No Fear Shakespeare’s Richard III
nytheatre.com q&a preview by Robyn Maitland
October 16, 2012
What is your job on this show?
Actor.
When did you know you wanted to work in the theater, and why?
I’ve known my whole life. My dad was a cartoon show host back in the 60's and 70’s (Fireman Frank, Salt Lake City, Utah) and I grew up surrounded by actors, dancers, singers, all types of performers, really. Even rodeo clowns! Because of my childhood, I learned that life is about people, not things, and I love telling stories…mine or anyone else’s. Entertaining people and eliciting their emotions brings fulfillment to my life, and hopefully, to those in the audience.
Who is more important in the theater: the actor, the playwright, or the director?
It’s a collaboration! Everyone needs each other. The actor, playwright and director also need everyone who is running the show in every capacity. All parts come together to make the whole and the reason we come together is for the audience. Hm…I think maybe the audience is the most important in the theatre. Without them, who else do you have a show for?
Do you think the audience will talk about your show for 5 minutes, an hour, or way into the wee hours of the night?
I think they will TALK about it for 5 minutes, go out for drinks and TEXT each other way into the next day! We are taking a risk by doing the No-Fear Shakespeare version of Richard III. It’s eloquent, easy-to-understand English and more accessible to a broader audience so the story may be easier to discuss (or text) and will certainly spark interest to go see “Real” Shakespeare. Shakespeare purists will have a good time discussing what was left in or out of our script and whether or not they miss the presence of the pentameter. We’ll see!
People who like which of the following recent Broadway shows would also probably like your show: THE BOOK OF MORMON, ONCE, DEATH OF A SALESMAN, CLYBOURNE PARK?
I think Death of a Salesman is a good comparison since ultimately; both leading men are responsible for their own downfall. Richard III is dark, heady and frightening; a lot like Death of a Salesman. Yeah. You’ll like our production if you like DoaS.
Who are your heroes?
My heroes are ANYONE and EVERYONE who continues to live while they are still breathing. People who challenge themselves as they get older by constantly learning and growing and changing throughout their lives are the people I admire and respect the most. When I meet someone who is trying to break out of the everyday humdrum of existence because they are willing and unafraid to instigate growth and change and to actualize their own hopes and dreams, they are right on top of the list for me. I don’t care what their interests are, they don’t give up. I try to “walk my talk” by doing a minimum of three things per year that I’ve never done before. A college theatre professor of mine taught me that!
