With the opening of her show this past weekend, Jess Rassp '13 sat down with JustArts to discuss the play, 'Metamorphoses' and her theater experience at Brandeis.

JustArts: How did you get involved with Brandeis Ensemble Theater?
Jess Rassp: My first production with BET was Cinderella Waltz in the Fall 2011 where I was the head painter and scenic charge. I have always admired the work BET has put on at Brandeis since my freshman year, and since I greatly respect the group, I love working with them.
JA: As a director, what are the biggest challenges you face while putting together a show?
JR: Working with a range of actors is a challenge because there is a great mix of those who have never done theater before and more experienced actors. I welcomed the challenge of helping shy actors break out of their shells and guiding those with less experience to grow and mature as actors throughout the process. I also found ways of allowing those who do have experience in acting to shine and mentor other cast members. Altogether, the cast comes together to support one another and mold the show using their range of talents.
JA: How has being involved with theater shaped your experience at Brandeis?
JR: Extracurricular theater is the cornerstone of my time at Brandeis, and I have often learned more doing club theater than in my academic classes. There's something about being thrown into things and immediately adapting to situations that better shapes my learning and connection to others.
JA: Are you involved with other art-related activities on campus?
JR: I studied painting and sculpture for three years here, so I have been greatly involved with the Fine Arts department. I also work with the Theater Arts department in addition to my work with the Undergraduate Theater Collective.
JA: Have you directed any other shows at Brandeis?
JA: This is my first time fully directing a production, however I was the assistant director for Rent in the spring of 2011. I was predominantly responsible for character development and working with the actors on their roles with one another. Working on Rent has shaped my directing style and approach from the character's standpoint and how that character tells the story.
JA: How would you describe your experience with BET and the UTC as a whole?
JR: The UTC is very welcoming, and I learn so much about theater and different people when we all work so collaboratively. It is a great community that I'm thrilled to share my work with.
JA: If you could choose any play to direct, what would it be?
JR: I wish I had the opportunity to direct Next to Normal.
JA: Do you see yourself remaining involved with theater after graduating from Brandeis?
JR: Yes, I worked for Company One last summer and am looking into working for SpeakEasy in the spring. Next year I'm applying for an internship with the Huntington Theatre Company and American Repertory Theater.
JA: Do you have one particular memory from your theater experiences at Brandeis that has particularly stuck with you?
JR: Working on Rent was a great experience, and since it was my first time directing, I will carry that show with me forever. It's my foundation and the reason why I had the confidence to direct Metamorphoses.
JA: How was the play Metamorphoses chosen and why do you think it is applicable to be portrayed at Brandeis?
JR: The club chose the show when I proposed it to BET last spring. This play is a show unlike anything done at Brandeis before. It is a series of vignettes as opposed to a straight-thru plot. Many characters are doubled therefore establishing connections and relationships from the acting and storytelling standpoint. It was a tremendous challenge for the Brandeis community, and I think the actors embraced the opportunity to explore the difficulties of this show. Furthermore, it had challenging design aspects that were ambitious while also taken very simply and eloquently. The flexibility of the show provided many opportunities.
JA: How do you think the audience responded to Metamorphoses and the interesting twist on Ovid's classic works?
JR: I think the show has been well received by audiences. It is certainly beautiful, and I think the people who have seen the production will agree that it has an elegance and fluidity that is unique and unlike other shows Brandeis has seen.
-Jessie Miller