SIMM LANDRES - DIRECTOR OF GHOSTS: LET ME THINK… YES!
For Simm Landres, it was a no-brainer when off the WALL’s Artistic Director, Virginia (Ginny) Wall Gruenert, asked him to leave his Virginia home long enough to direct her upcoming adaptation of Ghosts. In fact, his initial response to Ginny’s request was “Let me think… YES!” Simm and Ginny’s professional paths first crossed more than 40 years ago, when both were gaining a foothold in New York’s world of theater.
When Ghosts opens next week, its audiences will enjoy a never-before-seen adaptation of the 19th century classic. As with many of off the WALL’s productions, Ghosts is a provocative piece. A provocative piece with a purpose, explains Simm.
“The small mindedness of society at that time, especially in Norway and other Scandinavian countries, was a thorn in the side of the educated public. Isben despised that hypocritical nature so much that he eventually left Norway.”
At the time of its writing, Ghosts shined a light on the hidden ills of 19th century society, a place where adultery, incest and other evils were swept under the rug to preserve reputation.
“Ginny has done a wonderful job in retaining the integrity of the message, even in its application to modern culture,” notes Simm.
At the time it was penned, the play’s message was considered so offensive that is was banned in several locations before finally taking a foothold. Fortunately, notes Simm, we have experienced a level of social progress that makes Ghosts more palatable in today’s culture. Still, he adds, there is a message for all of us.
“We need to be mindful when we look in the mirror each day, to be sure that we don’t slip back into that same small mindedness.”
Despite Simm’s illustrious career as an actor/playwright/director, he keeps his roots close to home. His greatest accomplishment in life, he says, is being a father and a grandfather.
When Ghosts opens next week, its audiences will enjoy a never-before-seen adaptation of the 19th century classic. As with many of off the WALL’s productions, Ghosts is a provocative piece. A provocative piece with a purpose, explains Simm.
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| Simm Landres - Photo by Heather Mull |
“The small mindedness of society at that time, especially in Norway and other Scandinavian countries, was a thorn in the side of the educated public. Isben despised that hypocritical nature so much that he eventually left Norway.”
At the time of its writing, Ghosts shined a light on the hidden ills of 19th century society, a place where adultery, incest and other evils were swept under the rug to preserve reputation.
“Ginny has done a wonderful job in retaining the integrity of the message, even in its application to modern culture,” notes Simm.
At the time it was penned, the play’s message was considered so offensive that is was banned in several locations before finally taking a foothold. Fortunately, notes Simm, we have experienced a level of social progress that makes Ghosts more palatable in today’s culture. Still, he adds, there is a message for all of us.
“We need to be mindful when we look in the mirror each day, to be sure that we don’t slip back into that same small mindedness.”
Despite Simm’s illustrious career as an actor/playwright/director, he keeps his roots close to home. His greatest accomplishment in life, he says, is being a father and a grandfather.
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