(Read the complete interview here: http://nytheatre.com/NytheatreNow/QandA/dr-allan-von-schenkel-he-loved-the-soft-porn-of-the-city

Dr. Allan Von Schenkel

Q: What is your job on this show?
A: Artistic Director
Q: What was the last show you saw that really excited you, and why?
A: Kristen and I recently saw Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) ‘The Wall‘. I have been a fan of Floyd and specifically Waters work since my early teens and their work has influenced my own art dramatically. There is a clear relationship between our ‘Skovgaard‘ in HeLovedTheSoftPornOfTheCity and Syd Barrett in Shine On You Crazy Diamond. The concept of our live show has a direct connection with ‘The Wall‘ performance we attended a few weeks ago. We incorporated many of the techniques they developed including film, animation, and above all the use of a central figure who appears in cameo form on stage. What really excited me at The Wall‘ show was their ability to tell a story using a variety of media. It is more than a performance it is a sound and site spectacular! My vision is to create a similar experience at a Moderno Trio concert while incorporating our own original ideas.
Q: Complete this sentence: My show is the only one in FringeNYC that…?
A: My show is the only one in FringeNYC that will be ground breaking. We aim to create a piece that makes an original statement, blends attractive elements from unexpected genres and is meaningful in multiple ways.
Q: Are there any cautions or warnings you’d like to make about the show (e.g., not appropriate for little kids)?
A: The most dangerous thing you can do is show up and have a preconceived expectation. The question is not ‘will I like it’ but rather am I ready to ask the kind of questions that need to be asked. On another note … we like to have fun! Which leads to the next question:
Q: Which famous New Jerseyite would like your show the best: Snooki, Bruce Springsteen, Thomas Edison?
A: Snooki!! Why? Because she is Orange and Loves The Soft Porn Of The City! In the wise word of South Park “Its a Jersey Thing”
Q: If you had ten million dollars that you had to spend on theatrical endeavors, how would you use the money?
A: Collaboration is the key to life. For over a decade now we have adopted a business model of partnering with other creative individuals. This includes composers, filmmakers, modern dancers, visual artists, clothing designers, IT people, writers, scientists and many other professional creative minds. Money is a tool that helps the doers of the world do just that ‘do’. When we perform we ‘pay to play’ rather than receive payment for playing. I completely understand the desire to profit from your work but I also see the value of turning that payment into a communal artistic investment that allows a much larger work to be created. The enjoyment comes from the enjoyment of the creation of work with others rather than a check made out in my own name!

Tickets are now available for the 16th Annual New York International Fringe Festival. You can watch HeLovedTheSoftPornOfTheCity at the Robert Moss Theater August Fri 17 @ 8:15, Sat 18 @1:45, Thurs 23 @5:45, Fri 24 @ 2:30, Sat 25 @ 8:15 and Sun 26 @ 3:15.

The New York International Fringe Festival (FringeNYC) is the largest multi-arts festival in North America, with more than 200 companies from all over the world performing for 16 days in more than 20 venues. FringeNYC will celebrate its 16th anniversary August 10th – 26th, 2012.