I don't see the script as just a springboard for my interpretation. You do your best to serve the vision writers have - not by removing yourself from the equation, but by trying to filter what they intended through your artistry.

I think, as written, 'Assassins' simply acknowledges the very human need to be acknowledged. As director, I've got to put aside any particular biases or prejudices that, as a moral human being, this is not an appropriate or acceptable way to get what you want.

There's this mythology about Nathan and Matthew, though they've just done one play together.

I suppose if I chose to sit down and dwell on it, I'd be paralyzed, ... But at the end of the day, you have block as much of the noise out as possible and try to deliver a quality production. My responsibility is primarily to the actors.

I lived with a playwright for 12 years,

The gig is, when you're the director, you learn to accommodate the actor's process. I've been doing this long enough to learn to be patient, and I am extremely happy with Matthew's progress.