The Seven: New Works Festival 2011
 

Matt Hanf
"Two Minutes of Heroism"
Elk Grove, CA

An Interview with the Playwright

How did you hear about “The Seven”?

Nycplaywrights, En Avant, or stage forum (I stalk those places like Elmer Fudd stalks Bugs Bunny-with the same success rate).

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

Years ago--as a high school teacher--I broke up a fight and got punched in the face. I considered my black eye a testament to my selflessness. My wife...not so much. I could see that introducing the thought that I could get hurt at work affected her more than me. After I had kids, I began to realize the many different people affected by "altruistic" actions. There is no self sacrifice. You are always sacrificing someone else as well. 

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

This play is similar in that it is surreal, silly and the title is just plain wrong. I enjoy putting life on silly putty and stretching it.

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

With my children (all in elementary school) and my job, short plays are the preponderance of my current writing career. Plus, they sharpen my skills. I don't have the opportunity to pontificate--which as a teacher--I have a tendency to do.  

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

My favorite play is a tie between Twelfth Night and Noises Off-- Shakespeare reminds me that it's my play and I can do whatever I want Nah Nah. He also reminds me I don't have the vocabulary I think I have.

What is your next playwriting venture?

I have a full length Christmas play, You Can't Get a Decent Margarita at the North Pole, going up this December with Third Eye Theatre in Portland. [Sorry, Portland; we know a good thing when we read it and we had to pull the professional theatre heavy and steal the rights. It's a great play. Your audiences will love doing it.....next year! --FUSION Mgmt.]

Is there anything you would like to add?

I had the fortune of being produced by this theatre company [FUSION] a few years ago. I love the way they treat writers. I love their talent and how they develop plays, and I love the opportunities they brought me. (Go Bates College) [nb, FUSION Exec. Dir. went there]. I have tried every year to get back here and couldn't be more thrilled and grateful that I am.the piece.  Special thanks to Bew and Bram.


Matt Hanf
Matt Hanf (Two Minutes of Heroism) hails from Elk Grove, Ca, a small suburb of Walmart. By day he is a high school English teacher. By night he is PLAYWRIGHT MAN. In between he is a pull toy for his children. He has been produced both nationally and internationally with plays ranging from ten minute shorts to full length musicals to children's plays. He even wrote a song for a burlesque troupe in Seattle. His next play, You Can't Get a Decent Margarita at the North Pole will be performed by Third Eye THeatre in Portland, Oregon. His greatest attribute is his confidence. He has full confidence in the vision of his directors, the insights of his actors, and the resourcefulness of his producers. He is a big fan of The Seven and is honored to be a part of this production. He would like to thank his wife for his best lines, his kids for instilling in him a sense of humility, and the cast and director of Two Minutes for their dedication and talent.