‘BLOODY THOU ART…’
SAM FROUDIST speaks to director Rob Forknall to discuss the company’s bloodiest offering yet In contrast to the politics of their latest play, Changeling Theatre is a firm believer in the powers of modern democracy. Every year the audience is furnished with a questionnaire asking them which Shakespeare production they would next like to see. Each year, for eleven years, Rob Forknall has been personally disappointed in the results of this democratic regime, as time and time again the people had spoken, and no one was in the least bit fussed about his favourite play, Shakespeare’s ‘Richard III’. Finally he has been given the chance to bring out his inner tyrant, and when I ask what has changed for the audience Forknall tells me that his hunch (if you’ll excuse the pun) is that after a difficult 2012 people were more comfortable with the idea of a political drama, particularly one with a protagonist they could come together and communally despise. “We’re fed up with all these comedies”, quotes Forknall, “we want some blood and guts!” The phrase ‘ask and ye shall receive’ comes to mind, as Forknall tells me that lead actor Alex Mugnaioni’s Richard III is the “most brilliant villain”, and is set to deliver a version of the king we’ve not seen before. “We’ve based his physicality exactly on what has been found in Leicester,” says Forknall, referencing the discovery of the final Plantagenet King’s remains last year. “Whilst he did have a hump, [it] wasn’t [his disability that] made him evil, which is something I really wanted to get across”. It’s a refreshing take, and I’m told that Mugnaioni’s interpretation will show the brave, charming and somewhat shockingly, the desirable aspects of the king we love to hate. In a similarly refreshing approach, earlier in the year Forknall delivered a series of theatre workshops to young people all over Kent, culminating in the casting of the two ill-fated princes from each of the workshops. These roles will be played by a grand total of 22 young actors, each getting the
opportunity to work with a professional theatre company of exceptional calibre in their own town. I find myself rather envious indeed. Outdoor, site-specific theatre means that the actors can’t help but let the surroundings inform their performance, and it’s this flexibility that sets Changeling Theatre shows apart from other contemporary Shakespeare. Opening on 4 July with Dover Castle as its impressive backdrop, the production then tours to over twenty varied venues, from castles to beaches to football grounds. For my money, there’s little better than the thrill of live theatre in the great British outdoors, with its contingent challenges and joys: the people of Kent are in for a treat this summer. RICHARD III MEDWAY: Rochester Castle on 10 July, 7.30pm Upnor Castle on 31 July & 1 August, 7.30pm Book via Brook & Central Theatres, in person or tel. 01634 338338 or visit medwayticketslive.co.uk RICHARD III MAIDSTONE: Mote Park, Maidstone on 9 July, 7.30pm. Bookings: 01622 758611 Gallagher Stadium, Maidstone on 17 July, 7.30pm Also selected dates at Boughton Monchelsea Place Book at Hazlitt Arts Centre Box Office on 01622 758611 For a full list of dates and venues visit changeling-theatre.com
Photo: Nicholas Dawkes Photography
IN AN INTRIGUING DEPARTURE FROM THE POPULAR COMEDIES FOR WHICH THEY’VE BECOME KNOWN, CHANGELING THEATRE ARE BRINGING RICHARD III TO THE STAGE FOR THEIR 2013 SUMMER TOUR