Rapture, Blister, Burn – Get to Know Grete Bergland

20% Theatre Company is thrilled to present Rapture, Blister, Burn by Gina Gionfriddo at the Minneapolis Theatre Garage April 26 – May 10, 2014. We are giving you the chance to learn a little bit about the artists involved in this production. In this interview, meet Grete Bergland!

Scenic Designer
Scenic Designer

 

Can you tell us a little but about yourself and your background? How/when/why did you get into theatre?

I got into theatre as a overly energetic child and was hooked from the first minute. During college I found more belonging designing than I did on stage.

Tell us how you originally got involved with 20% Theatre Company?

I got involved last year during Changes In Time, when I worked as an intern.

What are you designing in this show? As a designer, what do you find most exciting about working with this script/production?

Scenic design.  The show examines feminism from a cross-generational perspective, examines choice and fulfillment, and manages to be pretty academic with a humorous edge. It’s casual, with a strong message.

What is your favorite genre or type of theater to design? What are some plays on your design “dream list”?

I like anything I can get away with taking in a more thematic direction and help visually illustrate the message of the show.

Rapture, Blister, Burn is often called “a feminist play”. How would you describe the play? How do you feel about feminism and what it signifies today?

It’s a discussion. Feminism has been evolving since it’s inception, and the show makes that a point.

How do you personally balance the expectations of being female in our society with the concepts of feminism in your daily life?

There are parts of me that would be considered traditionally feminine and others that would not. I do what makes me happy, and try to surround myself with people who do the same.

What else do you do in the world, outside of theatre and/or working on this production?

I like finding new places to eat, traveling, overcommitting myself and playing trivia games (although I’m actually pretty bad).

Favorite guilty pleasure snack?

DONUTS.

How did you get to Minneapolis? (Where did you grow up? Where are you from?) 

I was born in eastern Montana, grew up mostly near Tacoma, Washington, and went to school in Southern California. I never really know where to say I’m from since my life has been divided in a few places.