by Alexander Harris (Director)

Two things are needed when setting up an international production of this size. One, you need people on your crew who are smarter than you, better than you and have computers with higher RAM capabilities than you, the other; really good actors.

Luckily that really doesn’t seem to have been a problem. From our culpable co-director (Graig Russell), to our attentive assistant directors (Kimberly Tierny & Arlene Dinglasan) through to our creative composer (Eric Rubio) and our ticklish head of translation (Maiko Oshida), we’re blessed with the best in the business when it comes to what they do.

Photoshoot for Crossroads Country

There were, however, two people that I wanted from the outset; Miraj Studio is one of the fastest growing production companies in Tokyo and its president one of the nicest people on the planet. I’d worked with the Mishal Samman on a number of projects and been amazed by Miraj‘s work ethic and production value, the highlight of which was the toast of the ‘Star Wars’ conference in Tokyo last year.

But all the production in the world won’t make actors anything other than look good.

I have and continue to work with an amazing array of actors, Patrick Smith and Antun Percec are two people who’ve worked with me on every show, they are a joy to write for, astounding talents and amazing people. However, when it came to placing the lead; an actor who would not only have to embody one of the greatest Military leaders of the last fifty years, but also play the Ambassador himself, I had only one person in mind; Justin Berti.

I needed an actor who could convey both a commanding physical presence and a gentle brokenness as well. Someone who would immerse himself into the role, but remain withdrawn from the audience, portraying a quietude that draws the eye without having to ask for it.

	In Justin I got all that and more.We’d been looking to work together for a while and with ‘The Crossroads Country’ we got our wish. No auditions were needed, no hard sell and nothing but dedication and talent from top to bottom.Working with a cast of this caliber, with a crew of this ability, is it’s own reward. In eight short weeks you won’t be able to see Justin on stage; you’ll be able to see Massoud. You won’t be able to see Antun, you’ll be able to see President Carter, and that’s down to the hard work and dedication of the actors, the directing team, the producers and above all; a very good sense of wardrobe.
Commander Massoud - Justin Berti - posses for photos with Ambassador Haron Amin and embassy officials.
Commander Massoud - Justin Berti - posses for photos with embassy officials.

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