Susan Coyne is an actor, a writer and a co-founder of Toronto’s Soulpepper theatre company, as well as co-creator and cast member of the acclaimed CBC series, Slings and Arrows. Oh, and she’s won three Geminis. So, letʼs just say, sheʼs kind of a pro on the Canadian entertainment scene. Now sheʼs back in the acting saddle with her latest turn in Between the Sheets, a new play opening September 20 from Nightwood Theatre.
We chatted with Coyne about her love for the theatre, her new play and working with all-female theatre company.
So, youʼre quite the veteran in the theatre world. Can you tell me when your theatre dream began?
Iʼm one of those kids who had a really charismatic theatre teacher when I was in high school. Strangely enough, actress Martha Burns and I had the same drama teacher and he really got us excited about theatre. We did all sorts of big plays with very little resources. It was way above our heads but it was so exciting being a part of it. Nothingʼs ever quite as exciting as those productions.
Through the years, whatʼs kept you motivated to continue this work?
Iʼm also a writer, so I donʼt do as much acting. But I find it still really exciting to come back to acting because itʼs fun and immediate in a way that sitting alone in front of a computer is not. [Laughs]
Between the Sheets is a new script. What has it been like working and developing something no one else has done?
One of the reasons I wanted to do this is because itʼs the first script from this young writer [Jordi Mand]. I know this has been really painful for her because we end up having to question every line. She either has to staunchly defend the line or she has to say ʻoh no, I can change it.ʼ It really takes a lot of guts for somebody to go through this process. But sheʼs the real deal. Itʼs a really smart, emotional, funny, twisty little play that grabbed me the first time I read it.
What’s the play about?
The play has a few major plot twists and surprises. Itʼs about a parent teacher interview that goes seriously off the rail. [Laughs] I play the mother whoʼs coming in for the parent-teacher interview who has some unusual questions.
What is it like working in an all-female theatre company?
I actually have to clock that thatʼs what the case is. I never think about it, it just seems completely normal. I wouldnʼt say itʼs any different, actually. Often there just arenʼt those opportunities for women, so I think thatʼs why Nightwood exists. Iʼm speaking for them, but, I think, part of their mandate is that they give more women a chance to get this kind of experience, to express themselves.
What do you think this means for women voices in theatre?
I think itʼs huge, actually. It can be difficult to get in there, it can be difficult to get their voices heard. There just arenʼt that many female playwrights or female directors, so I think itʼs huge. Sometimes they just need a little extra push, you know? I know I did. Starting as a writer, I needed people to push me. I think typically there has been the case of ʻdo I have anything to say,ʻ and sometimes a little extra push can be really helpful to say ʻwhy wouldnʼt you?ʻ
Between the Sheets, Tarragon Theatre, Extra Space, 30 Bridgman Ave., 416-531-1827. Sept. 20 – Oct. 7.
