Lou Contey

Heroes move fast. We know this to be true, and one hero that moves the fastest is longtime Chicago storefront director Louis Contey. Winner of every Jeff Award over the last 15 years, this titan has brought his A-Game since day one. He now brings his prodigious talents to Strawdog Theatre's production of The Master and Margarita. We caught up with him at the Gas for Less on Lincoln, for a fast interview and faster women.

Hi Lou, and thanks for joining us here in this old gas station on Lincoln Avenue!

My pleasure, guys!

Now, for years we have heard all about Lou Contey and the various works you do, mainly at Timeline or Remy Bumppo or someplace. What do you look for in a particular piece?

I like plays that have a strong question that's being asked, sometimes a topical issue or something that just moves me emotionally.

Do you want a cup of coffee from inside? I love gas station coffee.

Sure, cream and sugar.

(Andy)Coming right up!
(Eric) Now, in the meantime, tell me a little about your latest project, The Master and Margarita at Strawdog Theatre.

It's a really weird, cool, fantastic story about love, censorship, and the Devil in Moscow during the Stalin era. I first read the novel about 20 years ago and found it fascinating and confusing and passionate. It's a tough read the first time through. But if you hang on it's very powerful. I have always wanted to try to adapt it, but I couldn't figure a way to do it. About four years ago--

Watch out for this car backing up.

About four years ago, I stumbled upon this version of it at a book store in Hyde Park. It takes the premise of the novel and turns it around a bit. In the novel the Master is a novelist writing a novel about Pontius Pilate. Watching a writer write a novel is pretty boring, but the adapter, Edward Kemp, came up with the notion of making him a playwright instead. Much more dynamic to watch Pilate as a character in rehearsal of a play. I knew that this was the key that would allow the story to be more theatrical.

(Andy) Hey guys! Back with the coffee! So did Eric ask you if you had read this book before?
(Eric) So Lou, I know this play has everything. There is magic and kissing and a few people put on ointments. Is all this true?

Yes, yes all of that is true. The magic and ointment are part of the Devil's world and the kissing is part of the Master & Margarita's world.

How was casting for this? Were you looking for specific things? Did any one talent really stick out as something you were looking for?

I wanted actors who were imaginative, who would be willing to go anywhere the play might take us. It wasn't enough that someone was a skilled actor or looked a particular way. I knew that I would need a cast with a particular kind of alchemy. Talent was in abundance, no doubt, but I was looking for people who were, for lack of a better word, fearless.

I also understand that this was your first time working at Strawdog Theatre. Now this is a two part question, so let me start over. How was it working at Strawdog Theatre, and how many Jeff Awards do you have?

It was great working at Strawdog. I've known Nic Dimond (Artistic Director at Strawdog) for a few years and I've seen a few shows here. The company walks it's own walk. Something a bit out of my usual experience. There's a lot of energy and creativity and a willingness to go that step out of the ordinary. The whole company has been really wonderful and great hosts. As for the Jeffs, I have seven citations and twelve nominations.

Well look at you. Do you have any projects lined up in the future?

I'm still floating a few things, but currently nothing on the immediate horizon.

I don't know if you were aware, but Brett Neveu just wrote an instant classic entitled "Eric and Andy Stop Terrorism", if that is something you'd be interested in, we'd love to get your resume and talk it over.

Sure thing, I'd love to talk about it.

Ok, well again, it was very nice to meet you, and I hope the stolen Little Debbies we shoved in your car don't melt. Have a safe trip home, new best friend!

Thanks for the hospitality, see you again!

No, Lou.

Eric Roach, Anderson Lawfer

Eric Roach and Anderson Lawfer are the founders of www.Reviewsyoucaniews.blogspot.com