Fictitious Reality and Jennifer Westfeldt

By Christopher Moore, Broadway Magazine

Actor, writer and producer Jennifer Westfeldt has never let anything stand in her way. Now starring in the current production of Cusi Cram's "A Lifetime Burning" she plays a character who doesn’t let the truth get in the way of writing a good memoir.

"Basically, at the outset of the play, I have written this memoir and I’m on the cover of the Style section of The New York Times promoting it... and basically, it's largely fictional," Jennifer Westfeldt tells Broadway.tv and Broadway Magazine, "I sort of made up a new story and a new history for myself."

Though this fictional play has a factual inspiration (Margaret Seltzer and her 'memoir' "Love and Consequences), Ms. Westfeldt admires Cusi Cram's play for its ability to address broader cultural and social questions. Particularly popular culture's "blurry line between reality and fiction today."

"We have 'reality' television reigning, as what everyone is interested and watches... yet those shows are pretty much scripted and edited to tell whatever narrative, someone wants us to watch... not necessarily all that reflective of the truth," notes the successful actress and producer, who also co-wrote and starred in the winning 2001 film "Kissing Jessica Stein."

Drawn by the themes of the play, Ms. Westfledt was also particularly interested in playing the role of the duplicitous Emma. "It's rare, especially for women, that you get to tackle something with so much range," the actress says.

She has a unique perspective from which to observe the ebbs and flows of cultural trends, having been together with Mad Men star Jon Hamm for nearly 12 years, she has seen what happens when a life-long artist becomes an overnight sensation.

"It's been pretty amazing for me to see people finally, finally, finally recognize his great talent," she says happily.

So, what advice does Jennifer Westfeldt have for other artists who admire the path she has followed?

"I would always encourage anyone to do their own work whenever they can," offers Ms. Westfeldt, "Whether that's being part of the writing or part of the producing or putting up a play, getting involved and being a little responsible for your future as an artist - because you can't just wait for the right role to come along. It may... or it may not, but you have to keep finding work for yourself and pushing yourself forward."

Catch "A Lifetime Burning" at 59E59 Theaters through September 5, and watch the entire video interview with Jennifer Westfeldt right here on Broadway.tv.