Q: What motivated you to tackle this project and work on such a unique subject as ghost stories of Australian radio?

 

JPK: My graduate research centers on the ghost in performance and how artists often use the idea of the ghost to address sites of cultural tension. It's a dreaming awake of our greatest fears. I remember buying Halloween tapes as a kid from Tower Records in the middle of the summer, then listening to actors perform Edgar Allen Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne on a pink cassette player. I was spellbound. Ghost stories convey elusive truths about the communities who tell them. The horror radio play is a technological extension of the folktale: it's a campfire story told wide enough to blanket a nation. Discovering the archives of Australian horror radio on a chance trip to Melbourne felt like I had found buried treasure. 

 

Q: How is the rehearsal process going?

 

JPK: It's lovely to be back in the room with our actors and crew. I'm stunned on a daily basis with their level of commitment to bringing every wild element of this show to life.

 

Q: What can you tell us about the cast and/or artistic team?

 

JPK: These actors are wonderful, and so is our design team. I'll say "Look, I have this zany idea, and I'm pretty sure it's impossible-" and everyone at the production meeting will say in unison - "Oh no, we're definitely doing that." I feel lucky to be working with the people I'm with on this play. 

 

Q: Have you been enjoying directing your own devised project or that has brought its own challenges you didn't predict?

 

JPK: I started doing theatre in earnest in South Korea with the ex-pat community there, putting up plays on a shoestring budget in the basements of dance clubs in Itaewon. We were used to doing everything ourselves - writing, acting, directing - so it was good practice for a project as dynamic as this one. There's something special about taking decades-old stories with enduring themes and sharing them with contemporary audiences. It's been a joy. 

 

Q: What would you like to achieve with this project? What would you like for the audience to take home with them?

 

Proof of up-to-date vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result must be presented for entry. "Up-to-date" means an individual has received all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible. (More information about up-to-date vaccination is available at the CDC WEBSITE.) Vaccine verification documentation will be required upon arrival, along with government-issued photo ID. Negative COVID-19 test results must be from a PCR test performed by a state-approved provider administered no more than 72 hours prior to the performance. (Rapid or Antigen tests are not accepted as a proof for entry.) This vaccine requirement also applies to university students, staff, and volunteers.

Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 PCR tests can be supplied upon arrival to the venue in several ways:

• Physical vaccination card or negative COVID-19 PCR test paperwork and a photo ID.  

• Photo of your vaccination card or negative COVID-19 PCR test through your smartphone and a photo ID. (Guests younger than 18 may use a school photo ID.)

• Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record:  HTTPS://MYVACCINERECORD.CDPH.CA.GOV/

• Green UCSB COVID-19 Clearance Survey Badge.

Masks must be worn at all times in our indoor venues. We highly recommend that everyone onsite wears N95, KN95, KF94, or FFP2 masks, as they have been shown to be some of the most effective at protecting against COVID-19 transmission. If these masks are not available, double masking is strongly recommended. Patrons must bring and wear their own face coverings that fully cover both the nose and mouth or use one provided by the department as available. Face shields and/or goggles with a mask are acceptable, but are not acceptable on their own. Masks are required at all times in the lobby, restrooms, and in the venues during performances.

Masks during outdoor performances is highly encouraged.

A note about our venues: All buildings on campus have been evaluated by UCSB Design, Facilities & Safety services in consultation with campus and outside experts, and ventilation meets standards defined by the California Department of Public Health and Cal/OSHA. Our Facilities Management colleagues have sought to maximize building ventilation and filtration levels wherever possible, consistent with best industry practices.

The department will continue to share safety updates by email, social media, and through our website as the 21-22 events continue. If you are feeling under the weather, please stay home and continue regular handwashing and hand sanitizing. Thanks for being a partner with the campus community to make our events accessible and safe.

CA Dept of Public Health Vaccination site: HTTPS://WWW.CDPH.CA.GOV/PROGRAMS/CID/DCDC/PAGES/COVID-19/COVID19VACCINES.ASPX

CA Dept of Public Health Testing site: HTTPS://WWW.CDPH.CA.GOV/PROGRAMS/CID/DCDC/PAGES/COVID-19/TESTING.ASPX