Voices of BTM XIX: Brent Askari
Tell us a little bit about your play.
Protecting The Innocent concerns two parents, Laura and Derrick, trying to prepare “Santa’s visit” the night before Christmas. They’re terrified that their daughter will come down and discover the truth about Santa Claus—and Derrick is willing to go to extraordinary lengths to prevent that discovery.
What made you want to tell this story?
I’m part of a group in Portland, Maine called The Crowbait Club—and every month Crowbait provides a prompt and playwrights create plays with their responses to that prompt. I wrote Protecting The Innocent for Crowbait Club…but now I can’t remember what the monthly prompt was! Whatever it was, I know I liked seeing this young couple pushed to the edges of sanity because of their love for their daughter—it seemed liked a story that could equally crazy and sweet.
What’s next for you as a playwright?
I’m very excited to be attending the PlayPenn conference for three weeks in Philadelphia this summer with my full-length play Hard Cell.
Don’t miss Protecting the Innocent—and 49 other amazing ten-minute plays—in Boston Theater Marathon XIX on May 14! Tickets