Shaun Russell as Jamie

Russell has worked hard to explore the poetic imagery and intense emotional exprience at the heart of this play. He not only studied the script carefully, but he also sought visceral experiences that would imform his performance. He spent time walking on the ground barefoot to understand that way of being connected to the earth. One day in rehearsal, the actors were asked to select an animal image for their characters. Russell's choice of a rhino helped him find his physical performance for Jamie.

But the role of Jamie also has a deeper significance for Russell. One reason that the actor was drawn to the part is that both men are soldiers. Russell is a member of the Army Reserves. Recently this connection took on new resonance.