The following is an interview with Gabriella DeMarco regarding the upcoming appearance of her one-woman production, Lovesick, at the 2017 Hollywood Fringe Festival. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with DeMarco about the inspiration behind the show, balancing the various production roles of a one-woman show, what she hopes that viewers will take away from the show, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Your play, Lovesick, will soon appear as part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival. What inspired you to tell this story, and how would you describe your creative process in bringing it to life?
Gabriella DeMarco: When it came to romantic love, I was completely unable to find others to give it to me. I was like that cartoon with hearts bulging from her eyes, only this was real life, so I scared people. Also, because my parents were emotionally disconnected, I seemed to only be attracted to people who wouldn’t engage. In 2011, my cat Sophie, who fully reciprocated my love, passed away. In an effort to fill the void, I contacted a fellow named Josh on Craigslist and the mania that ensued people found hysterical as in “funny” as well as “sad.” Lovesick chronicles my history with trauma, grief, obsession, all the shocking and traumatic things I did for love like bulimia, stealing, and chasing. Lastly, I reveal the breaking point of why this disease is so dangerous. Serving as a catalyst, are my relationships with cats.
BD: Given that the performance is a one-woman show, how do you balance the workload of the production, and do you feel that the various production roles enhance your creative process?
GM: For someone like me who was always looking for someone to save me, it is quite liberating. It is not easy and I have done most of it single-handedly, because for me it is difficult to delegate. I find myself chasing my tail in circles because I don’t know whether I should be rehearsing, marketing, or just resting.
BD: What do you hope that audiences will take away from the show?
GM: I want them to walk away with hope and strength. I stand here before you a healed woman. 20 years abstinent from bulimia, in a loving and healthy relationship for 6 years, and doing what I love creatively. I have learned how to set boundaries and to not throw myself away.
BD: What makes the Hollywood Fringe Festival an ideal venue for Lovesick?
GM: I love this festival, because it is a family. I truly enjoy seeing other performances as much as I love performing. I wish to reach people who do not already know my story, because my goal is to help and inspire as many as possible.
BD: The show will be appearing at the Sacred Fools Theater Black Box from June 1-21, 2017. Are there any future plans to perform the show at other venues
GM: As of now, I am in the present moment. I know that the universe will unfold other opportunities, and I am open to that.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell readers who want to learn more about and purchase tickets for Lovesick?
GM: Go to www.lovesickshow.com for more information and to purchase tickets online, click here. To keep in touch: @gabriellacomic / facebook.com/gabriellacomic
