VERSATILE ACTOR
with exercise as a self-indulgent act to look good, when in fact it is all about the skill and ability to control my body – voice, face, mouth, tongue, muscles – and mind. It is this exercise regime, among others, that has afforded, and opened up, opportunities like playing the role of William Shakespeare or Bernardo in West Side Story.
Shakespeare has featured a lot in your career, at the Maynardville theatre in Mike van Graan’s satirical use of the Bard, and now this rom-com – was Shakespeare always on your radar?
Funny enough, back when I started my studies at UCT, I remember saying to my mother, “I’ll never do Shakespeare!” Learning about Shakespeare and reading some of the plays at school was hellishly boring. So I maintained this deep loathing towards the Bard’s plays throughout my studies, despite having to do monologues and scenes from his plays. As fate would have it, my first production outside of university... Richard III! I found myself at the Maynardville OpenAir Theatre for the first time and fell in love with the tradition.
Then working with Mike and finding the comedy in Mike’s versions of Shakespeare alongside Rob van Vuuren was so refreshing and mesmerisingly engaging. I found a new respect for the complexity of the Bard’s writing. This respect was born out of the discovery of comedy and tragedy existing in the same piece of text – something Mike does exceptionally well. Shakespeare’s timeless writing has grown on me. When I visited the UK last year, I even went out of my way to go and experience Stratford-upon-Avon.
Finally, any reflections on your role in ‘Shakespeare in Love’ being staged in Africa, far from Hollywood?
Being Will Shakespeare in Shakespeare in Love, staged in Africa, tells me that I can be any character anywhere. It is no longer about the outward looks.
It’s about skill, passion and the drive to want to do it. Shakespeare is a hustler – in the good sense. A mover-and-shaker, an opportunity maker. Much like myself.
Will might as well have grown up on the Cape Flats, where hustle is the oxygen you breathe to survive.
Shakespeare in Love is on at The Fugard Theatre from August 14 to October 6, Tuesday to Friday at 8pm, and Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm. Tickets are R150 to R350.
Bookings through The Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554 or at www. thefugard.com