The 5-minute Interview: Theresa Rebeck, novelist/playwright
'Some of my critics called me a man-hater'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rebeck has written scripts for 'LA Law' and 'NYPD Blue', picking up many awards for stage and screen work. Her latest novel, 'Three Girls and Their Brother', is out this month.
If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...
Writing.
A phrase I use far too often is...
I say "dude" a lot.
I wish people would take more notice of...
So many things. I guess everything – people are too complacent in general. I mean I'd like people to go to the theatre more. And I'm concerned about world hunger. And global warming. I'm worried about those polar bears.
The most surprising thing that happened to me was...
Selling a novel. I wasn't sure I was doing it right. And having a Chinese daughter. It was an utter delight and the most natural thing in the world but I'd never have thought of it growing up.
A common misperception of me is...
Because my work tends to be a bit edgy, some of the critics called me a man-hater. It pissed me off.
I'm not a politician but...
If I were I would reinstate arts education in the schools.
I'm good at...
Piano. And I'm a pretty good mother. I like having kids. It's entertaining and I'm good at it. Also I think I'm a sensible friend.
I'm very bad at...
I'm a poor sleeper. I don't sleep well and I'm impatient with everything.
The ideal night out is...
Dinner in Venice.
In moments of weakness I...
Sometimes I panic and sometimes I go to the gym.
You know me as a writer but in truer life I'd have been...
I would like to be a police detective. Sometimes I really wish I'd done that.
The best age to be is...
Early forties.
In a nutshell my philosophy is...
I can do that.
Alice-Azania Jarvis
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments