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FREDDIE ASHLEY
Actor’s Express is one of the most electrifying theater houses in town, and a big part of that is due to the work of artistic director Freddie Ashley. Each season’s plays are bound to include content appealing to the LGBT community, and Ashley is proud to make it happen.
How would you define your role in Atlanta’s LGBT community?
I am Artistic Director of Actor’s Express here in Atlanta. We are a theatre company that produces provocative, contemporary work and are proud to be the theatre in Atlanta with the closest ties to the LGBT community. When making programming choices for the season, we always try to include play selections that will appeal to the LGBT members of our audience. We also promote an atmosphere in which our LGBT patrons will feel at home.
What do you forecast for Atlanta’s LGBT community in the next 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully, we will see more LGBT representation in public office and see our leaders promote a community atmosphere of inclusivity.
We learn from all our experiences, both good and bad. Tell us about a negative life experience you’ve had that you learned a valuable lesson from.
With all the recent news about bullying, I’m reminded of my own experiences as a child being ridiculed and called names in a way that was hurtful. It fueled my insistence to be my own person and not to let someone else’s hate and fear dominate my life.
How has being LGBT shaped your outlook on life?
This is something to which I haven’t really given a lot of conscious thought. I think that we are shaped by so many of the details that make us who we are. I would say, based on my experiences, that treating every person you meet with respect and civility is one of the most important things. We’re all in this life together regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, economic class, political affiliation or religious tradition. Why don’t we focus on that common humanity we all share and celebrate those differences that make each person unique?
Tell us a little more about yourself. What are your hobbies? What are your goals?
My work is my chief hobby. I love what I do and find great joy in my work. Aside from that, I am a Project Runway addict and I have a minor obsession with The Golden Girls.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what’s the one book you would want with you?
Only one book? You’re killing me. I would probably choose A Good Man is Hard to Find by Flannery O’Connor.
