Spotlight on the Artist: Luke Hiland

Neighborhood 3 is creepy, funny, and surprisingly relevant. What do you think audiences will find themselves thinking about after the lights come up?

I hope they are full of questions and deeply desperate for answers. I hope they continue conversations about the play long after it closes (that’s what theatre is all about!) and if possible attend a talk-back. If they’re really itching to dig into the mystery, I’d love for them to see the show again or read the play themselves.

Without giving anything away, is there a moment in the show that you’re particularly excited for audiences to experience?

“You will see on the sidewalk a Claw Hammer. Pick this up. You will need it later.” Yeah… That…

What do you hope audiences take away from Neighborhood 3?

In the playwright’s opening note, she talks about the mind’s ability to create danger out of nothing; Our imagination is more powerful than we often ever realize. It’s unique to us. It’s one of the things that makes us human and separates us from other animals. While this play may be a warning against its dangers, it’s important to realize that we are also capable of creating incredible beauty. In the words of the play: “Our personal power is greater than we realize.”

Can you remember the moment you first fell in love with performing?

When I was really really young I would stage performances on the stairs of my Aunt’s house for our family. I specifically remember a black-eyed peas song playing as I professed my love for another character. It’s very unclear what song it was or what the play was about, but I’m sure we crushed it.

Who or what has had the biggest influence on your artistic journey?

I’ve been incredibly lucky to have had teachers and mentors who took the time to see me at a compassionately personal level- who gave me space to discover and begin to believe in myself. People who listened, cared, and gave me the room to just be. Those are the moments and people I think about the most. Mary, Matthew, Carla, and my wonderful friends, this one’s for you!

What makes Duluth’s theatre community special, and what does it mean to be a part of it?

The Duluth theatre community is one of the most special arts communities I have ever encountered. The theatremakers/goers here have such a genuine investment in both the creation of the art and its impact on our community. Throughout the creative process, there is often a separation from the business aspect of art making, which is very difficult to do and truly a privilege to share in. People here care so much about the art and each other. There is so much joy and goodness.

Click here to see Luke in Neighborhood 3.