Curtains up! A Historical Perspective on Drama.

Rohan
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Performing Arts

Step backstage with me on Curtains Up! the podcast that uncovers the rich, dramatic stories behind the evolution of theater. From the divine rituals of ancient Greece to Shakespearean intrigue, and from the glitz of Broadway to the rise of modern experimental theater, Curtains Up! explores how drama has shaped culture and society across centuries. Perfect for theater lovers, history buffs, and anyone curious about the art that mirrors our humanity. Join me for captivating episodes, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights into the world’s greatest stories ever performed.

  1. E 34: Teaching Through Culture: Latinx Perspectives in Theater with Adriana Gonzales

    4d ago

    E 34: Teaching Through Culture: Latinx Perspectives in Theater with Adriana Gonzales

    "Your individual voice is important and deserves to be seen and heard... and if it's not for you, do it for your ancestors." — Adriana Gonzales Summary What happens when campfire stories collide with the stage? Adriana Gonzalez — performer, choreographer, playwright, and stuntwoman — brings 15+ years of training and a lifetime of Mexican and Indigenous heritage into every performance she creates. In this episode, Adriana and Rohan explore what it truly means to be a storyteller: not bound by genre, not silenced by history, and not afraid to reclaim words that were meant to diminish. From choreographing a quinceañera to writing plays about undocumented struggles in the Southwest, Adriana's work is rooted in one conviction: if the stories don't get told, they disappear. This conversation is for anyone who has ever wondered whether their culture belongs on stage — it does, and Adriana shows exactly how to put it there. In this insightful interview, Adriana Gonzalez shares her unique perspective on storytelling through movement, her cultural roots, and how they influence her work in theater and dance. Discover how she integrates Southwest and Mexican heritage into her performances, redefines traditional terms, and emphasizes the importance of authentic cultural expression in the arts. Keywords theater, dance, storytelling, cultural roots, Mexican heritage, movement, performance, theater arts, cultural expression, storytelling in performance Key topics Cultural influence on performanceIntegration of music and movement in theaterReframing traditional terms like 'Hihade Mi Madre'The importance of storytelling in performance artsUsing movement to connect with audiencesKey frameworks Cultural storytelling in performanceMovement as a storytelling toolReframing cultural termsAction items Embrace your cultural roots in your artUse movement to tell stories beyond wordsTrust your audience to interpret your workTitles Reimagining Theater: The Power of Movement and CultureHow Southwest and Mexican Roots Shape Modern PerformanceSound bites "Sharing our stories keeps our history alive." "Embrace your voice and tell your story." "Thank you for having me on this journey." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Adriana Gonzalez 01:07 Cultural Influences on Storytelling 03:57 Embracing Identity in Performance 06:56 The Role of Music in Theater 11:08 Movement as a Storytelling Tool 14:57 The Importance of Physical Expression 18:52 Audience Engagement through Movement 24:05 Bringing the Southwest to Life 28:01 Empowering Latinx Voices 30:58 Advice for Young Artists Guest links Website - https://adrianagonzalez.com Twitter - https://twitter.com/adrianagonzalez

    34 min
  2. E33: Equity and Representation in the Performing Arts with Aaron Reader of Seattle Theater Group

    May 25

    E33: Equity and Representation in the Performing Arts with Aaron Reader of Seattle Theater Group

