Angela Daniel joins the Bangkok Community Theater to create an evening of dining, suspense, and hearsay with the international production, Rumours. See +stage page 24.

What inspirations did you draw on when constructing your vision for the play?

I love Neil Simon, and I think I was inspired by him as a playwright generally and by his wonderful wit and rhythm of words. I also think we recognize ourselves in his characters.

Do you feel nervous about your audience seeing your work for the first time?

I’m not so much nervous as excited! Once the curtain opens, my job is over. So the best thing is to just sit back and enjoy it. Of course, you never know if the audience will like it, but you can feel the mood pretty quickly.

What do you like best about your job?

Being around and working with such fascinating and creative people. It is usually a humbling experience. I also have to admit that I really enjoy the technical side of mounting a production, and like to be involved in all aspects including set and costume design and light and sound effects. It’s always a challenge and very satisfying to help find solutions to technical problems.

What’s it like to watch a play that you have directed on opening night?

It’s a very satisfying experience. There are many talented people who have influenced the end result, from the actors themselves to the producers, set and costume designers, light and sound designers & technicians, backstage crew etc.—so to see all these elements finally come together is very gratifying.