Getting Lively, Lush & Local With: Ida Dunham

Who are you? Ida Dunham

What do you do? Performing arts administration

Where are you from originally? Brookline

How long have you been working in Boston? 30+ years

Why do you stay? Masochist.

What’s your earliest theatre memory? The Colored Museum by George Wolfe at the Public Theatre in NYC

What’s your first theatre memory in Boston? Cannot recall from childhood but loved Mabou Mines Lulu at ART in the 80s.

What was your first job in theatre? Intern at Metropolitan Center, predecessor to Wang Theatre

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had before a show? At the Hotel Sacher in Vienna before Andrea Chenier at the Staatsoper. goulash soup, tafelspitz and Sachertorte of course.

What’s your favorite rehearsal snack? Champagne and open faced sandwich of smoked salmon or jambon crui

Do you eat before you go on stage or do you wait until after your performance to eat? Not a performer thank God. I usually eat before but later would be better. This isn’t Madrid.

If you could change one thing about theater, what would it be? Canned music in straight plays and pretentiousness.

What kind of theater excites you? Innovative contemporary theatre.

What advice do you have for artists just starting out? Ativan.

The Boston Theatre Conference is focusing on the lively, lush and local aspects of our theatre community. What do you think? Sounds like a good idea. Get busy.

YOUR TURN! Write to us here!