David Galido Finds His Focal Point: Fear of Loss

David Galido explores the depths of Dr. John Seward

David Galido has travelled all over the world as a logistics officer in the United States Air Force, but the journeys that he finds most intriguing are those inside the human mind.  In the Farmington Players production of Dracula, David plays Dr. John Seward, the head of a lunatic asylum, suitor to Miss Lucy Westenra, and former pupil of Professor Van Helsing.  David astutely analyzes his own character as follows: “Seward is dealing with loss almost from the moment we meet him, and that loss only grows greater as the story unfolds.  It is also fun to examine the question: what kind of a man is it that chooses to work with madmen as his life's ambition.  Seward is playing pretty close to edge of his own humanity as we see in his interactions with Renfield, his pet project in the asylum.  And as the supernatural events of the play continue to grow more fantastical around him, Seward often loses his grip on the mask of control he shows the world.  Playing Seward gives me the chance to explore some intense emotions – anguish, bitterness, depression, rage, jealousy, fear.”

David also likes how Dracula explores the juxtaposition of good and bad within each character: “Even our ‘heroes’ have these secrets within them that they're holding back from each other.  Most of the characters have to deal with some kind of battle between their ‘good’ self – prim and proper behavior, being upstanding citizens with high values and faith in God and what is right – versus their ‘bad’ self – animalistic, desirous, a hunger for power, life, sex, whatever form that might take.”  The very thought that “a creature is out there, draining your life from you, taking your personhood and transforming you into something else – something, I don’t want to say ‘demonic’, but purely animalistic, is a scary thought.  And if you are turned, then you will be the instrument of your loved ones downfall as well.  It’s a fascinating world to play in.”

Even if you are not struggling with your own inner demons, David thinks that there are some universal truths that will resonate with all audience members:  “All of the characters in Dracula are afraid of losing something – their lives, their sanity, their loved ones, their power, their souls, their chance at immortality.  I think that's the theme I relate most strongly to in this play – that of loss – the fear of losing those that you love the most.  I, like most people, have had to deal with the loss of family, friends, other loved ones.  Hopefully, I can channel my personal experiences into my performance.”

Originally from Novi, David majored in Theatre at Albion College, and theater-related pursuits have taken him to Denmark, NYC, Ohio, and Los Angeles.

  

The Farmington Players' production of Dracula is proudly sponsored by Weinstein Jewelers.  The show runs October 11 through November 2. Tickets can be purchased online at www.farmingtonplayers.org or by calling the box office at 248-553-2955.