The following is an interview with cartoonist and illustrator Blue Delliquanti on the upcoming world premiere of the play, Drawing Lessons, through Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, MN. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Delliquanti about the experience of bringing their artwork to life for utilization on stage, why the play’s message may be impactful to audiences, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Children’s Theatre Company will soon be opening the world premiere of the play, Drawing Lessons, in Minneapolis, MN. What can you share with us about the premise behind this upcoming production?
Blue Delliquanti: Drawing Lessons is set in the mid-nineties and follows a middle-schooler named Kate who’s moved to a new school and has a difficult time expressing herself, until she’s taken under the wing of a cantankerous comic artist who runs the local art supply store.
BD: As a Minneapolis-based artist, your artwork will be pivotal to the play’s narrative, providing an additional visual narrative to character Kate’s personal and creative journey. What can you share with us about your creative process in bringing your work to life, knowing that it would be experienced on stage?
Blue Delliquanti: The intention is for the audience to experience this play as if they were reading a graphic novel by an adult version of Kate. My role in the production is as the illustrator whose drawings will represent both young Kate’s work and that of the world older Kate is creating for us. With that in mind, I have to adjust my process between two modes. I’m designing setpieces in my usual style that are recognizable Minneapolis locations, but I also have to rewind my art style a bit and draw as a twelve-year-old would as she starts to see the world with an artist’s eye.
BD: Likewise, what can you share with us about your experience in collaborating with the cast and crew of the production?
Blue Delliquanti: Working with a theater production is refreshing, as it’s a much more collaborative process than working solo at my desk! I’ve been in constant communication with Jack Tamburri the director and Michi Barall the playwright, as well as the production crew responsible for bringing the drawings to life, like the set designer and projection designer. I’ve also just started working with the actors who are drawing live on stage during every show to help them feel more confident in their markmaking. It’s a lot of work, but exciting!
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. Why do you feel that Kate’s story may connect with or impact audiences?
Blue Delliquanti: I think the most important thing that we communicate in Drawing Lessons is that truly anyone can be an artist. It’s often said that “talent” determines who can or can’t draw, but that’s simply not the case. Anyone can learn to observe with their surroundings and draw with an artist’s eye – and it takes practice and exercise like any instrument or sport.
BD: Are there any other projects that you would like to highlight for our readers?
Blue Delliquanti: Aside from this project and the classes I teach at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, I am also a comic artist who has released several graphic novels. Young audience goers might enjoy my 2022 YA graphic novel, Across a Field of Starlight, which is about two teenagers from two different spacefaring societies who become penpals.
BD: Lastly, what would you like to tell readers who want to learn more about and purchase tickets for Drawing Lessons?
Blue Delliquanti: Drawing Lessons has its own page at the Children’s Theatre Company website where you can buy tickets and get more information about the show.
