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James Reynard
Role: Timon

Do you recall what your first ever Shakespeare role was and can you tell us your thoughts on your first performance?

Hmm... have to cast the mind back for this one! I recall a workshop on “Macbeth” at school, but I think my first professional performance was as Mercutio in “Romeo and Juliet”. I remember doing what I thought might work, but without much actual knowledge about acting! I think it was very exterior – someone in the cast said “Like a Christmas Tree, lots on the outside, but not much inside!” Anyway, I guess there was something inside as I got some very nice critiques and I learned a lot from the production (I played the same character twice more during subsequent years).

You have been incredibly prolific with Shakespeare in your career, more so than any other cast member. What draws you to Shakespeare again and again?

Opening Epigraph - Quote

"Resonance is music’s hidden architecture."

Jack Westgate
Role: Soldier I

What Shakespeare role which you haven't played would you love to do?

Hamlet! I feel like any opportunity to play Hamlet would be any blessing for any actor although I think I am still a little too young to play 'the Dane.' it’s also pretty good to see on the CV that you have played Hamlet. I think I would bring a bit of a playfulness and angst.

Did you have any experience with "Timon of Athens - Misanthropos" before this project? - Seeing it on stage, being in it before, reading it at university, etc.?

Dan Popescu - Singer - Basso Profondo
Role: Gorgon

Hello Dan, I hope you're well in semi-isolation (Brasov - Romania) and not driving your neighbours too crazy with practicing opera! I'll start simply and ask what was your first exposure to Shakespeare, if you can remember?

Hello Ellis. I am very well and my neighbours are also well since now we are allowed to practice in the theatre. There are hopes that we will come back to (almost) fully normal activities after September 15th. To answer your question my first contact with Shakespeare's plays were the BBC Television Shakespeare series that I saw at the Romanian National Television in the 90's.

What is Shakespeare like in Romania?

Bruce Kitchener
Role: Lucius

You're incredibly prolific in your Shakespeare work on stage (both comedy and tragedy), what gets you excited about acting Shakespeare on film?

In some ways the stage seems ill equipped to deal with many of the themes in Shakespeare's plays. Epic battles are followed by intimate encounters and large-scale ensemble scenes. Film offers a broader canvas and more complex palette.

What do you take away from the story of “Timon of Athens” - Misanthropos?