James Caputo San Diego, CA

An Interview with the Playwright

How did you hear about “The Seven”?

A fellow San Diego playwright, Craig Abernethy, was selected for a prior “The Seven”.

What was the impetus/basis/inspiration for writing the piece?

The death of my father. Amy’s description of her dying father comes directly from notes I made after his funeral. Mary’s theology is my theology.

Is this play representational of your writing style? Is it similar to or different from your other plays?

It is similar in two ways. Most of my plays are character driven, and they all have a vein of humor.

What is the role of the short work in your playwriting career?

On several occasions, I have developed a short work into a full length. Somehow, it makes the task less daunting.

What is your favorite play? Who is your favorite playwright?

A play that I just directed for the second time comes to mind, “The Shadow Box,” but perhaps this is just a case of being drawn to whatever you are working on at the moment. I am currently in rehearsal for “The Iceman Cometh” so I’ll say Eugene O’Neill.

What is your next playwriting venture?

I am expanding “Amy’s Wish” to a full length play. What does Amy decide? How does the relationship between Amy and Mary work out?

Is there anything you would like to add?

I wish to thank The FUSION Theatre Company for this honor. Writing is a lonely business, and there are times when you wonder why you do it. And then something like this happens.