A few words on working on a World Premiere…
Working on a world premiere as the playwright is sometimes like being at a high school reunion -- I remember that I knew those characters once, a long time ago -- and sometimes like being on a tour of a foreign country that I've always dreamed about seeing. And now I'm actually here, and I can't believe it.
As a playwright, to have the chance to work on a new play, with a company of actors that I love, in a theatre in the town where I live, to be able to attend rehearsals and be part of the making of the premiere, is as good as it gets. ~ Kathleen Cahill, Playwright
I find stories of expeditions fascinating and compelling - to voyage out into terra incognita, with all its wonders and perils. Working on a world premiere is to be on an expedition with no tracks to follow, no predecessor on the trail. I dream about what I've seen and what I'm looking for. Working on the world premiere of THE PERSIAN QUARTER, I want to do Kathleen's play justice. Of course, as a director and actor, you always want to do a play justice. But with THE PERSIAN QUARTER, I know we are the fortunate ones to be the first to experience this play. My hope is that our work is as visionary and alive as Kathleen's play itself. ~ Alexandra Harbold, Director 
It is always an adrenaline rush from the first reading of the play, through rehearsal, to opening night when producing a world premiere. ~ Keven Myhre, Executive Producer & Set Design
As a designer, I came to this business as a outlet for creativity. Some design assignments, however, are by necessity a rehashing of the original designers’ choices. A new work is exciting because there are no preconceived solutions working in the minds of the actors, directors, other designers, and even the audience members. The chance to make those choices that every other production will choose to emulate or to reject is a rare treat. ~ Brenda van Der Weil, Costume Design
Creating a world premiere is a time of inner excitement and wonder. There are no, “When I saw it in New York they did … “ “The London review said….” We are the beginning, the ultimate reference - no preconceptions - which for me creates a different kind of exploration and freedom. And knowing this company is a part of THE PERSIAN QUARTER for all time is a tremendous thrill. ~ Sands Shotwell, Dialect Coach 
It’s like dating someone for the first time. Everything is new and exciting, sometimes awkward but it’s all about discovery. You feel pretty good about yourself and hopefully find qualities you like about the work that might eventually lead to a long-term relationship. If you, the other cast members & crew are honest with each other the work ends up someplace better which ultimately pays off when the audience walks away having been moved or touched by something in the performance. ~ Shane Mozaffari, Actor
The idea of being part of a world premiere is always special because you're the first actor lucky enough to put your stamp on the role you're playing, but the most exciting part to me, is being a part of something people will see, experience and learn from for the very first time. ~ Deena Marie Manzanares, Actor
This being a world premiere affords me a certain freedom in interpreting these characters, since they've not been interpreted previously. You get so many scripts that list the casts of the Chicago premiere or the New York premiere or the Royal Shakespeare production. Not so with a world premiere. You're the original cast. There's not another actor's performance to compare yours against. I kinda like that. It's scary, yeah, but, again; it's freeing. ~ Josh Thoemke, Actor
It is a great privilege to be chosen to be the first to portray a character. World premiere plays open all the time, but only a tiny bunch are as special, well-written, important and poetic as THE PERSIAN QUARTER. Kudos to Kathleen Cahill & SLAC for creating and producing a new treasure. ~ Nell Gwynn, Actor
THE PERSIAN QUARTER opens Feb. 2 and runs thru Feb. 27
For tickets call 801.363.7522 or click here.
Top photo: Alexandra Harbold, Kathleen Cahill
Middle photo: Shane Mozaffari
Bottom photo: Cynthia Fleming, Josh Thoemke
