Mid-Week Intermission Artist Edition: Morgan Bassichis on ‘Can I Be Frank?’
Frank Maya was a stand-up comedian, performance artist, and musician, whose name you’ve probably never heard before, as he like many artists, died of AIDS-related complications in 1995. But writer and comedian Morgan Bassichis is here to try and change that. Can I Be Frank?, making its first run in Austin at the Long Center on April 4 & 5, pays tribute to Frank Maya and his long-overlooked legacy while finally resolving the bottomless queer search for fame and for father figures, and for laughter in times of crisis.
We caught up with Morgan to chat about their upcoming solo performance, presented in partnership with Fusebox, and what it means to them to be honoring Frank’s legacy in this one-of-a-kind show.
Photo by Bronwen Sharp
Long Center: Welcome to Mid-Week Intermission! We usually like to ask folks for a song to go with their interview – anything come to mind? Maybe one that reminds you of Frank?
Morgan Bassichis: Frank made so many catchy and deeply neurotic pop songs, a few of which I cover in the show. One of my favorites, which is not in the show, is “Joanne” from his album “Have you been getting my letters?” I knew I loved his music when I heard the lyric, “Loch Ness monster, no one wants her!”
LC: How did you first discover Frank Maya, and what inspired the creation of this show?
Morgan Bassichis: I had never heard Frank’s name before, like so many artists who died of AIDS. I haven’t met anyone in my generation who knew Frank’s name, either. If you are a person who believes that things happen “by chance,” then I “happened” to meet Frank’s brother “by chance.” I became obsessed right away, and Frank’s ex-boyfriend Neil Greenberg, the choreographer, immediately welcomed me into Frank’s world, and introduced me to a number of his collaborators, friends, exes, and loved ones, who shared their memories. It took me about a year and a half from learning Frank’s name to make the show about him at La MaMa.
LC: Performance art, stand-up, music – it’s an incredibly dynamic performance. How would you sum it up in a few words?
Morgan Bassichis: One neurotic gay person trying to honor another neurotic gay person–what could go wrong?
LC: This will be the show’s first run in Austin (and we’re so glad to have you!) – what are you looking forward to about bringing it to Austin audiences and working with an arts organization like Fusebox?
Morgan Bassichis: I’ve been such a fan of Fusebox from afar, and feel really lucky to get to bring the show to Austin. Everything is so horrible right now, it feels like the world is closing in on all of us. Being together, in the same room, feels extra sacred. I don’t take it for granted. I hope we have a really good time. And I hope I find a husband.
LC: Like so many incredible artists who died as a result of the AIDS epidemic, Maya’s work was nearly lost to history. What does it mean to you to be paying tribute to an artist who’s often overlooked, especially one who was a trailblazer for queer artists?
Morgan Bassichis: I feel really lucky and grateful to get to spread the gospel about Frank’s work, both because his work is amazing and should be known, and also because I think honoring our artistic ancestors and our movement ancestors is just a good way to live. It brings us all a feeling of lineage, hope, humility, and possibility. We are not the first, and we will not be the last. We are in an endless intergenerational conversation.
LC: When thinking about spotlighting Maya’s legacy, what’s one thing you want people to know about him or takeaway from this show?
Morgan Bassichis: I want people to care about people who we’ve never heard of. I want that to be our way in the world. I want us to take responsibility for people we don’t know.
LC: We can’t wait for your performances in the Rollins Theatre on April 4 & 5. Do you have anything about the show you’d like to tease?
Morgan Bassichis: I’ll be getting married on stage, if someone finds my missing shoe. It’s a Hoka.
Thanks, Morgan!
Get your tickets for Can I Be Frank? on April 4 & 5 in the Rollins Theatre.
At the Long Center, we’ve always got a new partnership or something cool we know you’ll want to check out! Find and follow us @longcenter on your social media platform of choice, and we’ll see you real soon.
