Deanna Myers in "You on the Moors Now"

INTRODUCTION
Deanna Myers is a bright Korean American adoptee who shines in the play "You on the Moors Now" by The Hypocrites running at The Den Theatre until Sunday, October 30th. Beginning as a scientist, Deanna became an actress after viewing a corpse. Read more about Deanna below and click here for more information and tickets.

WHAT'S YOUR PERSONAL STORY?
I'm a Korean-American adoptee who was raised in the suburban Detroit area.

Growing up, it was sometimes difficult to really know how to relate to my surroundings. My community was largely traditional, conservative and white.I think this contributed to my sensibilities as an artist because I had to do a lot of "filling in the blanks" and relying on my imagination to create a world where I didn't feel completely alone. 

I originally moved to Chicago and went to University of Illinois for their science programs and their strong record where contributions to the social justice and public service communities are concerned.

I saw my first cadaver in my first or second semester, and I couldn't stop wondering where she came from, and how she ended up there in front of me, which was when I realized that I was a story-teller, and not a surgeon.

WHAT'S YOUR CHARACTER STORY IN "YOU ON THE MOORS NOW"?
In "You on the Moors Now," Jaclyn Backhaus, the playwright, imagines what might happen if familiar literary heroines meet just after they've turned down proposals from their suitors. Liz Bennet (Pride and Prejudice), Cathy (Wuthering Heights), Jane Eyre, and Jo March (Little Women) all become acquainted with one another in a sort of mystical, non-linear place called "The Moors," and find strength in one another and their search for independence. 

Jo, who I play, has turned down a proposal from her best friend, Theodore Laurence. While she feels a deep affection and devotion to him, she isn't in love with him and cannot bring herself to say yes. Upon meeting the other women, her dreams of pursuing something outside of what is expected of her are validated, and she finds a great deal of courage through her relationships with them.

WHAT CHALLENGES DOES YOUR CHARACTER FACE TELLING THIS STORY?
Jo often finds herself in the awkward place of being “in between.” She is torn between her desire to be herself and being what is expected of her. She is fiery and fearless, but filled with self-doubt. Though the rejection of their suitors causes a gender war, and Jo is very much in a position of having to defend her physical safety, much of her conflict is internal.

HOW DOES YOUR CHARACTER OVERCOME THOSE CHALLENGES?
Jo finds comfort in the women with whom she has formed a very deep bond, and utilizes her unwavering loyalty to them as the courage and motivation she needs to face her fears and doubts.

ANY LAST COMMENTS?
Thanks for reading!