Henrik Eger: MOTHER TONGUE is a moving story about a young painter who finds his life turned upside down when he must choose between his new lover with a mysterious past and his mother who dreams of a career as a stand-up comedian. Tell us about the genesis of this intriguing story. F.J. Hartland: I began playing with the idea of someone who can’t stop hating someone who is dead. Then I added the opposite, someone who can’t stop loving someone who is dead. That took care of the characters of Cale and Bertie. I needed a forum where they come together, so that’s when Matt, the painter, became part of the story. He’s the one who is trapped between these two polar opposites. His life can’t move forward until the lives of Cale and Bertie move forward. It makes for a different kind of “love triangle.” |
Next, the play was performed in New York City as part of Gayfest 2010. I had a marvelous director and cast who really challenged me and brought many nuances to the play. I loved watching it.
Actually, this September I’ll be making my record-setting fifteenth appearance in the Pittsburgh New Works Festival. I was named for Best Play in 2005, 2010, 2011, and 2013.
HENRIK EGER
For interview originally published by Phindie, click here.
GayFest! 2015 runs August 7-22, 2015, at Plays & Players Skiner Studio [1714 Delancey Place]. MOTHER TONGUE has performance August 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, and 21 (all at 7pm). Check quinceproductions.com for the full schedule and tickets.