story. So when days get gloomy and extremely stressful (as only life in the theater can do) I quickly remember little phrases from her book and I find strength.