Member Interviews # 2 - Maria Christina Oliveras

 Okay, here we are with week 2 of the Partial Comfort member interviews!

Name:  Maria-Christina Oliveras
Occupation: Actor
 
How long have you been a member of Partial Comfort? Since 2004

How did you initially find out about Partial Comfort?

A friend/colleague referred me to Robert for an early developmental reading of “MATTER OF CHOICE.”  I subsequently saw Sam’s play, “WHICH WOLF IS WHICH?”

What made you decide you wanted to be a member?

The work and the people:   I loved “…CHOICE,” (finally, a play that actually reflected the DIVERSE, often harsh yet potentially joyous REALITY of our world!) and after getting to know Chad and Molly while assistant directing “PLAY,” it was a no-brainer.  In the midst of this crazy, fickle business, there’s no place like home. 

When people ask you why you want to be a member of an ensemble, what do you usually tell them?

To me, theater is synonymous with ensemble--collaboration is vital.  Everyone should be on board to tell the story clearly, truthfully, and with a sense of joy and generosity.  Ultimately, the play should have the biggest ego in the room.  To be a part of a steady ensemble developing *new, interesting vital* work with people I trust, respect and admire is the ideal playground for me.

What are some projects (readings, workshops, plays) that you've enjoyed working on within the company?

I've been out of town quite a bit, but no matter what project I am in the midst of, I always carve out some time for the retreats.  The developmental process is the most exciting and interesting for me: new pages hot off the press, engaging in a dialogue, improvising and experimenting to explode open the work with fearless artists who are game for anything—it is amazing what emerges.

One of my favorite moments during the one of the retreats was:
Chad was struggling to find a title for his new piece.  Robert was going through which stage directions should be read.  The first stage direction of the piece was "Lights rise on Grace…" and Robert said, "I think you have your title." Hence, a beautiful new play was christened.

What do you find inspiring/exciting about being a company member?

Seeing how much we’ve grown together over the years and the ease with which we work, play, and spar.  Also, I am constantly blown away by everyone in the company, both professionally and personally— not only do we have extraordinary actors, directors, writers and designers, but we have members producing, fundraising, running education programs, running their own companies, entering parenthood, teaching, balancing careers and family —it is truly astonishing and humbling!

What do you find challenging and/or what have you learned?

I wish we had more time and resources to collaborate more frequently.  Never take anything personally.

Talk a little bit about the professional relationships you've formed as a part of this company.

PCP has facilitated amazing opportunities for me. Fredo asked me to be a part of a project which resulted in my signing with my agent.  Robert referred me to Chay, and I subsequently got to work with him on Jose Rivera’s new play at the Huntington.  Frank and I have worked together countless times (most recently at PRTT and Baltimore Centerstage)...the list goes on and on.   I am constantly looking to collaborate with PCP’ers, and whenever someone asks me for a referral, the company is the first place I look.

What projects (with the company or outside of the company) have you recently worked on or do you have lined up? 

I was finally inducted into the Law & Order franchise.  Earlier this summer, I did a run off-Broadway of NIGHT SKY, directed by Daniella Topol.  Currently, I’m in the midst of playing Joanne in RENT at the Hangar, directed by Devanand Janki.

What would you like people to know about Partial Comfort?Any additional thoughts/comments about any aspect of the company/being a member/other members/NYC theater/etc. 

Go see THE BEREAVED!