We interviewed the cast so you can get to know them better. Meet Martin Leroux!
Tell us briefly about your work as an artist
I am a singer-songwriter based in Tokyo, and also a voice and stage actor.
What is your role in ‘Disturbance’?
I play Tom, the son in the family the play is centered around.
What attracts you about ‘Disturbance’?
Many aspects of it. The topic of domestic abuse is one that's close to home for me, and I'm drawn to works that responsibly explore that topic and what it means for the victim, the abuser, and the community, and Ivy Alvarez's book of poetry does just that - and beautifully. Upon hearing Mark Ferris' beautiful music set to Ivy's poetry and learning that the creative team comprised of individuals I respect, I knew I wanted to be involved. Knowing Ivy Alvarez is from the Philippines was also a contributing factor; as a Filipino, I wanted to take part in a project that showcased the work of a brilliant Filipino writer internationally.
What are some of your favourite staged performances you’ve ever seen or been in?
Being in Bert V. Royal's "Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead" is probably my favorite production I've been a part of; reading the script years later, it still holds up as a great play. The favorite stage performance I've had the fortune of seeing is the touring production of "Once", the musical. Gorgeous folksy music.
Anything else you want to tell us about?
Just briefly about "Disturbance": it by no means is a comfortable story to watch, but it does humanize the victims of abuse, trauma, and neglect, who are normally reduced to numbers and statistics on the news - if they make the news at all. And over the years, I've been a bit overwhelmed to learn that so many of my friends - both Japanese and non-Japanese - are or have been victims to abuse at the hands of their spouses, partners, or family members. There are great non-profit organizations in Tokyo such as TELL, Inochi no Denwa, Resilience, and Counseling Center for Women that offer support to those experiencing abuse, so if you're able to, please support the people who do great work helping the community.
I am immensely grateful for the privilege of working with the poet, cast, creatives, and production crew that made "Disturbance" possible - you all inspire me in your own ways, and I am in awe of you.
And thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who has supported this project by coming, or showing interest.