People in the Philadelphia theatre scene know Lindsay Smiling. When you look at what he’s done, how could they not? He’s been a part of the Philly theatre scene for a very long time…acting, directing, and in general, doing good for the community. He is currently one of the co-artistic directors at the Wilma Theater, just adding to the list of things he’s accomplished. It is absolutely outstanding, everything this man has done!
Smiling directed The Half-God of Rainfall at the Wilma. And honestly, I don’t think the play would have been what it was without him. I loved this show so much, and it all definitely takes talent and finesse to make it what it was. In Smiling’s hands, this show became so much. It became beautiful, and striking, and intense, and so much more. The Half-God of Rainfall is truly everything inspiring in theatre.
I was able to ask Lindsay Smiling some questions about his work with The Half-God of Rainfall, theatre, and what he’s done for the world of theatre. This man is absolutely brilliant, and I’m so glad I got to pick his brain a little! In my post about The Half-God of Rainfall, I know I talked a lot about how I loved the play. Getting some of the “behind the scene” action from the director was absolutely amazing. This is a passion, and Smiling got it absolutely right.
How did it feel as a man to direct scenes with Modupe and her trauma?
I was keenly aware of my gender while directing this play. I knew I was asking a lot of Jess and wanted to make sure she had the things she needed to rehearse and perform her scenes in a healthy way. I felt a tremendous amount of responsibility to ensure I wasn't causing harm. I had to approach all of these scenes with as much humility and openness to learning as possible.
You’ve been in so many aspects of theatre. Which feels the most comfortable for you?
By far I am the most comfortable acting. It's where I have spent most of my career. My approach to acting is always an exploration of aspects of myself and experiences in the world and I feel most comfortable in taking responsibility for my own body on stage. Directing requires a different sense of responsibility knowing there are a group of performers who will have the direct interaction with the audience.
What drew you to The Half-God of Rainfall?
I was looking for a piece that felt very Wilma, by that I meant something that is epic and visceral, but also something that brought another part of the world to Philadelphia. When I read The Half-God of Rainfall it was an immediate yes for me. I hadn't quite ever seen a piece in which Orishas were portrayed in this way. I hadn't seen a piece that was so culturally specific yet held space and respect for the belief systems of the globe. I hadn't seen a piece that offered new mythology.
Your direction of The Half-God of Rainfall was so beautiful! Did you have any idea what you were getting into when you started with this piece?
I had no idea. I mean, given that it really is a poem, I had some idea that it wouldn't be easy. The beauty of poetry is how it activates the imagination and is often not inherently theatrical. And the more I worked on it, the more I thought "What was I thinking". There were definitely nights I woke up in a panic thinking I've made a horrible mistake. Thinking I'm way out of my depth. But I knew I had a great team around me, and I leaned on everybody heartily. I knew I had surrounded myself with some of the best artists I know. And that allowed me to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
You’ve done so much for the community and for theatre. How does it feel knowing what you’ve done and created?
Wow! I am truly honored by this question. I really just want to keep putting work out there that moves us forward. I'm truly proud of The Half-God of Rainfall. Not just in the show, but the way we created the show. WE moved with curiosity, openness, care, and non-urgency throughout the process, and I think that shows up in the actor's respect for the audience. I'm proud to make theater that feels more like a community than a commodity.
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While they were giving speeches at the opening night of The Half-God of Rainfall at the Wilma, they asked who had seen Lindsay Smiling on stage, or around the Wilma, or behind the scenes. There were such overwhelming cheers for him, as everyone in the room seemed to know what he did in one way or another. Philly theatre, and the Wilma, are very lucky to have him being a part of it all. Smiling does it all, and he does it all right. No matter what way he’s making art, he’s making it, and completely succeeding with it.
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