Carly Mensch

Playwright Carly Mensch on “Oblivion” rehearsals

We’re now deep into the rehearsal process for Steppenwolf’s 2011 First Look series. Here’s playwright Carly Mensch‘s rundown of what has been happening at rehearsals for her Oblivion, which will open as part of the series.

Carly Mensch in Rehearsal (Steppenwolf Theatre Company/ Joel Moorman)

(For your reference: In Oblivion, Uber-hip Brooklynites Pam and Dixon take great pride in their progressive approach to parenting. But when their 17-year-old daughter, Julie, repeatedly lies about where she spent the weekend, their cool, high-brow façade crashes and burns.)

I spent a lot of the first week focusing on Pam.  Tracking her journey.  Exploring why she’s so upset about Julie’s decision.  Also, loosening up her character a bit so she has more of a sense of humor.  Elizabeth (Rich, actress) has been really wonderful at helping me through all this.

Oblivion: Project Dossier

Playwright Carly Mensch’s Oblivion will be staged as part of Steppenwolf’s 2011 First Look Series.

Director Matt Miller and playwright Carly Mensch in conversation

Matt Miller: Oblivion asks some great questions about the parameters of parental responsibility with regard to the spiritual/religious education of their children. What was your religious upbringing, if I may ask?

Carly Mensch: I went to Hebrew school up until my bat-mitzvah, but that was more of a social experience than a religious one. My real education from my parents was a moral one. They put a premium on things like honesty and integrity. I remember I once lied to my brother in a very silly way – I told him that baby powder was dangerous to sprinkle on little boys’ arms -