Edinburgh Fringe 2022
Interview
Jo Dellapina
Boy Crazy Psycho Slut
UK Premiere
VENUE 4 - C ARTS | C digital
Available On Demand / Tickets
July 8, 2022
Like all women, Jo has been called her fair share of things, many not so flattering. She reflects on the labels society has given her from ages 5 to 50, deciding which to accept, and which to jettison like yesterday’s fish. Equal parts comedic and heart-wrenching, this show is meant for anyone who wonders who they are, enjoys pop culture, has sought love, has been a teenager, is worried about ageing, or likes the Ramones (you’ll need to see it to understand). The stories in this show may be fully true, untrue, or something in-between.
The UK Premiere Etcetera Theatre, London July 15.
Hi Jo, thank you for taking the time to talk with The New Current, how does it feel to be heading to Edinburgh Fringe and C Arts, C Digital this year?
This is truly thrilling – I’ve wanted to be an actor my entire life, but didn’t pursue it until a late age. So it’s dream come true that I’d be participating in such a venerated event.
Your UK Premiere of Boy Crazy Psycho Slut takes place at Etcetera Theatre, London on July 15, any nerves ahead of the run?
No!! Well, yes. No because, I am so ready for this!!! But yes because, what if the UK audience doesn’t like me? I know British and American humour aren’t always the same. I hope the show is globally enjoyed.
What inspired you want to bring Boy Crazy Psycho Slut to London & C Digital?
London is my favourite city in the world. I came here in 2019 to study at LAMDA, and was so impressed by the quality of instruction. I thought if I could perform here and do my LAMDA instructors proud, I’d really have something.
Further, the stories in Boy Crazy Psycho Slut are meant to be universal. I am hoping people – especially women – in London and elsewhere can relate to them.
Boy Crazy Psycho Slut has already gained amazing notices and several Broadway World Award nominations, what has it meant to you to get this type of recognition for your show?
It warms me from the centre of my heart. If it didn’t get good reviews or award nominations, I would still perform it because I think the messages are meaningful. But it is wonderful to get recognition, and hopefully reach a wider audience.
"...occasionally the audience reacts to something in a certain way, and I respond with an improvised line. That’s the beauty of live theatre."
Can you tell me how Boy Crazy Psycho Slut came about, what was the inspiration behind this show?
It started as a short story about 12 years ago. I had been heartbroken and the best way to deal with a broken heart is to create. “Take your broken heart and make it into art” – Carrie Fisher
As a playwright how much do you allow yourself to draw from you own life and experiences when creating a show like this?
It’s almost entirely drawn from my own life. I took pieces and twisted them around, but I haven’t made up anything out of thin air. It’s all based on something real.
How much has the show evolved/changed since you first debuted it?
Just a little bit – I keep remembering details or adding jokes. It will evolve forever!
Once it’s running do you give yourself much flexibility or do you like to stick to your text?
MOSTLY sticking to the script! I worked so hard with my director Carol Becker to get it just right – I want to honour that. But occasionally the audience reacts to something in a certain way, and I respond with an improvised line. That’s the beauty of live theatre.
Have you always had a passion for theatre?
Yes, as a child I was given a gift of a theatre subscription. I was in awe. I saw Big River on Broadway as a kid, and the feeling of amazement never left me.
What was your time like at LAMDA?
Wonderful. I was one of the oldest students, but who cares? I LOVED the experience. The instructors are truly world class. I learned so much and I am certain in made me a better actor.
What has been the most valuable lesson you have taken from this whole experience?
Every person’s stories deserve to be told.
Do you have any advice or tips for fellow playwrights/performers?
It is never, ever too late to start. Find a group that supports you – I am in a solo collective called Unmuted Participants, which sprang from a solo class I took at Berg Studios. The accountability and encouragement I get from them is invaluable.
And finally, what do you want your fringe audiences to take away from Boy Crazy Psycho Slut?
My deepest wish is that people will walk away having felt something. Something they can relate to, something they hadn’t considered, something that made them reflect on their own story. And it would be magical if someone saw and the show and decided to then create their own.