"Driving the Saudis," based on that experience, is Jayne Amelia Larson's second solo work.
Who: Jayne Amelia Larson
What: Starring in her self-written play "Driving the Saudis" as part of Playhouse on the Square's solo performance series this month.
Background: With degrees from Cornell and Harvard, Larson has acted in television shows such as "Judging Amy" and "The Gilmore Girls." The Los Angeles resident was vice president of development for an independent film company. "Driving the Saudis" is her second solo work.
"Driving the Saudis," based on that experience, is Jayne Amelia Larson's second solo work.
Q: This is a true story . . . you were a chauffeur for the Saudi royal family during their vacation in Los Angeles. How'd you land that gig?
A: Well, you know how the film business works. Between jobs I was wondering how I was going to make money.
I had actor friends who were part-time chauffeurs. The attraction was that you had a lot of down time while waiting for clients.
Somebody told me the Saudis were coming to town and they pay great money, but the conditions are rough. You are on call 24/7 for seven weeks. There were rumors you could get $20,000 to $30,000 in tips, and perks like jewels. And besides, how weird, right?
I was part of a detail of 50 drivers for a family of seven, along with their entourage of tutors and servants and hairdressers.
Q: What was the biggest surprise?
A: The unimaginable wealth. I've been around a lot of people who have money, but none that spend hundreds of thousands of dollars a day.
Because I was a woman, I was only allowed to drive the women. So I got an up-close-and- personal view of the women's side.
Q: And how did they spend their time?
A: Shopping and plastic surgery. Every type of plastic surgery, from lipo to ass implants. There were really no activities other than visits to the doctor.
Q: What kind of feedback are you getting from audiences?
A: I've heard interesting things in the talkbacks, especially from Muslims. I don't talk much about religion in the show. But Saudi Arabia is a country where Islam is part of their civil system. At the same time, as soon as their women leave Saudi airspace, they don't have to be what they are at home.
Q: In the end, were you well-compensated?
A: No! In fact, I got paid less than the male chauffeurs and did 10 times the work. The reason is cultural. From their point of view, I shouldn't even be working. I shouldn't be driving a car. I should have a husband earning money for me. I'm still mad about it.
Playhouse on the Square's Solo Works Series at TheatreWorks
Jan. 15-18: "Walking in Memphis" and "God of Our Fathers," by Jonathan Ross
Jan. 22-25: "Moliere Than Thou" and "Criteria," by Timothy Mooney
Jan. 29-Feb. 1: "From the Heart of a King," by Darius Wallace
-- Christopher Blank: 529-2305
"Driving the Saudis"
"Driving the Saudis" is part of Playhouse on the Square's solo works series at TheatreWorks, 2085 Monroe. 8 tonight and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $20. Call 726-4656.
- |
Comments » 0
Be the first to post a comment!
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.