"Love Hurts": An Interview with Steven McKinney (Stevie Mac) About His Latest Project

      You might know Steven McKinney better as Stevie Mac, the former lead singer of one of Beijing's most celebrated bands. Yet, McKinney's abilities extend beyond music; he is also an experienced actor and a dedicated writer. He is now embarking on an exciting new endeavor: playwriting. This April, McKinney will debut Love Hurts, a series of six original one-act plays penned by him, in which he will also participate in some performances.

      Produced by Cozmikk Entertainment in collaboration with the acting group Lovers, Liars and Fools, Love Hurts delves into the various emotional aspects of love, interweaving comedy, drama, suspense, and more. We spoke with McKinney about his venture into stage writing, the sources of inspiration for the play, and what attendees can expect from an evening filled with both heartache and humor.

      Where did the inspiration for these stories and this project originate? Essentially, I wanted to embark on something new. Music had taken a backseat for a while, and I felt it was the right time to concentrate more on my writing. While I've previously written film scripts, I had never truly tested myself with stage plays, so I thought I would give it a try.

      Writing has always held significant importance for me; it ranks right alongside singing and making music. I aim to write a little every day to foster my creativity. Over time, this resulted in six stage play scripts that received positive feedback from some very insightful peers, which was incredibly motivating.

      I’m truly thankful for the chance to see these works come to life and share them with an audience.

      Can you elaborate on the theme and the origin of the title Love Hurts? Love Hurts examines the different ways love can be painful. Love doesn’t cause hurt in just one way; it can manifest through drama, suspense, comedy, and even horror. This compilation of plays navigates through these various emotional terrains, illustrating how love can elevate us and also bring us down.

      The theme nearly developed by chance. I crafted the plays without fully considering how they connected, but I gradually recognized a recurring theme of love and heartbreak. Although the plays traverse various genres, that emotional essence binds them together. The audience can look forward to an emotional journey, and we genuinely believe there’s something unique about how these stories intertwine.

      While key themes include love, loss, and heartbreak, there is also humor. Was it crucial to balance the heavier themes with comedic moments? We aim to tug at your heartstrings and might even give you a little scare. The comedic elements serve to refresh the audience and provide a moment for some good laughter. There are two comedic plays in the mix, and I take great pride in both. We have fantastic actors in these roles, and we’re all eager to perform them for the audience.

      Among the six plays presented, is there one that stands out as a favorite, or one you're particularly eager for audiences to experience? Since this is new territory for me, I am excited about all six plays. My hope is for the audience to fully engage with the stories. I want people to enjoy them and feel something while watching. Ultimately, what more can a writer wish for than for their work to be valued and enjoyed?

      Can you discuss your collaboration with the acting troupe Lovers, Liars, and Fools, and how they contributed to the development of Love Hurts? I am an actor with the Lovers, Liars, and Fools (LLF) troupe, which was established by the exceptionally talented actor and director Gregory Joseph Allen. Greg has consistently shown great trust in me as both an actor and a writer, and honestly, none of this would be possible without his encouragement and approval.

      Greg’s vision for LLF has always extended beyond just staging plays; it’s about executing them well. He encourages us to immerse ourselves in character development and engage with the audience in a sincere, meaningful way. Such an environment offers a fantastic opportunity for growth as a performer and a writer.

      Some of the plays were specifically crafted with LLF and our capabilities in mind, particularly our strength in performing one-act plays. We shine on a small stage with minimal props, allowing the actors to drive the storytelling and connect directly with the audience. We have a remarkable cast of actors, directors, and a fantastic production team. It is indeed an honor to have such talent breathe life into these scripts.

      Having a space like LLF where I can creatively express myself has been wonderful. I care deeply about the troupe, and it has been a thrilling experience to witness these pieces become part of the Love Hurts showcase.

      This production is being presented by Cozmikk Entertainment. Can you share more about their role? Cozmikk has been associated with LLF almost since its inception. Greg also teaches acting for Cozmikk, creating a natural connection between the company and LLF.

      For Love Hurts, Cozmikk is leading the production and supporting

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