Tickets for the Moxie Commission's first show go on sale tomorrow, so what better time to meet the fantastic directors bringing these new works to life? We've introduced Leigh Rondon-Davis and Margaret Lee, and next up is the fantastic Kathleen Capdesuñer! We first worked with Kathleen on our reading of American Standard last year, our very last in-person presentation, and we were together in the audition room last March for our postponed production of 14th Street (by Commission playwright Uma Paranjpe) when we first heard the news of the Broadway shutdown. We're thrilled to have Kathleen on our team again, this time entirely virtually!
Check out her bio, and read on for a Q&A with Kathleen about theatrical community, juggling books, hybrid performance, and more.
Want to support the Moxie Commission and new work written by, staffed by, and spotlighting the stories of women+? You can donate here!
KATHLEEN CAPDESUÑER (she/her) is a Florida grown and immigrant raised, Cuban-American director and generative artist. Led by joy and integrity, she loves to direct, produce, and create work that invites playful abandon.
She’s an alumna of The Civilians R&D Group (2019/20), Roundabout Director’s Group Inaugural member (2019/20), The 24 Hour Plays: Nationals Directing Cohort (2019), Manhattan Theatre Club John Alper Directing Fellowship (2019), The Roundabout Directing Fellowship (2018/19), and McCarter Theatre Center Directing Apprenticeship (2017/18). She’s developed work on and off-Broadway, regionally and internationally at Roundabout, Atlantic Theatre Company, Yale University, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Noor Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center, and in the Fringe circuit. Currently, Kathleen is an Irons in the Fire Resident Artist and The Moxie Commission Director in Residence.Kcapdesuner.com
What drives you to work in theatre?
The communal aspect of theatre drives me. I love working with living writers and the intimate collaboration of bringing a new play to life. I love the creative process and the opportunity to be in this process with others. I see this as a sacred practice.
Who is a woman+ artist who inspires you and why?
I am really inspired and intrigued by the stories of creatives and their artistic philosophy/practice. I admire Issa Rae, Tanya Saracho, Lileana Blain-Cruz, and Ava DuVernay a lot. They are visionary, singular, and trailblazers in their own way. I look to them and their stories when I feel lost.
What excites you about virtual theatre?
The hybrid performance opportunities excite me. It feels like a fun crossover between film and theatre, and even performance art at times. I really feel that we are in the beginning of a new theatrical movement.
What have you been reading, watching, or playing this year that you would recommend?
TV:
I May Destroy You
Insecure
Vida
PEN15
Full Bloom
Movies:
Jojo Rabbit
The 40-Year-Old Version
Fake Famous
Books:
I tend to juggle a lot of books at once, reading different ones depending on my mood… I am currently reading No one belongs here more than you. by Miranda July and The House of Spirits by Isabel Allende.
What makes you feel hopeful right now?
I am ignited by hope when I think of a more accessible and equitable world, and how we’re all building towards that. The near future of being able to gather and create in person again gives me hope too. Can’t wait to love on all my friends!
Stay tuned for more announcement's about the Moxie Commission, including tickets for our first performance, coming soon!
Want to support our work? You can donate here!