Exploring the Depths of Human Experience through “LEELA: Touching Our Better Selves”
“LEELA: Touching Our Better Selves” is a profound exploration of human emotions and societal constructs through the lens of personal transformation. This solo show captures an artist’s journey from fear to love and from force to true power, weaving elements of classical sonnets, narrative poetry, stand-up comedy, and authentic storytelling into a rich tapestry that touches the soul of its audience. We had a chance to speak with the show’s creator and performer Sean Casey Leclaire and delve into the inspirations, processes, and profound impacts of this unique theatrical experience through a series of questions answered by the creator.
- How would you describe “LEELA: Touching Our Better Selves”? “LEELA: Touching Our Better Selves” is a narrative about personal transformation. It’s deeply personal, reflecting the inner journey of an artist who transitions from living in fear to embracing love, and from exerting force to wielding true power. This transformation is metaphorically described as moving from the skeleton to the song of one’s being, making the show a deeply resonant experience for its audience.
2. What inspired you to create “LEELA” and how does it reflect life’s complexities? The inspiration for “LEELA” came during a workshop in July 2019, where the profound impact of Shakespeare’s sonnet on power and restraint sparked a deep exploration within me. This experience led me to differentiate between the concepts of force and power, and the realization that true power functions as an expression of love rather than fear. The complexities of these realizations mirror the challenges we face in society, especially highlighted during the difficult years of 2020 and 2021.
3. How do you integrate classical sonnets, narrative poetry, stand-up comedy, and townie storytelling in “LEELA,” and what effect does this multidimensional approach have on the audience’s experience? Integrating various forms of expression like classical sonnets, narrative poetry, comedy, and storytelling allows “LEELA” to engage with the audience at different levels of consciousness and maturity. This multidimensional approach ensures that the play meets the audience where they are, inviting them to dive deeper into their own experiences and understanding of themselves. The combination of these elements provides a dynamic, engaging, and profoundly transformative experience.
4. How does “LEELA” differ from your previous performances, and what new aspects of storytelling are you exploring? Compared to my previous works, “LEELA” incorporates classical sonnets in a way that challenges and changes me, both as a writer and performer. The integration of tough, timely comedy and the profound exploration of human capacity versus human condition through these historical poems presents a new frontier in storytelling that deeply engages and provokes the audience.
5. Could you discuss the significance of the themes of mercy, stillness, lust, and power in your solo show? How do you navigate these themes within the narrative? The themes of mercy, stillness, lust, and power are navigated through narrative poetry and stories that align with the messages of the sonnets chosen for the play. Each theme is meticulously woven into the fabric of the narrative, providing a rich, multi-layered experience that encourages the audience to reflect on these themes in their own lives.
6. As a leadership coach and performer, how do you see the intersection between personal transformation and professional growth, and how does this influence your work in both realms? My roles as a leadership coach and a performer are seamlessly integrated, focusing on enriching human behavior and experience. The skills and insights gained in one role naturally enrich the other, allowing me to serve the deeper dimensions of human life effectively, whether on stage or in a coaching session.
7. In what ways does “LEELA” challenge the audience to confront the chaos within themselves, and what do you hope they will take away from this experience? “LEELA” invites the audience to confront their inner chaos through provocative narratives and personal reflections portrayed in the show. I hope that this encounter empowers the audience to question and transcend the fixed forms and fears that often constrain their lives, fostering a deeper self-awareness and understanding.
8. What led you to choose the title “LEELA” for your solo show, and how does the concept of divine play resonate throughout the performance? The title “LEELA” reflects the concept of divine play, an important aspect of my spiritual practice and view of life. It signifies the spontaneous and joyous expression of life beyond the constraints of conceptual frameworks, emphasizing an experiential rather than intellectual understanding of existence.
9. How does your background as a poet and playwright inform your approach to performance, particularly in a solo show like “LEELA”? As a poet, patience and a deep appreciation for language shape my approach to writing and performance. My work as a playwright and performer is driven by a commitment to authenticity and service to the audience, aiming to reflect and question societal and personal realities through engaging, thoughtful narratives.
10. As someone who travels widely but lives in a small town west of Boston, how does your sense of place influence your writing and your view of the world? Living in a small town provides a valuable perspective on the simplicity and complexity of life, fostering a grounded approach to writing and understanding the world. This blend of local intimacy and global experience informs my work, bridging universal themes with personal experiences in a meaningful and accessible way.
SEAN CASEY LECLAIRE (writer/performer) is a poet, playwright, performer, and leadership coach. He is the founding partner of Sean Leclaire & Associates, where he and his colleagues work with global business leaders. His first two books, Hug An Angry Man And You Will See He Is Crying and Mud-Wrestling With My Mind, are now followed by Stumbling Into Joy, making a trilogy of sorts.
Sean’s one-man play, Small Town Boys, premiered at the Vancouver Fringe Festival in 2018, and his new play, LEELA, opens with a limited presentation at Theater Lab in May 2–5 in New York. Sean lives in a small-town west of Boston and travels widely. www.seanleclaire.com
PADRAIC LILLIS (director) is the Founding Artistic Director of The Farm Theater. He is an award-winning director and playwright who has worked at all levels of our industry. Padraic has dedicated the last twenty years to the development of new work. He has premiered plays Off-Broadway, Regionally, and at The Library of Congress. He writes for theater, film, and audio scripts. His scripts have been produced internationally. He is published with Dramatists Play Services. As an educator he co-designed Labyrinth Theater Company’s education program, taught with NYU’s Department of Dramatic Writing, was the Humana Visiting Scholar at Centre College, and the Dayton Hudson Distinguished Artist at Carleton College. He also teaches play development thru The Farm Theater. Padraic is the host of The Farm Theater’s Bullpen Sessions podcast. He is a member of the Labyrinth Theater Company and a lifelong Yankee fan.
LEELA: Touching Our Better Selves
Written and Performed by Sean Casey Leclaire
Directed by Padraic Lillis
The show will be performed from May 2–5, 2024 at Theater Lab NYC located at 357 W 36th St, 3rd floor
Tickets can be purchased HERE.
