The Buzz Intro Interview

Anna Conathan / writer & performer

People should see my show because it's fun, funny, thoughtful, and relatable. It will change the way you look at lobsters. (And Hollywood, I suppose!) It may even change the way you see yourself. Also, I only know one person in Atlanta, so I could use some local love. Please come!

I've only ever participated in my hometown fringe in Maine, the PortFringe Festival, which I love. I'm told that fringe folk are fabulous wherever you go, so I thought I'd hit the road. My summer sister lives in Atlanta, so the chance to be in a rad fringe fest, while having free housing and quality time with my childhood bestie felt like a win/win/win. Atlanta and I go way back; I was once stranded here for three weeks on my way to Los Angeles in 1995 when my ancient VW camper van broke down and needed $4000 worth of repairs. (I flew down from Maine for this trip.)

A long time ago in a galaxy far far away, I was a screenwriter in Los Angeles. I came up with an idea for an original screenplay that took place on a tiny island off the coast of Maine, focusing on the historic lobstering industry. I called in a favor and found my way onto a lobster boat for some hands-on research. I got so much more than I bargained for. My script took a backseat as I became enchanted (obsessed?) with lobstering. It changed my whole life. The journey from point A to point B was anything but a straight line, and the people who had always known me as a performer and writer really scratched their heads at the choices I made. Why would I give up Hollywood for manual labor, stinky bait, bottom mud, and crustaceans? This play is the answer to that question.