Nicholas Kryah Returns
Nicholas Kryah. Photo: Yana Hotter
Nicholas Kryah returns to Metro Theater Company in our July 29 online premiere of Early Days—Stories of the Pandemic: a St. Louis COVID-19 Digital Play.
Nicholas Kryah, Metro Theater Company’s Resident Artist for thirty-seven years, is an actor, director, designer, playwright and jack-of-all-trades. He last appeared on stage in the cast of MTC’s production of Bud, Not Buddy. Since retiring in 2014, Nick has focused on exploring new ways to write plays for very young audiences. In 2017 his play My Name is Loofa Tutu was one of five plays honored in the national playwriting program, Write Now in Tempe, Arizona. In 2019, Pollyanna Theatre presented the world premiere of his play, Everything is Round, which is currently being broadcast digitally by Magik Theatre. The world premiere of his play Luna, scheduled to open this summer in Austin, is on hold due to the pandemic. Nick is glad to be a part of the Metro Theater Company team, making new work in new ways in a new world.
What do you love about Metro Theater Company?
One of the things I have always loved about Metro is its commitment to new work. Whether it is making a new piece in the studio here in St. Louis, or being a part of a consortium of theaters making new work all over the country, or doing the (very important) second production of a new play, Metro has always led in this regard. I love seeing this as a playwright, and as an actor I love to be a part of creating a role for the first time. You know I’m an adventurer and a new play is unknown territory. Very Exciting.
What is one of your favorite parts of Early Days—Stories of the Pandemic?
I think my favorite part of this play is towards the end when the characters, via technology, reach out to connect with each other. I know I’ve developed a reliance on Zoom and FaceTime to stay connected with my own family and friends.
What are some ways that you have been coping with the pandemic?
I have spent a lot of time the last few years traveling. All the plans for this year’s travels have been shelved and I can only dream of next year. In the meantime, I read, garden, make art, jump at the opportunity to do projects like Early Days, cook and eat… too much… way too much. I feel very lucky to be quarantined with Carol, my work/life/soul mate of many years. And most of all, I try to find the humor in the crazy times we live in. Laughter is good.