The Slope Survey returns for its 11th installment with John P. McEneny.
John P. McEneny is a teacher, playwright, director and long time resident of Park Slope. For the past twenty one years, he has been the drama teacher at William Alexander Middle School 51. His sixth grade play, Maddie Splinter and the Aluminum Chair Rocket Ship will go up at the end of the month. His theatre company, Piper Theatre Productions, has been in residence every July at the Old Stone House since 2005. Piper Theatre Productions has been creating theater for and with people ages 7 to 70. Through afterschool and summer drama programing for young people, to opportunities for emerging artists, to a professional stage company that performs free productions every summer; Piper supports artists at all stages of their development and, in doing so, creates a community of artists learning and growing together. Past productions include Sweeney Todd, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson, Island of Doctor Moreau, Xanadu, Priscilla Queen of Desert, Wendy Darling, Splitfoot. pipertheatre.org
What brought you to Park Slope?
Twenty one years ago, a young John P. McEneny, started his job as a drama teacher at William Alexander Middle School 51 and found an apartment for rent across the street on the first day and he’s been there ever since, making his daily commute exactly 50 seconds.
What is your most memorable Park Slope moment?
Any evening in July when Piper is presenting a play at the Old Stone House. It’s beautiful in all kinds of ways.
Describe your community superpower.
I can make theatre happen – and I mean like a LOT of it.
If you could change one thing about the neighborhood, what would it be?
Bring back Press 195, Belleville, S’Nice. If I had a wish, it would be to cast a spell over all our Fifth Avenue treasures – Leopoldi’s, Old Stone House, BAX, Miriam’s – with some protective mojo. I love my neighborhood.
What do you think Park Slope will look like in 10 years?
Hopefully more artists. Sadly more upscale condos. And I’m thinking more of those little free libraries in front of houses.
What are you reading, would you recommend it?
Lincoln at the Bardo by George Saunders. And a biography on the ctress Eileen Heckart.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Travelling. I went to Romania last summer.
If you couldn’t live in Park Slope or in Brooklyn, where would you go?
I would probably return back to my people in Albany. I have like eight generations of family history in Albany, NY. I was the only one who got out so it would be fitting to end up there with my Dad and siblings.
Who is your hero, real or fictional?
My heroes are all the actors and artists I get to work with – whether they be children or professionals – who stick their hearts out bravely into the dark world and make us feel, think, do.
Last Word, What’s is turning you on these days?
My sister got me this roomba vacuum for Christmas and it is a very good robot. It’s not exactly “turning me on”, but I am completely obsessed. My cats are not.
