LFM: What is Man and Moon about?

Siena: This is a story about connection and finding friendship in a place that often feels hopeless and isolating.

LFM: Why is this play, right now, so important for people to see?

Siena: This play is timely and timeless. Our society is going through a lot of debate on human rights. This work brings to light the humanity and connection across vastly different souls and how they express themselves. “Man and Moon” helps people understand those who identify differently.

LFM: Explain the characters and how you developed them for this two-person play.

Siena: I began writing this in 2015. I started researching cancer as I was going through my own gender journey. I developed two characters, Aaron and Luna — both are a part of me.
Aaron is a non-binary trans man, but he is not limited to societal definitions of gender. Luna is a 12-year-old girl with wisdom beyond her years who is comfortable being herself and uses her passion for astronomy to make sense of the world.

LFM: Music is threaded throughout the play; what does that represent?

Siena: Music is a form of expression, a way to communicate, and it’s universal. We can all receive it regardless of the language we speak. These two characters, who have seemingly little in common, find and develop connection and even friendship in part through the music in the play. They don’t need words.

LFM: Let’s talk about the humor in the play.

Siena: (laughs)

LFM: I love the scene where Aaron and Luna are playing Go Fish. The dialogue is so honest, and while it’s pertinent to the game, it’s about so much more.

Siena: The Go Fish scene is actually about fishing for truth. Aaron and Luna are both searching for answers, thus Aaron’s comment, “You can’t lie in Go Fish.” The place they’re in (an oncology unit) and the troubles they’re facing are so dark that I wanted to create levity because, in real life, we often use humor to cope.

LFM: When you created Aaron’s character and included his journey about treatment for breast cancer, you created a lead role often not seen in plays. Why did you do this?

Siena: Aaron is a character who can really be played only by someone who understands his journey. It’s essential to have these roles to share stories and have representation for the Trans community because so much of our history has been erased. Breast cancer is mostly seen as a woman’s disease, but it affects more than just women. People need to hear all voices and stories to have empathy and understanding.

LFM: The play takes the audience through an emotional journey but, ultimately, leaves us with hope and compassion. I like that the message is about learning to connect with people.

Siena: Thank you. “Man and Moon” creates a bridge. It’s meant to remind us to connect with people while they’re there; that time is brief.

LFM: Yes, so true. I recall reading a quote in The Chicago Tribune from a theatre reviewer on “Man and Moon“ who said, “If we all had the openness and compassion of Aaron and Luna, the world would be a better place.” Well done, Siena!