Bingo! Too
Heather
Rankin is no stranger to the stage; along with her regular gig as a member of
Nova Scotia’s most famous musical family, the young songstress is making a name
for herself in the world of theatre. Recently she spoke with Arts East about her role as Bitsy in Daniel MacIvor’s hilarious Bingo!,
which runs until November 4 at the Neptune Theatre in Halifax.
How did you get involved
with Bingo?
In
the spring of 2010 Equity held an open audition for members in Halifax. I
believe there were about 15 directors from various Canadian theatre companies
in attendance. For some time, I wanted to get back to working in the theatre
and this presented an opportunity to introduce myself to all of these directors
in one audition. So I worked up a couple of pieces and a song and crashed the
audition. Emmy Alcorn, the artistic director for Mulgrave Road Theatre was one
of the directors there that day. Later that same week, after seeing a show at
Neptune Theatre, on my way out I ran into to Emmy and she casually mentioned
that she might have something for me to read, a part in Daniel MacIvor’s play
“Bingo”. I was thrilled but honestly
didn’t expect to ever hear from her again. Later that year, she invited me to
go in and read for her and Daniel for the part of Bitsy, Kathy Cameron. The
rest as they say is history.
What has the response
been like from audiences/critics?
The
response could not have been better, very positive all around. Daniel was
recently awarded a Merritt award in Halifax for best new play for
"Bingo". We were all so thrilled for him and so proud to be part of
the unveiling of such a wonderful piece.
Does that matter to you?
I aim to please in anything I approach whether
it is with music or theatre. Awards and compliments are wonderful but
ultimately my job as a performer is to connect with the observer. People come
to the theatre to be entertained, to find validation and sometimes for an
escape. It takes a lot of courage for a performer to get on stage and give an honest
representation of someone’s work. That process can be exciting but when the
work clicks and you make that connection with the audience - that is the most
gratifying feeling a performer can have.
What has it been like to
work with Daniel MacIvor?
It’s
been an honour working with Daniel. I’ve seen a number of his films and I’ve
read many of his plays and I am a big fan. I effortlessly connect with his
writing. Having the opportunity to work with him has meant a great deal to me.
I still pinch myself. I owe a great deal of gratitude to Daniel. I have been in
very good hands from the get go. He has that ability to give very clear
direction while still allowing you to explore how you might approach each
scene. He’s a very clever man.
What can audiences
expect during the Neptune run?
Bingo
is a funny and warm and touching piece. Each person in the audience will
connect differently with the various characters in Bingo and they will laugh
and be moved by Daniel’s words. He has this incredible ability to address
serious issues while maintaining a sense of humour.
What is the greatest
challenge of the role?
I
think the greatest challenge of the role is the same in any role you play and
that is to remain present every moment you are on stage and to keep it honest.
That is very important to me. It sounds so simple and the very best actors make
it look so simple but it can slip away from you if you are not focused. I love
that challenge.
What are the rewards?
The
reward is being in the company of creative people and being a part of the
collective energy that comes with working toward a common goal. But ultimately
the biggest reward is connecting with people, the audience. If there was ever a
time when it is important to connect with people it is now. We are living in a
time of great disconnectedness and theatre is a wonderful way to get that back.
How
have your roots influenced the role?
“Bingo”
is set in Cape Breton and Bitsy was born and bred there - in fact she’s never
left. Much like Bitsy I too have a strong link with my roots in Cape Breton.
Although not a full time resident I spend a great deal of time there and I
always will. And I believe for the most part the people of Cape Breton are a
humble people and that has been passed down through the generations. Growing up
in Cape Breton there is a strong sense of rootedness in place. Relationships
with the people in our community cross the generations and run deep. Oh yes,
and I should mention the wonderful sense of humour. We are able to laugh at
ourselves and make light of the darkest times.
What’s next on your
creative agenda?
I
am really excited about working in the theatre more and hopefully doors will
continue to open for me. I have had the most amazing time working on Bingo and
I am looking forward to future opportunities!
