John Bell delights audiences as Falstaff
What’s it like to direct Australian living treasure John Bell?
Jove for Sport Theatre artistic director Damien Ryan can offer some insight. Ryan is co-directing the first Bell Shakespeare production for 2013, Henry 4, in which Bell plays Falstaff as well as directing.
“For me the thought was a lot more intimidating than the actuality,” Ryan said.
“John Bell is a giant in theatre so, yes, I was a bit awed. But John is very open and collaborative in how he works, both as a director and as an actor. He is almost childlike in how he approaches acting; he absolutely loves the energy, fun and spirit.”
Ryan says Bell likes working with other directors as he thinks they can give him more perspective.
“It’s been a massive learning experience. In the past I have learned so much from him as an actor but to sit at the table with him and see how he brings out the meaning of the text – his instinct and intuition – is breathtaking. His knowledge is phenomenal. He can prompt any character.”
And it is evident the doyen of Shakespearean theatre in Australia doesn’t want to be handled softly.
John Bell and Damien Ryan direct Henry 4 Photo: Lisa Tomasetti
“The only thing he has said to me is ‘make sure you push me’. When he steps into a scene he welcomes suggestions. He’s delightful to direct – brilliant and incredibly playful.
“This play especially – he loves it and describes it as the quintessential Shakespearean play. He’s played Prince Hal before but has always dreamed of playing Falstaff.
“It is one of the funniest roles in theatre. As Falstaff says, ‘I’m not only witty in myself but the cause of wit in other people’.”
But this is also a profoundly sad drama, Ryan adds, an evening with Falstaff, watching him become deseased, corrupted and dying.
“I’m working on bringing out the humanity in Falstaff, a sad decrepit and immoral character. He is a white-bearded Satan.”
In fact, Ryan believes the role of Falstaff challenges the audience as the play provides no moral centre and the ultimate question becomes ‘how did the young prince manage to become so moral?’
At the launch of the 2013 Bell Shakespeare season, John Bell observed that for him Henry 4 is not a play about history but one about family, friendship and betrayal.
Ryan agrees.
“This tale is modern, human and familial. Scene by scene what we see are interactions in human relationships – a young boy who doesn’t know how to live up to the expectations of his father and how to win his love. A father should not overwhelm a son with such expectations,” he says.
“This is a story about morality: what is right? How do we know what is right? There’s no figure who speaks a universal truth we can all understand. Even Prince Hal – we won’t always agree with him. When he finally rejects Falstaff, the audience is divided.”
Ryan is also very enthusiastic about the play’s cast which includes Terry Bader, Jason Klarwein, Ben Wood, Nathan Lovejoy, Yalin Ozucelik, Felix Jozeps, Sean O’Shea, Arky Michael, Tony Llewellyn-Jones, Wendy Strehlow and Matilda Ridgway. He says they are doing superb work.
Damien Ryan and cast in rehearsal Photo: Lisa Tomasetti
“Casting Matt [Matthew Moore] as Hal is spot on – he’s so graceful, simple and truthful with the language. Hal is a hard character to map out, watching how he regresses through the story until he becomes Henry V.
“Dave [David Whitney as King Henry IV] is tremendous; he’s such a quick study of the play. He has brought a bullishness and ferocity to the character. He’s a big striking figure, a tough hard father. They do a wonderful job together.”
This new adaptation of Henry IV, Parts One and Two meshed into one play, was inspired by the 2011 London riots. The story has two main plots: the strained relationship between a rebellious son and domineering father, and the revolt being plotted against King Henry by a dissatisfied power bloc.
When Henry Bolingbroke usurps the throne of his cousin Richard II, he takes the title of King Henry IV. His teenage son Prince Hal, who spends his time in pubs with petty criminals, prostitutes and Falstaff, rallies to his father’s side when a rebellion is staged against the new king.
Bell Shakespeare staged this play in 1998 but it was more of an English take on the work with a different setting and a focus on footie brutality.
The 2013 version is more contemporary and it’s not trying to be an English production, Ryan says.
“John says it’s an Australian perspective on this story. He asks how would it play out in Australia?”
What we get are visions of a tycoon at the big end of town who wants his son to carry on the business, powerful unions on the waterfront, a tough masculine world full of aggression and a subculture of vagrants and homeless drunks who hang out with the prodigal son, a sensitive boy in a tough world.
This production promises audiences a refreshing lightness, according to Ryan.
“And it’s so visceral, larger than life and thoroughly entertaining. This is incredibly funny, deeply moving and uses history as a way in to affect the audience.
“Henry 4 brings out everything Shakespeare can do to an audience. It is such an engaging piece of writing and it’s not done often enough so it’s refreshing for an audience.”
Bell has been very keen to play Falstaff, Shakespeare’s greatest comic role: “The Lord of misrule, the life of the party, the corruptor of youth, Falstaff has a gargantuan capacity for enjoying life and a rather pathetic naiveté. His is a nature without malice. He charms us with his lively wit, his mighty intelligence and healthy scepticism. It’s a role I’m looking forward to finally tackling.”
And tackle it he has, with great finesse.
Henry 4 has already opened in Canberra and Melbourne to enthusiastic audiences and critical acclaim. Critics have hailed Bell’s performance as one of the best of his career with The Canberra Times describing his Falstaff as “a glorious larger-than-life interpretation of one of drama’s great characters”.
Henry 4 will be playing in Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Currently at Arts Centre Melbourne, Playhouse until March 30; Sydney Opera House, Drama Theatre, April 19 to May 26. For national details and to book visit Bell Shakespeare website.
Melbournians, you have until March 30 to catch John Bell as Falstaff in Henry 4