Playwright Erik Patterson & Actor Michael Sturgis (F++king Strangers): "Theater Is My Church"

Dennis is joined via Zoom by playwright Erik Patterson (Handjob) and actor Michael Sturgis (Clarkston) to talk about the terrific new play F++king Strangers, which Erik wrote at Michael stars in. The play is about four characters--two young gay men and a straight married couple--and their longing to connect in a world where it seems harder and harder to do so. Erik talks about what inspired the play, why he likes to explore sexuality in his plays and the moment when he literally can hear the audience gasp. Michael talks about his character in the piece, Ru, and how he thought about Ru's agoraphobia and online relationship with a male escort. Other topics include: on stage nudity, one stage smoking, becoming an overnight TikTok sensation, dancing to Rihanna, why theater is so awesome and that time when one of Erik's actors couldn't do his play at the last minute and he had to step in their place. https://www.echotheatercompany.com/