Matt Phillips, one of the creators behind the visually stunning new play, THE COWARD, premiering at the 20th Anniversary Fringe Festival this year shared a few out-of-this-world thoughts on his out-of-this-world art. 

We hear a lot about inspiration – or Muse – that drives an artist. What inspires you?

The people I work with. So often my plans for how something will work are wrong right off the bat and when that happens the other people in the room almost always show me the right path. Also the future and the past. I like to dream of the world I will die in, and fantasies about the worlds that will never be again. 

What do you want most in your chosen profession? It’s OK to say “fame” or “wealth.”

I want to make an impact on the dialogue. I hope that after I’m dead someone will make some groundbreaking work and on he laundry list of ins rations, or maybe in an interview like this, My work will be one of the things that inspired. 

Sally Field and Paul Newman both said of their profession… “it’s all I can do.” Is this all you can do?

I am a performer, i can do other things but those things feel like a chore. when I perform I know who I am. 

Along those lines, if you couldn’t so this, what would you do?

Probably ride the rails and just travel. Theatre is the lens that makes the world make sense to me if that wasn’t an option I don’t think I would want to be in this world. or maybe I’d be a politician… but I hate suits so probably not. 

Last words? 

Thank you for having any interest in what I have to say. It is bizarre and wonderful all at the same time. I hope to see you at the Coward a Madcap Fairytale at Fringe NYC.

Count on it, my enlightened friend. 

Look for an interview with his partner, Maddy Campbell in DramaQueensReviews.