Social Life Magazine caught up with creative force Lois Robbins to hear all about her one-woman play L.O.V.E.R. This tour de force will have its official opening in Manhattan on September 8, at The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre, and close November 2.
Do you enjoy performing or writing more? How does one feel different from the other?
I love writing. To discover it at this point in my life has been incredibly rewarding. I feel like I’ve made a new friend. Being able to perform my own work is exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time. I can’t say I enjoy one more than the other. At this point, I just feel grateful to be able to do both.
Was it hard to delve into such personal material?
I honestly feel like it wasn’t an option for me. I needed to dive in and be my most authentic self. It was time. I’ve always been a very private person, always putting my best game face forward. I was ready to get personal. It feels liberating.
Is the show autobiographical or semi-autobiographical?
It’s about 80 percent autobiographical and 20 percent imagination or borrowed from friends, from whom I got clearance to share their stories. As I say in the play, ‘All names have been changed to protect the not so innocent.’
Do you think sex is still a taboo subject to explore?
I don’t think it’s necessarily taboo, but I do think there are aspects of the subject that most people aren’t comfortable sharing publicly.
What was the most rewarding aspect of your journey?
Considering the subject matter, the fact that my husband and children are so incredibly proud and supportive, that means everything to me.
Having people I admire and respect behind the play to bring it this far is icing on the cake.
What can we look forward to next?
L.O.V.E.R. the TV series . . . fingers crossed!