    About our Speaker Guest: Aaron Reader, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access — Seattle Theatre Group Keywords theater, diversity, inclusion, representation, storytelling, social justice, arts accessibility, community engagement Aaron Reader is a leader in advancing equity and inclusion in the performing arts, currently serving as the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) at Seattle Theatre Group. In this role, he works at the intersection of community engagement and artistic programming, helping to create spaces where all voices are represented, valued, and heard. With a strong commitment to fostering inclusive storytelling, Aaron focuses on amplifying historically underrepresented communities and building meaningful connections between artists and audiences. His work spans education initiatives, community partnerships, and strategic programming that reflects the diverse cultural landscape of today’s theater world. Episode Summary This episode dives into one of theater's most pressing conversations: who gets to tell stories, and who gets to experience them? Host Rohan sits down with Aaron Reader to explore how the performing arts can become more inclusive, accessible, and representative for both artists and audiences. Why Representation MattersAaron shared a deeply personal example: taking his daughter to see the Black Theater of Harlem, where a Black ballerina on stage locked eyes with her and smiled. From that moment on, his daughter saw herself as a dancer. He argues that representation operates at every level — not just on stage, but in writing rooms, behind the scenes, on staff, and in boardrooms. There's also a crucial distinction he draws between feeling welcome and feeling like you truly belong. Barriers to AccessAaron challenges the idea that access begins at the theater door — it actually starts at home. Barriers include unclear or inaccessible websites, lack of transit information, physical accessibility of venues, and whether assistive technologies (like ASL interpretation or audio description) are offered. He also points to the cultural atmosphere inside venues: Does the art on the walls reflect the community? Does the staff look like the audience? Advice for Young Artists and StudentsAaron's closing advice: create, create, create. Don't let your artistic gift sit idle. Theater is not just entertainment — it's a mirror for society. Making it truly inclusive requires intentional work at every level, from the website a potential audience member visits at home to the faces they see greeting them at the door. Aaron Reader's work at Seattle Theatre Group is a model for how arts organizations can lead that charge. Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Theater and Storytelling 12:47 The Importance of Representation in Theater 17:31 Barriers to Accessing Theater Opportunities 24:48 The Role of Young Artists in Social Change 31:39 lifestyle-intro-high-short.wav Resources Seattle Theatre Group - https://www.seattletheatre.org/ Aaron Reader's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronreader/

    32 min
  3. E32: The Bard and Beyond: The Theatrical Titans of Renaissance England with Paul Menzer

    May 14

    E32: The Bard and Beyond: The Theatrical Titans of Renaissance England with Paul Menzer

    Summary In this episode Rohan is back to exploring the history and the vibrant world of Renaissance England theater with Dr. Paul Menzer, covering social influences, censorship, and the legacy of playwrights like Marlowe and Shakespeare. Key topics Social and political factors in Renaissance EnglandThe role of Elizabeth I in theater regulationDistinct styles of Thomas Kidd, Ben Johnson, and Christopher MarloweKey takeaways Renaissance theater flourished under monarchy and emerging commercial industryElizabeth I's licensing and censorship shaped theatrical contentMarlowe's plays emphasized human aspiration and ambitionShakespeare's plays transcend their time, making them universally relatableSound bites "Censorship was subtle but pervasive" "Marlowe's line load was extraordinary" "Shakespeare's plays transcend their time" Chapters 00:00 The Flourishing of Renaissance Theater 03:16 The Influence of Elizabeth I on Theater 06:25 Censorship and Regulation in Renaissance Drama 09:21 Distinct Styles of Playwrights: Kidd and Johnson 12:17 The Revolutionary Impact of Christopher Marlowe 15:15 Marlowe vs. Shakespeare: A Comparative Analysis 18:13 The Legacy of Shakespeare and His Influences 21:07 Why Shakespeare Overshadows His Contemporaries 34:48 educational-outro-high-short.wav

    35 min
  4. E31: The Stage of Life: Creativity, Connection, and Senior Communities with Ms. Nanda Tewari

    May 1

    E31: The Stage of Life: Creativity, Connection, and Senior Communities with Ms. Nanda Tewari

    Summary In this episode Rohan explores how theater and community programs support senior wellness, social connection, and emotional health. Featuring Ms. Nanda Tewari from Indian American Community Services, it highlights the impact of arts on aging populations and offers insights into program development and volunteer opportunities. Keywords senior wellness, theater, community programs, aging, social connection, arts therapy, volunteer opportunities, senior health, mental engagement, cultural activities Key Topics Impact of theater on senior wellness Community programs for seniors Volunteer opportunities in senior services Key Frameworks Community Engagement Model Arts and Aging Framework Sound Bites "Live performance has the power to touch hearts at every age." "Routine and social activities help seniors feel they belong." "Engaging in theater reduces the risk of dementia." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Senior Services and Community Engagement 04:00 The Growth and Evolution of Senior Programs 08:24 Daily Activities and Structure of Senior Programs 13:19 The Importance of Social Connections for Seniors 14:16 The Role of Theater in Senior Wellness 17:35 Getting Involved: Opportunities for Students

    20 min
  5. E30: Creative Ageing and the Power of Performance: A Conversation with Jennifer Kulik

    Apr 18

    E30: Creative Ageing and the Power of Performance: A Conversation with Jennifer Kulik

    Summary In this inspiring episode of Curtains Up, Rohan sits down with Jennifer Kulik, PhD, founder and CEO of Silver Kite Community Arts, to explore how theater and the arts can transform lives across generations - an area that Rohan is personally passionate about after performing for senior centers in the community. Jennifer shares her personal journey into theater and how the performing arts helped her through serious health challenges as a young person by rebuilding confidence, identity, and emotional resilience. That early experience ultimately led her to create Silver Kite, an organization focused on bringing arts access to people of all ages and abilities. Jennifer explains how participation in theater can reduce loneliness, combat social isolation, and create a sense of belonging. She discusses why the arts are far more than entertainment—they are powerful tools for wellness and community building. The conversation explores the concept of creative aging: celebrating creativity throughout the lifespan and creating opportunities for older adults to continue learning, expressing themselves, and thriving after retirement. Rohan and Jennifer discuss how theater strengthens, communication skills, empathy, confidence, problem-solving, memory and cognitive flexibility, emotional expression. Jennifer shares how Silver Kite’s intergenerational theater productions bring together younger and older performers from different backgrounds to create original shows based on life stories. These experiences help break down age stereotypes and foster meaningful relationships. The episode also explores the dynamic relationship between performers and audiences, and how live theater is a collaborative experience where every performance is shaped by the people in the room. Jennifer offers thoughtful advice for young creatives who want to make a social impact: listen deeply, learn from what is already working, and create art that invites people in rather than tells them what to think. This episode highlights a central idea: theater is not just performance—it is a catalyst for empathy, wellness, lifelong growth, and social connection. https://www.silverkite.us/

    27 min
  6. E29: Fabric Form and Character: Inside costume design with UW's Nour Afifi

    Apr 8

    E29: Fabric Form and Character: Inside costume design with UW's Nour Afifi

    Guest: Nour Afifi, MFA in Costume Design, B.A., History, The American University in Cairo, 2020https://drama.washington.edu/people/nour-afifi Summary Explore the artistry, process, and impact of costume design with Noor Afifi, an MFA student at the University of Washington. Discover how costume designers interpret scripts, collaborate with directors, and solve challenges in historical and contemporary productions. Keywords costume design, theater, stage costumes, script analysis, collaboration, historical costumes, quick changes, MFA, theater education Key topics The role of costume design in storytelling Process of script analysis for costume creation Collaboration with directors and designers Challenges of historical costume sourcing and fitting Skills and tips for aspiring costume designers Sound bites "Collaboration with directors is key" "Solve problems quickly and efficiently" "Sourcing costumes is a major challenge" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Costume Design and Noor Afifi 01:26 What Drew Noor to Costume Design Over Acting 02:33 The Complexity and Craft of Costume Designing 04:16 Script Reading and Initial Design Reactions 05:24 Multiple Readings for Deeper Understanding 06:19 Using Script Themes for Creative Inspiration 07:38 Collaborating with Directors and Design Teams 09:18 Skills and Tips for Aspiring Costume Designers 11:03 Handling Quick Changes and Budget Constraints 13:53 Designing for Historical Periods and Challenges 16:59 Audience Expectations for Period Costumes 19:33 A Day in the Life of a MFA Costume Student 22:11 Career Goals and Advice for Future Designers 24:03 The Power of Gratitude and Building Relationships 24:45 Closing Remarks and Appreciation for Costume Design 25:11 lifestyle-intro-high-short.wav Resources University of Washington Costume Design Program - https://depts.washington.edu/theatre/programs/costume-design/ Historical Costume Resources - https://costumehistory.org/

