McCraney, 27, is an American playwright and actor. His off-Broadway debut, “The Brothers Size”, is set in modern-day Louisiana, but draws on Nigerian Yoruba myth. It is touring the UK, culminating in a run at the Young Vic in London from 8 November. For more dates, venues and booking details visit: www.atc-online.com.
1 Does art make a difference?
Yes, I think so, I hope so, I think.
2 Should politics and art mix?
Wait, are you talking to me? Um yeah, I think they do. Especially in England. You guys love to mix your politics and art. All I can say is thank God for Caryl Churchill.
3 Is your work for the many or for the few?
My work is for the few too many.
4 If you were world leader, what would be your first law?
Friday: legal worldwide holiday. All Fridays are good Fridays.
5 Who would be your top advisers?
Oscar Wilde and Desmond Tutu.
6 What, if anything, would you censor?
Beer bellies on tropical beaches. I’m from Miami. Those tourists scare away the six-packs.
7 If you had to banish one public figure, who would it be?
If I told you, I might get arrested, because the public figure I’m thinking of gets to watch and read and listen to all my conversations thanks to his Patriot Acts.
8 What are the rules that you live by?
It’s not about you. Give voice to the voiceless. I don’t believe we were brought this far to be left behind.
9 Do you love your country?
Yes. We are having a bad time right now, but like all marriages we gotta work through it together. I think England might become my mistress, though . . . or at least that close friend I confide in when the going gets tough.
Yeah, that’s it. England’s the friend and Brazil will be the mistress. Or maybe Puerto Rico. Nah, not Puerto Rico. That’s kinda like dating your wife’s cousin-in-law. OK, England – the close older friend you turn to, and Brazil – the mistress. I think. But I love her, USA. Even though she fights with me I love her. Even though she treats me like a slave sometimes and tries to get me to say things that I don’t want and nags the hell out of me and can be abusive, she still is beautiful and I love her.
10 Are we all doomed?
Doomed? Nah, just frazzled.
