The Shape of Things for Sydney Fringe
As the 2015 Sydney Fringe Festival approaches, Jordy Shea prepares to direct and produce Neil LaBute’s well-known play; The Shape of Things at the Kings Cross Theatre. The play stars former West End children’s performer Tina Jackson (last seen in Little Orphan Trashley-Sydney Opera House) and Brave New Word Theatre artistic director Luke Holmes as Evelyn & Adam respectively. The play, which explores art, society, subjectivity and personal relationships, was made into a film featuring Paul Rudd & Rachel Weisz. Emma Squires recently sat down with the two stars of the upcoming production.
How did you get into performing?
LH: I started training professionally at 18, but I've been performing almost as long as I can remember, starting off in youth community shows and musicals when I was a kid. Being an actor is really the first thing I wanted to be, and I've just never grown out of it.
What issues does The Shape of Things explore?
LH: The play tackles the question of art, and how far you can (and should) push yourself in service to it. An artist often has complete control over whatever they're making and can alter it whenever they like, but human relationships are much more complicated and need at least some compromise, so when those two mindsets clash it can get ugly.
Is there anything about Adam that you particularly identify with?
LH: He's not very good with conflict, which is something I definitely share with him. I think his ideas on art and the importance of keeping it grounded and meaningful is also something I agree with quite strongly.
What is art?
LH: How we communicate things too big and too personal to put into normal words.
What is art, in Adam’s opinion?
LH: Something that should contribute to and improve the lives of the people who see it. He sees art as being all about the effect on its audience, and should never just be about the artists trying to make a point.
What is your philosophy on couples trying to change one another in a relationship?
LH: I think it's inevitable that people will change when together, so a certain amount is a given. Where it becomes problem for me is when one of them starts trying to change the other for selfish reasons, not because it's what would be best for the other person.
What is the most important thing audiences will take away from your production?
LH: It's far too easy to become blinded, whether by love or ambition or whatever. Trying to keep your eyes open to who you are and who the people around you are can make a world of difference.
What is the basic premise of The Shape of Things?
TJ: It is a comment on society's shallow obsession with the surface of things. The Shape of Things is an exploration of relationships, love, friendship, and art.
What is art?
TJ: I guess art means something different to everyone. I think art is the physical production of something inside a person's imagination.
What is art, in Evelyn’s opinion?
TJ: To Evelyn, art is everything. She sees in everyday situations the opportunity to create art.
How did you get into performing?TJ: I started ballet at the age of 3 and have never stopped performing since. I started acting and singing in high school and then studied Music Theatre at NIDA in 2010.
Which parts of Evelyn’s character are you able to connect with?
TJ: I connect with her bluntness. Her ability to speak her mind, stand up for what she believes in and stick up for herself.
What do you enjoy about playing the role of Evelyn?
TJ: I enjoy the feeling of being in control.
What do you think school students can take away from your production, considering it is on the HSC syllabus?
TJ: Hopefully they can see how the play can be applied in an Australian setting and therefore how it's message is just as relevant here.
The Shape of Things
Presented by JST Productions
Starring; Tina Jackson, Luke Holmes, Claudia Coy & James Manera.
Sept 15-20. Tickets: www.sydneyfringe.com.au (Tues-Saturday 8.30PM Sunday 7.30PM)
By arrangement with Origin Theatrical, on behalf of Samuel French Ltd.