Actors line their pockets with accents
Two men, 15 roles, little-to-noprops. No matter the actor, is not just another day at the office. David James reports.
What happens when a colossal Hollywood production descends upon a small Irish village to film a slushy romantic movie called The Quiet Valley, and plans to hire every man, woman and dog as extras to create ‘‘Irish authenticity’’?
Well, you get a comical burlesque story about a clash of culture and class – the odd Irish gag, and a swipe at American Hollywood plutocracy.
Marie Jones’ hugely successful play Stones in his Pockets has been received throughout the world, and has just about become a standard of the English-speaking theatre scene.
On top of this high praise, Stones in his Pockets is also famous for its 15 very colourful characters. Played by just two actors.
Perhaps it was that Jones had some malicious vendetta against thespians at the time of penning her most esteemed work.
In addition, the play features many dialects of the English language; English, Scottish, and many other dialects of Irish. The actors are expected to swap between these states swiftly and with minimal costume changes.
Described more as a tragicomedy, Jones’ work centres revolves around two laddish Irish characters named Charlie Conlon and Jake Quinn, who find themselves as unlikely extras in the production.
During the filming a local teenager commits suicide by putting stones in his pockets before jumping into a river after being humiliated by one of the film’s stars.
Director Duncan Whiting, who just finished up the large scale production of Evita with the combined colleges in Blenheim, says the test was to cast actors who could meet the challenging roles head on.
There weren’t many players in Marlborough who could handle such a demanding play, said Whiting ahead of the play showing at the Boathouse Theatre in November.
‘‘It’s a tour de force, between two actors,’’ Whiting says. ‘‘It’s not only important to find that technical ability, but also have that camaraderie between the two players. I think the chemistry between the two actors is of vital importance. And I saw that with both Mike and Gordon.’’
Whiting is talking about veteran local actors Mike Cox and Gordon Richie, who will be taking on the many roles.
‘‘The challenge is formidable,’’ Duncan says. ‘‘In the first 10 minutes of the play the characters play six characters each.’’
Cox says it’s the hardest thing he’s done, and such a challenge that he needed to take time off work to prepare.
‘‘When you change a thought as a character, it’s a bit of a jump. It has to be quick. But when you have another seven characters to choose from, well, no-one can save you. You have to save yourself,’’ Cox says. ‘‘In the earlier rehearsals, we’d get half way through and the brain would stop working.’’
Apart from the mental challenges, there have been physical challenges too. The pair are expected to mime all of the action due to the limited number of props on stage; two chairs, a table, a clothes rack and a film script.
But Cox and Richie also had to learn how to dance.
‘‘We’ve had to learn how to
Irish dance,’’ Cox says. ‘‘Just, you know, because there was nothing else to challenge us. We’ll throw an Irish dance in there.’’
Cox also has to play an American female starlet, who Duncan says is more like a caricature of an American film star.
‘‘It’s a bit of a swipe at Hollywood,’’ says Whiting.
But the play’s themes also reflect a clash of cultures, since the Hollywood film production’s very romanticised view of Irish life is contrasted with the realities of everyday life in the small town.
While the play is said to be more satirical than tragic, there is a subversive element to Jones’ work as she comments on the machine-like cultural homogeneity of global capitalism.
‘‘This will be a roller coaster ride for the audience,’’ says Whiting. ‘‘I think the audience will have a lot of fun watching the 15 characters come to life.’’
There are dramatic opportunities for the players to really move the audience.
‘‘And there will be every chance that the tears of laughter will turn into real tears, and the audience won’t know it’s happening,’’ Cox says.
‘‘That’s the wonderful thing about comedies,’’ Cox says.
‘‘Once you get that feedback from a live audience, that actually lifts you, and you tend to sail.’’
‘‘I think the chemistry between the two actors is of vital importance. And I saw that with both Mike and Gordon.’’ Duncan Whiting, director
Marvellous Marie – the musical. Thursday, November 2 to Saturday, November 4, 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Marlborough Girls’ College. Tickets $5 to $15.
Stones in his Pockets, a play where many parts are played by two actors. An award winning, long running West End play that has poignancy, anger and humour comes to the Boathouse Theatre from November 8 to 18 at 7.30pm. Tickets $25 to $35.
Move It carnival-themed dance festival with performances and workshops from Momentum Dance Company’s students and a dance talent quest. The Vines Village, Rapaura Rd, November 4, 10am to 2pm.
Dance on Grove presents Shrek the Musical Jr at the ASB Theatre from December 1 to 3.
Saturday Night Fever 40th Anniversary Tour at the ASB Theatre on December 12.