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An Interview with Cody Luketic from The Comedy of Errors

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Miami University student Cody Luketic who plays Dr. Pinch in The Comedy of Errors.

Meet Dr. Pinch, written by Justin Bourne. An interview with Cody Luketic, a freshman theatre major and a member of The Comedy of Errors cast. The Shakespeare play planned for the stage had to move to an online format. Cody shared that “the production of the show online has shown me a new way of creating theatre and how flexible the online environment can be in creating new types of art. Especially in the focus of humor.” While online theatre is certainly not the ordinary approach, it is still an alternative that can open many avenues for the future. I asked him why Shakespeare is still important to read and watch, Luketic said that “Shakespeare created plays in a fashion that made them not only flexible but fresh. The work can be taken an infinite amount of ways and changed however the theatre decides.” And that’s a very true statement here as Shakespeare’s work is literally being taken and adapted to a format that has never really been done before. It’s quite a fitting way of showing how Shakespeare and his work still persists through all of the changes in the world.

Tell me a little about your character in the show. 

My character is Dr. Pinch, a spiritually influenced doctor who doesn’t actually know anything but fakes it to gain fame. The one scene he is in involves him accusing characters of being possessed by demons.

Did you find it easy or difficult to connect with your character and why?

I found it very easy to get into the character as he is wacky and fakes being knowledgeable which makes him full of humor. Humorous characters are my favorite and I am able to laugh along with the audience at them.

While adapting the play into a performance, why do you think Shakespeare still resonates with audiences today?

Shakespeare created plays in a fashion that made them not only flexible but fresh. The work can be taken an infinite amount of ways and changed however the theatre decides. This allows it to keep up with modern audiences and be rewatched countless times.

What is your favorite scene in the show?

My favorite scene is the dinner scene as it can make you very irritated although in a hilarious way. Not only the outdoor area but when inside the character interactions are creative and a mix of all types of humor.

What is your rehearsal schedule like?

For me, I am called for only one scene and any other work needing to be done so I only work sparingly each week. Being online is very interesting as it causes everything to be done differently but so far it has gone swimmingly.

How did the process of developing this show for an online performance change your perception of the show or theatre in general?

So far, the production of the show online has shown me a new way of creating theatre and how flexible the online environment can be in creating new types of art. Especially in the focus of humor.

What is your favorite show you’ve ever been in/favorite role?

My favorite show and role of mine has been The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee as William Barfei because it introduced me to musical theatre fully. It also allowed me to play my favorite type of characters, those being wacky and quirky. The music and story as well are both very fun making it just my most memorable show.

Do you have any particular pre-show warm-ups/rituals/snacks you like?

I go along with whatever the theatre’s rituals are although I do usually read a book backstage while waiting for my entrances.

The Comedy of Errors video performance will release the final episode on Friday, July 3rd at 8 p.m. on the Department of Theatre  Facebook page, and the College of Creative Arts youtube channel.  The finale will be followed by a Q&A with cast and crew. The first four episodes are currently available on the College of Creative Arts youtube channel.

Comedy of Errors screenshot