By Eva Trieger

SCRIPPS RANCH, Calif .– We’ve all heard stories ranging from selfless behavior to bestial behavior since the start of the pandemic, but how do you explain a young woman planting a kiss on a stranger’s neck at a London train station? Simon Stephens’ 2015 play, Heisenberg, premieres in San Diego at Scripps Ranch Theater’s on January 14, 2022. Live theater is back and ready to make you scratch your head at this ingenious and organic one-act.

I spoke with Associate Artistic Director Charles Peters in a phone interview this week. First and foremost, Peters wants customers to feel safe and secure while attending the recently deep cleaned theater and that they can be confident that every precaution will be taken to ensure that everyone is protected and able to focus on the job. stage and actors.

Even though I knew Stephens Curious incident of the dog during the night, I didn’t know anything about this piece and became intrigued after reading the script online. The directions set out specifically dictate that there are “no external distractions.” To that end, the setting is austere, with no costumes, very few props, and in one act, a flow of dialogue and scenes dominate the hour and 10 minute run time. Because of these specific caveats, the Scripps Ranch Theater is a perfect venue as there are only 118 seats spread across four rows. Peters says, “Every seat is a good seat. The intimate setting allows viewers to experience things you might miss in a larger venue. It’s almost as if the audience is listening to the characters, adding to the charm of the room.

Peters grew up in a good theater company. Both of her parents were fans of television and movies. Peters remembered his mother’s scrapbook about movie stars and lying on the floor in front of the set, watching old movies with his family. He’s recalled film noir, old musicals, and believes this early training prepared him for the job he does now. Amid six kids, it looks like each of the siblings has found a niche in the entertainment world as well. A sister has a radio talk show, a brother is on American public radio, another sister runs her own public relations business, another sister dances and teaches ballet, and another brother works in the cinema.

Accustomed to acting, Peters has been on stage since the age of 8 and even took part in a TV pilot when he was 10. San Diegans may recall his four-year career with Triple Espresso, which toured eight cities. He told me that he had done practically all the work in the theater, from acting, consulting to the more technical aspects of the theater. As a director, Peters likes to put his personal mark on a work. Currently, he is delighted to be a valued member of the Scripps Ranch Theater, where he feels respected and supported.

I was anxious to know if there were any directors from whom Charles Peters had learned to perfect his craft. He told me that he completely admired Alfred Hitchcock and Martin Scorsese. He also gained knowledge by watching Eric Poppick live. He was particularly attentive to the way Poppick spoke to the actors and made them do whatever he wanted.

Peters enjoys directing all genres, but feels in touch with relational plays. He enjoys the challenges presented to him, as clearly seen in Heisenberg. While it contains plenty of comedic moments, the play is also about keeping us safe, isolated and protected, and taking risks in real life.

Peters is especially proud of the synergy of the actors and pointed out to me that they have “glorious chemistry and no rigidity.” Some actors have worked together before offering them more comfort and ease with each other. He is delighted that this show is live as Peters felt it could have been less powerful compared to a Zoom format.

Next on Deck for This Director is a play read series that will feature Herzl’s dream, set in Budapest on the Zionist struggle for a Jewish homeland. Then, Peters will participate in the “Out on a Limb” festival. The fabulous international competition evaluates more than 500 ten-minute pieces and offers big prizes to the six winners. The winning plays are chosen by a range of directors from all different genres and cultures. As these are short and simple productions, the sets are quite limited so the writing must be inspired.

Welcome to the live theater! Come see how Georgie’s Unexpected Kiss is interpreted by the recipient, Alex, and make your own decisions about the predictability or unpredictability of life.

Heisenberg operates at Scripps Ranch Theater 1/14/22-1 / 30/22. Tickets can be purchased here, or contact SRT Patron Services Manager, Lana Cross, at 858-395-0573. Please note the COVID policies.

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Eva Trieger is a Solana Beach-based freelance writer specializing in art coverage. She can be contacted via [email protected]