A Conversation with Playwright John A. Goux, "California Soul: A Descendent's Story," Staged Reading, Theatre West, by James Scarborough

John A. Goux’s “California Soul: A Descendent’s Story,” adapted from his novel of the same name, offers a fascinating blend of personal heritage and historical narrative. This staged reading at Theatre West promises to unearth the complex tapestry of California’s founding through the lens of Goux’s familial connections. As a former professor of music and mathematics, Goux brings an interdisciplinary perspective to this stage adaptation of his debut novel.

The play’s premise - a young archaeology grad student uncovering family secrets - serves as a metaphor for the excavation of California’s past. This narrative device bridges the gap between contemporary audiences and the historical figures who shaped Los Angeles. The fact that ten of the city’s forty-four founders are Goux’s direct ancestors adds a layer of authenticity and personal stake to the story.

The challenge lies in translating this rich historical material into compelling theatre. How will Goux balance the weight of historical fact with the need for dramatic tension? The large ensemble cast may suggest a sweeping narrative, but the success of the piece may hinge on its ability to make these historical figures relatable to a modern audience.

“California Soul” is an ambitious attempt to personalize history, offering audiences a chance to see the founding of Los Angeles through a unique, familial lens.

JS: Your background in music and mathematics is intriguing. How have these disciplines influenced your approach to crafting this historical narrative for the stage?

JAG: Being someone who has taught and performed music, as professor and rock-n-roller, gave me a sense for great music to enhance scenes. This was true in the 1973 settings, which was a righteous era for music, as well the 18th and 19th centuries, such as mariachi and dance songs to enliven fiestas.

JS: The play centers on a 25-year-old archaeology grad student. What prompted this choice of protagonist? How does it serve your exploration of historical themes?

JAG: A graduate student in anthropology and archaeology, California Soul’s protagonist, Claire, is at a point in life where present day family secrets intersect dramatically with ancestry reaching back to the founding of California. To resolve those secrets, she must explore the past of her heritage at the peril of her desires in life and career.

JS: You’ve adapted your novel for the stage. What challenges did you encounter in translating prose to dramatic form, given the historical subject matter?

JAG: Fortunately, in adapting the prose of the novel for stage, I had invaluable assistance from Theatre West’s StageSceneLA Scenie's award-winning director, Victoria Lavan. Together we were able to craft a compelling adaptation.

JS: Your personal connection to Los Angeles’ founders is remarkable. How do you balance the desire for historical accuracy with the need for dramatic license?

JAG: When doing historical fiction, it’s a balancing act of maintaining historical accuracy versus needs of the narrative in creating an engaging story. With California Soul – A Descendent’s Story, I didn’t face a great challenge in that all historical occurrences are absolutely true! As noted by a character in the novel, ‘You can’t make this sh** up!”

JS: The play appears to span several generations. How have you addressed the complexities of time and genealogy within the constraints of a theatrical presentation?

JAG: Sweeping across centuries to present day, with Director, Victoria Lavan’s sure-handed guidance, complexities of characters in several generational timelines have been worked out marvelously for theatrical presentation.

JS: In what ways does your work engage with current historiographical debates about the founding of Los Angeles and early California history?

JAG: A central historiographical theme of my novel, one Los Angeles and the world-at-large need to know, is that Los Angeles was founded by just 44 souls – 11 men, 11 women, and 22 children – and their racial diversity is extraordinary. Spanish, African, Mulatto, Mestizo, and Native.

These facts should be endemic to our collective culture when telling the story of founding Los Angeles and, by extension, California.

JS: How do you approach the representation of indigenous perspectives in a narrative centered on the founding of Los Angeles?

JAG: As diverse and varied as the Indigenous Nations populating California in the 18th and 19th centuries, my novel honors those individual nations in what they offered or faced – food, medicines, skilled trades, culture, and fight for sovereignty in the face of Spanish colonialism.

JS: Given your novel’s adaptation to stage, how do you envision the role of the narrator in this production? What theatrical devices are you employing to convey the story’s scope?

JAG: This particular production with be done ‘black box’ style – no costumes, props, or sets. So, narration will set the scene in which the actors will bring the story to life in flesh and blood.

JS: Your play touches on themes of legacy and inheritance. How do you see these themes resonating with contemporary audiences in the context of Los Angeles’ diverse population?

JAG: I believe, based on feedback of respected peers and advisors, the truths that come to light and drive the narrative of my novel will find a ready home in the hearts and souls of Los Angelenos, Californians, as well as others in our diverse world.

JS: As this is a staged reading, how do you plan to use audience feedback to further develop the piece? What are your long-term goals for it?

JAG: Audience feedback from our performance will be welcome. We can always learn from one another. As for long term goals for “California Soul - A Descendent’s Story,” getting the novel published and a movie or streaming series is the dream.

Fingers crossed!

The reading is on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 3 p.m. Tickets are a $15 suggested donation at the door. The Theatre West is located at 3333 Cahuenga Boulevard West, Los Angeles, CA 90068. For more information, click here.