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Zac Ziperstein, a theatre major in Russell Sage College’s Class of 2025, wrote The Love You Lost for his senior project. You can catch a free staged reading on Saturday, April 26, at 7 p.m. in the James L. Meader Little Theatre on Russell Sage’s Troy campus.
Learn more about The Love You Lost in the following Q&A.
You said you had the option to direct a previously-written show for your senior project, but you chose to write your own show instead! What inspired your choice?
I have always been writing some kind of story and want to share that with people. I have been writing plays or little short scenes since middle school. I wanted to do something new, but not really new — as you can tell on the poster, it has William Shakespeare which these characters are based on.
What can the audience expect on April 26?
The Love You Lost is a staged reading, which means the actors are portraying the characters sitting down facing the audience with scripts in hand, except for one moment.
This is a dramatic comedy. I take characters from William Shakespeare’s shows and put them in the same world and at the same time. In the Sims 2 video game, there is a town that has Shakespeare’s characters, so it’s also based on that.
It also has some things that are based on my life. In the beginning, we find out that one of the characters is dead, and we go back in time to see what happened and why they are dead.
There’s honestly so much that happens during the show. There’s twists and turns and a lot going on. It’s kind of like watching a TV show or playing The Sims. I’m not sure exactly what TV show, but you can tell me after seeing it!
Is there a moment in the play you’re especially proud of or excited for audiences to experience?
I can’t spoil what happens! Honestly, the drama and the comedy! I’m really excited for people to see what I have been working on the past year. It’s also free for everyone.
What’s next for you, after graduation?
I would like to continue writing scripts. I would like to continue being an actor. I would just love a peaceful summer of vacationing before I figure anything out.
Is there anything you would like to add?
This does have inappropriate language and mentions of death. Please come see it!