Acclaimed actor and writer Kathryn Grody brings her wit, warmth, and sharp perspective to People’s Light in The Unexpected 3rd. Known for her distinctive voice and ability to balance humor with heart, Grody shares insights on the play, her creative process, and the themes that make this production both timely and deeply human. [People’s Light, 39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, PA] September 17-October 26, 2025; peopleslight.org
Debra Danese: What was the spark that first inspired you to write The Unexpected 3rd?
Kathryn Grody: I was pisssed off since my 50s that the only sign of older people in our cultural zeitgeist were those selling Depends or lying on the floor asking for help! There was such a bias for dismissing any wisdom or value in anyone over 30 (and I was certainly part of that “don’t trust anyone over 30” generation! My bad! Apologies all!!). I wanted to share my experience and my own biases that there are actually genuinely grand things about being older…including the privilege of experiencing age at all! Lucky us!
DD: Were there specific life experiences or stories that shaped the script?
KG: All the experiences in my script are from life stories and moments that happened and that I wanted to share with a larger audience. I had a feeling many people might identify the accruing of loss, how to deal with it, the adventures of new friends and experiences, and the possibility of surprising yourself with new versions of you!
DD: This is the world premiere of The Unexpected 3rd. How did your collaboration with People’s Light come about?
KG: I have known, respected, and adored Zak Berkman (Producing Artistic Director at People’s Light) since around 2007, when he ran Epic Theatre in NYC. I also have a touching relationship with his father, Len Berkman, who has taught at Smith college for almost 60 years. Zak is the only person I trusted reading the script without seeing it on its feet, and he is the closest being to my mentor Joe Papp. He offered me a development opportunity at the Kiln, last March, and then asked my director, Timothy Near and I to return. People’s Light couldn’t be a more supportive place to birth a show.
DD: What is the biggest challenge of performing a solo work?
KG: Biggest challenge? Surviving six shows a week, talking for an hour and a half, and longing for a scene partner, which ends up being the audience! And they are always different so it’s like having a different character to play with every show!