Cradle and All
From February 4 to 16, Halifax’s Neptune Theatre
and Eastern Front Theatre present Cradle
and All, a quick-witted comedy about a former artist who is visited by
Leonardo da Vinci. Recently we spoke with actor Rhys Bevan-John about his
role in the production, and what audiences can expect.
How long
have you been involved in theatre, and in what capacity?
RBJ: I started taking theatre classes when I was ten years old. I've
been acting for about 20 years, writing for about fifteen and directing for
about five. I have recently discovered that I really enjoy building paper-mâché props and masks for the theatre too.
How did
you get involved with this particular production?
RBJ: Un-excitingly, I auditioned. I've worked for Charlie Rhindress
and Eastern Front Theatre before, and much enjoyed the experience. I am very
excited to work again with EFT!
What are
the challenges of the role?
RBJ: I play a slap-stick Leonardo Da Vinci, and I have to speak
with an Italian accent. Luckily there are resources that actors can draw on to
help with that (I got an “Italian accents for actors” lesson that has helped me
tremendously).
What are
the rewards?
RBJ: I am a comedic secondary character. It is a joy to be able to
come on stage, be silly, and then leave…Lots of satisfaction with little
responsibility. I feel very proud to be able to work and play with everyone in
this show.
What can
audiences expect during the run?
RBJ: Everyone has done an amazing job realizing this script. There
will be lots of laughter and recognition of familiar characters and situations.
This show is fun with a great heart. We have had a ton of fun in the rehearsal
of the show, and I think-hope that that will translate to the performance.
What are
your thoughts on the state of theatre in Halifax, and Atlantic Canada?
RBJ: That is a good question, and I wish I had a whole article in
which to answer. There is a lot of excitement and passion to create theatre in
Nova Scotia, with not a lot of money to support it. If theatre creators want
opportunities, they tend to have to make them themselves. As a result, there
are lots of independent theatre companies (indeed, as I get older, more than I
can keep track of!) doing the best that they can with limited resources.
Necessity being the mother of invention – a lot is invented by the little indie
companies that is really inspiring to see.
What's
next on your own theatrical agenda?
RBJ: Opening at the end of February is a zany version of The
Historical Tragedy of Dr. Faustus that I am co-directing with Ailsa Galbreath.
It uses masks and puppets to tell the story, and is being produced by Vile Passéist Theatre. Alongside Bill Wood, I am the co-artistic director
of Misery Loves Theatre Company. We have developed a non-hierarchical
collective creation process called “The Invocation Process” that we are very
excited about. We hope to facilitate shows being created using this process –
there are many talented, creative actors and creators in Nova Scotia that we
hope to work with in the coming years. On the horizon is a show subtitled “A Gonzo
Punk Faery Tale” that I'm very excited about – it will be both scripted and
improvised and employ mask and mime and playful hilarity.
Cradle and
All
February 4-16, 7.30pm
Neptune Studio Theatre, Halifax
http://www.easternfronttheatre.com/