    25 min

  7. Apr 3

    E28: Commedia, Courts, and Creativity: Theater in Renaissance ITaly

    Summary Rohan explores the transformative impact of the English Renaissance on theatre, highlighting key figures like Shakespeare and Marlowe, and the era's innovations in storytelling, language, and audience engagement. keywords English Renaissance, Shakespeare, Marlowe, theatre history, Elizabethan theatre, drama evolution, audience interaction, poetic language, Renaissance plays, theatre legacy key topics Impact of the Elizabethan era on modern theatreRole of Shakespeare and Marlowe in drama evolutionInnovations in theatre architecture and audience engagementThe Renaissance Revolution: How Elizabethan Theatre Changed the WorldShakespeare and Marlowe: Architects of Modern Drama"The Golden Age of English theatre""Women were not allowed to perform on stage""The Globe Theatre's innovative stage design"guest nameRohan SenguptatitlesSound Bites

    10 min
  8. E27 :Where improvisation meets tradition: Commedia dell’arte with Matthew A.J. Gregory

    Jan 22

    E27 :Where improvisation meets tradition: Commedia dell’arte with Matthew A.J. Gregory

    "The things we wear change us." Summary In this episode, Rohan interviews Matthew A.J. Gregory, a theater artist and expert in Commedia dell'arte. They explore Matthew's journey into the world of Commedia, its historical context, the role of women in this art form, and its influence on modern comedy. The conversation delves into the significance of masks and improvisation in Commedia, the transformative power of costume design, and how comedy can be used as a tool for social commentary. Matthew emphasizes the importance of fun in comedy and the delicate balance of addressing social issues through humor. Takeaways Matthew discovered Commedia through a life-changing performance.Commedia dell'arte serves as a bridge between ancient and modern comedy.It was the first art form to allow women on stage.Commedia often mocks power structures and societal norms.Comedy is inherently transgressive and challenges norms.The mask reveals hidden aspects of the actor's personality.Costume design plays a crucial role in an actor's transformation.Using comedy for social commentary requires a careful approach.The job of humor is to make taboo subjects benign.Fun is at the heart of what makes Commedia engaging.Sound bites "The things we wear change us." "Commedia mocks power." "Comedy is inherently transgressive." "The job of the joke is to render taboo benign." "What makes Commedia funny is the fun." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Commedia dell'arte 00:59 Matthew's Journey into Commedia 02:59 The Historical Context of Commedia 06:01 The Role of Women in Commedia 08:53 Commedia's Influence on Modern Comedy 12:02 The Essence of Commedia: Masks and Improvisation 15:11 Costume Design and Transformation in Performance 21:01 Using Comedy for Social Commentary 27:00 The Tightrope of Comedy and Social Issues Keywords Commedia dell'arte, theater, improvisation, masks, social commentary, comedy, performance, historical context, women in theater, modern comedy

    34 min
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About

Step backstage with me on Curtains Up! the podcast that uncovers the rich, dramatic stories behind the evolution of theater. From the divine rituals of ancient Greece to Shakespearean intrigue, and from the glitz of Broadway to the rise of modern experimental theater, Curtains Up! explores how drama has shaped culture and society across centuries. Perfect for theater lovers, history buffs, and anyone curious about the art that mirrors our humanity. Join me for captivating episodes, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights into the world’s greatest stories ever performed.

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