PREVIEW INTERVIEW WITH DLT’s SARA BURDULIS
Dundas Little Theatre enters its 2024-25 season with a mysterious and engaging play about lies, lust and murder: Dangerous Corner by J.B. Priestley (playwright of An Inspector Calls, also recently staged by the company). I had the pleasure of a virtual interview with cast member Sara Burdulis who plays the role of Betty Whitehouse. We discuss the plays themes, her inspirations and the rehearsal process bringing Dangerous Corner to the stage.
Actor Sara Burdulis starring in Dundas Little Theatre’s Dangerous Corner
What inspired you to return to the stage and audition for Dangerous Corner?
SB: There was an interesting story there…I enjoy working at Dundas Little Theatre (DLT), I missed being a part of community theatre, and the stars aligned to make it possible in terms of timing. I had worked with Tammy Kamermans, the director, in multiple shows in the past, so I liked the idea of learning from her in a new role.
Who is your character in Dangerous Corner and, through the rehearsal process, what have you learned about yourself by playing said character?
SB: I play the role of Betty Whitehouse. She does what she has to in her circumstances to try to be happy. This resonates with me. I’ve learned that I like experimenting with makeup, hair, nail and clothing style based on decade. The early 1930’s style is distinctively luxurious. It’s been fun!
How does this production address the themes of infidelity, deceit, lust and dishonesty? How do these themes continue to have an impact on modern audiences?
SB: Well, without giving much away, these themes are as real in the play as they are in life. This is why audiences continue to be impacted by them. Everyone has experienced and embodied some form of dishonesty in life. However, this play questions if the search for the truth is always worth it, and really how much of one’s real self does one reveal to friends or partners?
What have been some challenges the company has faced while bringing this production to the stage and how have you overcome them?
SB: Besides people getting your normal fall colds, the production has progressed issue-free for the most part. Rose Pye, the producer, has had a few challenging period-specific props and furniture pieces to locate, and Jane Snider and Elaine Sharp, the costume designers, needed to do a lot of work, but overall, The crew and cast alike are all caring community theatre enthusiasts who have worked well together.
How will Dangerous Corner speak to audiences and what is one thing you hope they take away from this production?
SB: I’ll finish with what spoke to me at first: an interesting story. The audience will want the truth. They will try to figure it out. I hope audiences will realize that life can be changed with the smallest of decisions, or the slightest shift in timing.
Thank you Sara for your enthusiastic insights into this upcoming production. Be sure to get your tickets for Dangerous Corner, starting Friday November 1, 2024 (link to ticket sales below). This mystery play is sure to intrigue and impress. Look for my full review coming November 4!
Poster design by: Chris Farias
