Last week, The Knockturnal attended a special presentation of Alex Miskin’s latest play, “Warhol for Senate,” at the Tank.
The play reimagines a history in which Andy Warhol (Demetrius Blocker) is persuaded to run for Senate by a young Democratic campaign manager named Bobby (Ben Otto). Despite his boss’s lack of faith in the plan, Bobby enlists his childhood friend, an aspiring performance artist Mike (Jefferson Reardon) who dances in the nude , to introduce him to Warhol. The play portrays Bobby’s entertaining journey as he attempts to prepare Warhol for his political campaign. The show features a talented cast, great performances, and impressive costume design. The script was witty, and despite the preposterous premise, the depiction of Warhol was quite believable. We spoke with the writer, and here’s what he had to say.
The Knockturnal: What made Warhol the artist you imagined run for senate?
Alex Miskin: I have a soft spot for those who wear wigs or toupees.
The Knockturnal: What research did you do into Warhol’s life and work to help you prepare to write the play?
Alex Miskin: Tons of museum research, documentaries, archived footage, and diaries of those around.
The Knockturnal: Do you have a favorite artwork by Andy Warhol?
Alex Miskin: Not one specifically, but I admire his mechanical process. As someone who directs art, I wish I could remove my emotions and simply focus on just producing.
The Knockturnal: What policy would your Warhol be most eager to advocate for if he got elected?
Alex Miskin: It wouldn’t be kosher lol. But he would just want everyone to be themselves, no matter how outrageous.
The Knockturnal: Who is the average Warhol voter?
Alex Miskin: Hippies, Junkies, and Crackpots (The best kind)
The Knockturnal: Is there a real-life politician you think succeeded in making a political campaign into a work of art?
Alex Miskin: Sarah Palin accidentally lol. But I think all politicians are just bad actors who weren’t good enough to pursue it as a career. So they seek the tax payer’s attention instead of a paying audience. Pursue your goals in other ways, right?
