Veteran actress Gina Torres chatted about starring in the Off-Broadway play “Pen Pals,” where she plays the role of Mags.
The show was written by Michael Griffo and directed by SuzAnne Barabas, “Pen Pals” is inspired by a true story, and it chronicles nearly 50 yearse of friendship through handwritten letters exchanged by two women, Bernie and Mags, who have never meet in person but are best friends.
‘Pen Pals’ play
On starring in the Off-Broadway production of “Pen Pals,” Torres exclaimed, “It has been great! It is just lovely. I have been so blessed with a fantastic scene partner Carmen Cusack!”
Portraying Mags in ‘Pen Pals’
On portraying her character Mags, she said, “I love that Mags is on a straight line! She makes mistakes and she triumphs. She has self-reflections, and she’s a bit messy, but she is a great mom.”
“These are all the things that you would hope for in terms of a lifetime, and sharing that. Also, taking chances, and how you can rebound from any given tragedy,” she noted.
“I think that’s a testament to both of these women. You get to see how they handle life and the choices that they make… and these are not easy choices. There are no perfect choices or right choices,” she elaborated.
“They are just the choices that you make, and you can learn from them or not. You live through them and you do the best that you can… that’s all any of us can do,” she added.
Lessons learned from this play
On the lessons learned from this play, Torres reflected, “It’s a beautiful play. Then, you have a relationship that endures through all of it… somebody who has been able to bear witness to that.”
“I’m not sure if I’ve learned something more than it just reaffirms the importance of female relationships,” she said.
“We are all different, and we have to just meet each other where we are with no judgment. We need to lead with love,” she added.
Working with Carmen Cusack as Bernie
On working with two-time Tony nominee Carmen Cusack as Bernie, she said, “Carmen is great! She is so talented. She’s so agile.”
“I feel like there’s nothing we can’t do with each other because we’re so invested and really truly listening to each other’s characters and the choices that we’re making in the moment that it keeps everything so fresh,” Torres elaborated.
“Carmen is just so gifted in that way,” she added.
The digital age
On being a part of the digital age, she remarked, “I really don’t think of it in those terms. I do what I do. The nature of what I do and how I do it does not change. You know, I’m still in the business of being a mirror to humanity.”
“That doesn’t change whether it’s on stage, whether it’s on television, or whether it’s on a digital platform,” she added.
Stage of her life
On the title of the current chapter of her life, Torres revealed, “Don’t Postpone Joy!”
Advice for young and emerging actors
For young and aspiring actors, she encouraged them to “keep at it!”
“If this is truly what you want to do, if it is something that feeds you, and if it’s a space that makes you happy, and that you have something to give and contribute, then keep at it,” she elaborated.
“Just remember… acting is not easy… it’s not an easy industry at all,” she added.
Success
Regarding her definition of the word success, Torres said, “Success means having a grown child who is happy, independent, thinks for herself, and still likes me.”
“Success is having a really beautiful friendship and relationships in my life and being in a position to help other people,” she added.
Closing thoughts on ‘Pen Pals’
For fans and viewers, Torres expressed about “Pen Pals,” “I think everybody will get something different from it. ‘Pen Pals’ is such a wonderful, personal piece.”
For more information on “Pen Pals,” check out its official homepage.
To learn more about Gina Torres, follow her on Instagram.
