I have always been aware, even as a child, that all we are, all we can be, is a culmination of those who came before. Those who sparked us. Those who nurtured us. Those who, by example and passion moved us forward because we had their influence and inspiration pulsing through our veins. I am a first generation American. My dad and family from Pescopagano, Italy, Mom’s family from Montedoro, Sicily. My personal mantra has always been – honor those, tell the story of those, upon whose shoulders we stand. With that in mind, when the indomitable theatre artist, Daniel Talbot, asked if I would interview Marshall W Mason about his beginnings of theatrical “legendry” – I felt like the proverbial kid in a candy store. Our long friendship and collaboration have ensured many a conversation about theatre, directing, Tennessee Williams, Lanford Wilson, Circle Rep, etc. but we had never talked about the very beginning of his theatrical journey in NYC and the tie to Caffé Cino and what Joe Cino meant specifically to Marshall. The time had come! So, On July 12, 2017 at the West Bank Cafe in midtown NYC, we had that very conversation. Present, besides, MWM and myself, were Marshall’s husband, Danny Irvine (director and educator) and Tim Brown (musician, writer, director).
Erma Duricko
The full epic interview is finally published:
Please checkout Marshall W. Mason's book, The Transcendent Years, for more history on Caffé Cino and Circle Rep.
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