RobTGreyGrass

We recently had a conversation with Robert Greygrass, a Native American actor who opened two shows on September 30 and October 1^st, “Walking on Turtle Island” and “Ghostlands of an Urban NDN (Indian)”.

Attempting the usual Q & A format via a telephone interview, we later discovered that technology reared it’s ugly head and managed to garble some of Robert’s responses. Never one to be dismayed by such a minor detail, we can report that Robert is a loquacious engaging conversationalist that has a deep passion for what he does and the message he brings.

When asked about his childhood, he reminisced about growing up in Hayward, California where his parents finally settled after his mother left her native Cherokee roots.

“They came to California following the work” he says casually. “And that’s where they stayed.”

We were curious about when he started acting, knowing that many have their first stage experience in grade school. His reply?

“Not so much in grade school. I started in high school, and that’s when I knew I realized I really wanted to do it.”

Robert is not reserved about a part of his life that took him on a downward spiral. He freely admits succumbing to drugs and alcohol in his teens and being in the grip of addiction for years. It was in his late twenties that he decided it was time to turn his life around.

"Actually it was more like twenty-nine”, he said. “I began attending traditional spiritual practices – and going to sweats – “

“That’s a ceremony of cleansing. You go in and say prayers and try to communicate and listen to the elders – those who have passed and those who are yet to come. “

“There is only one God. Some people have different names for their idea of a god – Muslims say Allah, some say Buddha – it’s whatever you believe.”

From there Robert began his quest for finding himself and his place in theatre. For the past fifteen years he has performed “Walking on Turtle Island” in theaters all over the world.

“They liked it”, he says with justifiable pride. “Especially in Australia – they are a little more open, a little more free – they seem to have a different outlook.”

Asked about memorable times in theatre, he unabashedly admits that he was voted best actor of the year in Ashland in the early 1990’s.

“No”, Robert chuckles. “They just had everyone in town vote – in the newspapers and other ways, and then they announce the results. So everyone gets a chance to have an opinion.”

He has played roles from John Merrick – The Elephant Man, to Shakespeare’s Richard II to Caliban in the Tempest. With this arsenal of experience, it’s no wonder that his upcoming one man show features 21 characters all played by him (Walking on Turtle Island) while the companion piece, “Ghostlands of an Urban NDN” features 16 characters.

You seldom hear of an actor playing one role one day and a different role the next, so we asked how he handled that.

“There’s a definite change”, he admits. “The Ghostland piece is more edgy – harder – the characters are more urban, so it requires more preparation”

Then he spoke of his director John Cole, who comes from Oregon to direct Robert in the Los Angeles premiere of his shows.

“John is a great actor”, Robert states. “He has helped tremendously in mounting this show – Ghostlands is relatively new. I’ve been doing Walking on Turtle Island for fifteen years, but Ghostlands is different and John brings a strong perspective”.

He continues to enthusiastically rave about John Cole’s talent and mentions that the two have been friends for many years. When he mentions that he has been performing Walking on Turtle Island, so we asked the meaning of Turtle Island

“It’s the Americas”, he says. “Canada – the U.S. – North America”.

There is a definite passion in the expressive manner in which Robert describes his views. He explains that his journey out of substance abuse has led him to practice healing and wellness, and he has dedicated much of his time to working with youth who may be in danger of falling into the same traps. He sets up various workshops and projects for young people, and by getting them involved they learn about life, they explore their spiritual side and learn about theatre.

Is there a down side to all his activities? “Money!” he quickly admits. “I’m trying to find ways to support all these projects.” With no sponsorships or grants, Robert is constantly trying to find people who believe in his cause and will be willing to provide support.

“Television”. The answer comes quickly and with no equivocation. “I’d like to be able to have a show where I can share this with thousands – cable access is too limited. I’m hoping that someone will see the play and believe that it could be of interest to thousands.”

He mentions Chockie – a life companion and business manager, and admits that she is a strong influence in his life. He also mentions all the people who are involved in the production of the play, and wants to make sure they receive recognition for their efforts. “Everyone is so great – so involved” he says.

The proverbial question we ask is "What would you like people to say after they see your show?"

He laughs and mentions that he hopes people will leave saying that they learned something important from the plays – and that Robert Greygrass is a damn good actor.

Robert’s show Walking on Turtle Island opens on September 30^th at Theatre Unlimited, which is located at 10943 Camarillo, North Hollywood, CA 91602. Performances are Fridays only at 8pm.

Ghostlands of an Urban NDN opens Saturday, October 1st through Saturday, November 19th.
Performances for Ghostlands are Saturdays only at 8pm.

Tickets: $18.00 at the door; $15.00 advance; $12.00 students and seniors