Bloody Poetry Cast and Crew Spotlight: Kaitie Graves and Michael Glover

Name: Kaitie Graves
I play: Harriet Westbrook

What do you think makes this production unique from others that you’ve done?

I’m usually in comedies or Shakespeare productions. This play is a far cry from either of those.

Has your character had any effect on you in your everyday life?

Playing Harriet has been a learning experience for me. I have never played a role that is so vulnerable and dark. Harriet’s recent life has been full of heartbreak. It’s been a challenge letting myself go to those places and feel those feelings but it was necessary for me to be able to play the role honestly.

What’s your favorite line from the show?

….tough one….It’s hard to choose but I would have to go with Mary’s line, “Put the word LOVE on a banner. Put the word LIFE on a banner.”

What kind of effect do you hope this production will have on audiences?

I hope this production is thought provoking for audience members. It discusses difficult subject matter and I just hope the audience sees its beauty but also its darkness.

Name: Michael Glover
I play: Dr. William Polidori

In his introduction to the play Brenton disclaims any interest in moralising over the actions of his characters. But, reflecting on your preparation and time in the role, do you personally feel that your character is fundamentally a good person or no?

Polidori starts out as a fundamentally good person who wants to fit in with people who want little to do with him. Humiliation and isolation rot his morality.

How have you prepared for your role as Polidori?

I attended sixth grade in the late twentieth century. Middle school sense memory was everything I needed to get into the character’s mindset.

Has your character had any effect on you in your everyday life?

Middle school sense memory can make a guy grouchy.

What would these characters think of Howard Brenton’s script?

Polidori would probably hate it more that he is presented as a bad writer than a bad person.

What do you think makes this production unique from others that you’ve done?

There are at least eight times as many ruffles in these show than anything else I’ve ever done.

How does playing a character based off of an actual historical figure differ from playing a completely fictional character? Which do you prefer?

I’m honestly just focused on the character as he is in the script. I’m not sure there is a preference. That being said, I’d love to play a realife character like Batman or Santa Claus.

What’s your favorite line from the show?

They must not win. I could not stand it.

What kind of effect do you hope this production will have on audiences?

I hope it moves them emotionally and stimulates them intellectually.