Next up in our interview series for Mythology Project 2023 is creative team member Xan Lee Ellis. Xan has shared their creative talents in the creation of both costumes and props for the show as well as helping with backstage management. 

How did you get started in theatre?  I grew up in the ensemble of casts, both in ballet as a child, and a few years in Windsor Youth Theatre in my teen years. After taking some time away from the performing arts, I finally came back to find a place that I finally truly at home in, working in fabrication and backstage management, though I’m certainly not opposed to getting back in the limelight in the future as well!

Number of years in theatre: About 6 years, in any sense that I have found meaningful, at least.

Number of Mythology Projects you’ve participated in: This is my first one, but hopefully not my last!

Favorite myth or fairytale (of all time) and why is it your favorite? I find a lot of kinship in the tale of Pandora. It’s an interesting aspect of the human condition, the idea that we crave knowledge even to our own detriment. I’d personally prefer the knowledge and the suffering that comes with it, over the suffering of that itch of curiosity!

Favorite mythological creature/character of all time and why is it your favorite? The phoenix, as it shows that even if we fall, that does not have to be the end.

Favorite myth/story in Mythology Project 2023 and why: Hands-down, my answer is the tale of Oisin in Tir na Nóg. I feel it brings up a lot of questions of what really matters in life, and the subtle unease of a “perfect” existence.

What’s your superpower? The ability to procrastinate before tearing through what I need to do at the last minute, and somehow still usually surpassing my own expectations of myself. It will forever be a mystery to me how I do it, though.

Why should audiences come to see the show?  I have honestly been in awe of our actors and everybody else involved, as I’ve gotten to watch words on paper come to life and see everybody add their own flourish to things. It’s been a very collaborative experience that is unique to me, and I’m sure will be unique to our audience as well.

One song/sound/image that captures the essence of Mythology Project 2023 for you:

Anything else you want to share? I’m particularly excited that the theme of my first Mythology Project is Celtic mythology! I hope to do well by my grandmother, who was an Irish immigrant and now rests not even a mile from the Windsor Art Center.

Thank you, Xan!

The Mythology Project 2023 will premiere at the Windsor Art Center September 28, 29, and 30th at 7 pm. There will be a free talkback discussion following the September 29 performance. Suggested donation is $15.00. For more information and to reserve tickets, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-mythology-project-tickets-698478507017 

The Mythology Project 2023 is hosted at the Windsor Art Center, directed by Amanda Pawlik, and made possible through the support of the NewAlliance Foundation and the Ensworth Charitable Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee.